NHL Playoff Preview: 2024-25 Season Predictions
The 2024-25 NHL season has concluded its regular phase, with sixteen teams advancing to the postseason. This article summarizes expert predictions for each first-round playoff matchup, highlights favorites for the Stanley Cup, and identifies potential candidates for the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the playoffs’ most valuable player.
Playoff Matchup Predictions
Atlantic Division
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
Expert Predictions:
- Sean Allen: Maple Leafs in seven
- Blake Bolden: Maple Leafs in six
- John Buccigross: Maple Leafs in seven
- Ryan Callahan: Maple Leafs in six
- Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Maple Leafs in five
- Sachin Chandan: Senators in six
- Meghan Chayka: Maple Leafs in five
- Ryan S. Clark: Senators in seven
- Rachel Doerrie: Maple Leafs in six
- Ray Ferraro: Maple Leafs in seven
Consensus Prediction: The Maple Leafs are favored by 16 of 20 experts.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
Expert Predictions:
- Sean Allen: Panthers in six
- Blake Bolden: Lightning in seven
- John Buccigross: Lightning in seven
- Ryan Callahan: Lightning in seven
- Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Panthers in six
Consensus Prediction: The Lightning are favored by 15 of 20 experts.
Metropolitan Division
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
Expert Predictions:
- Sean Allen: Capitals in six
- Blake Bolden: Canadiens in six
- John Buccigross: Capitals in seven
- Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Capitals in five
- Sachin Chandan: Capitals in five
Consensus Prediction: The Capitals are favored by 16 of 20 experts.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
Expert Predictions:
- Sean Allen: Hurricanes in five
- Blake Bolden: Devils in seven
- John Buccigross: Hurricanes in seven
- TIM KAVANAGH: Devils in seven
Consensus Prediction: The Hurricanes are favored by 16 of 20 experts.
Central Division
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Expert Predictions:
- Sean Allen: Jets in five
- Blake Bolden: Jets in six
- John Buccigross: Jets in seven
- Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Jets in five
Consensus Prediction: The Jets are favored by 17 of 20 experts.
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
Expert Predictions:
- Sean Allen: Stars in seven
- Blake Bolden: Avalanche in six
- John Buccigross: Avalanche in seven
Consensus Prediction: The Avalanche are favored by 16 of 20 experts.
Pacific Division
Las Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
Expert Predictions:
- Sean Allen: Wild in seven
- Blake Bolden: Golden Knights in five
- John Buccigross: Golden Knights in seven
Consensus Prediction: The Golden Knights are favored by 19 of 20 experts.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Expert Predictions:
- Sean Allen: Kings in six
- Blake Bolden: Kings in seven
- John Buccigross: Kings in seven
Consensus Prediction: The Kings are favored by 12 of 20 experts.
Stanley Cup Championship Predictions
Expert Selections:
- Sean Allen: Maple Leafs
- John Buccigross: Avalanche
- Ryan Callahan: Golden Knights
- Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Avalanche
Overall Prediction Breakdown: Golden Knights (7), Avalanche (5), Maple Leafs (2), Jets (2), Lightning (1), Oilers (1), Stars (1)
Conn Smythe Trophy Predictions
Potential MVP Contenders:
- Sean Allen: Mitch Marner
- John Buccigross: Brock Nelson
- Greg Wyshynski: Jake Oettinger
Overall Prediction Breakdown: Jack Eichel (8), Nathan MacKinnon (3), Connor Hellebuyck (2), plus others mentioned.
As the playoffs commence, the excitement builds for fans and players alike. Each series presents a unique set of challenges that could significantly shape the course of this year’s championship.