NHL Playoff Predictions: American Thanksgiving Edition

As American Thanksgiving weekend is here, the NHL season is well underway, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Since teams in a playoff spot at this point frequently end up making the postseason, fans can start to identify the contenders and pretenders. I'll forecast which teams will find their way into the Stanley Cup Playoffs and which ones are most likely to lose based on the current standings and trends. Let's examine the early playoff crystal ball to predict the outcome in April.

East Playoff Teams:

Atlantic Teams:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs- 99 points

2. Florida Panthers- 97 points

3. Tampa Bay Lightning- 96 points

Metro Teams:

1. Carolina Hurricanes- 107 points

2. New Jersey Devils- 105 points

3. Washington Capitals- 100 points

Wildcard Teams:

1. New York Rangers- 95 points

2. Philadelphia Flyers- 91 points

Just Missed: Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres

The Toronto Maple Leafs top the Atlantic Division, followed by the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Florida Panthers. The Carolina Hurricanes lead the Metropolitan Division (and Eastern Conference), followed closely by the New Jersey Devils with, and the Washington Capitals,. The Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres are just barely beaten out by the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers for the two Wild Card positions.

West Playoff Teams:

Central Teams:

1. Winnipeg Jets- 110 points

2. Minnesota Wild- 105 points

3. Dallas Stars- 97 points

Pacific Teams:

1. Vegas Golden Knights- 102 points

2. Edmonton Oilers- 100 points

3. Vancouver Canucks- 97 points

Wildcard Teams:

1. Los Angeles Kings- 96 points

2. Colorado Avalanche- 94 points

Just Missed: Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken

The Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars take the top three slots in the Central Division. The Vegas Golden Knights lead the Pacific Division, while the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers complete the automatic qualifiers. The Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche narrowly beat the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken to secure the Wild Card spots.

Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Matchups & Winners

Eastern Conference First Round

• A1: Toronto Maple Leafs Vs WC1: New York Rangers- Rangers 4-3

• A2: Florida Panthers Vs A3: Tampa Bay Lightning- Panthers 4-2

• M1: Carolina Hurricanes Vs WC2: Philadelphia Flyers- Hurricanes 4-0

• M2: New Jersey Devils Vs M3: Washington Capitals- Devils 4-2

Western Conference First Round

• C1: Winnipeg Jets Vs WC2: Colorado Avalanche- Jets 4-2

• C2: Minnesota Wild Vs C3: Dallas Stars- Stars 4-3

• P1: Vegas Golden Knights Vs WC1: Los Angeles Kings- Golden Knights 4-1

• P2: Edmonton Oilers Vs P3: Vancouver Canucks- Oilers 4-1

Eastern Conference Second Round

• A2: Florida Panthers Vs WC1: New York Rangers- Panthers 4-1

• M1: Carolina Hurricanes Vs M2: New Jersey Devils- Devils 4-2

Western Conference Second Round

• C1: Winnipeg Jets Vs C3: Dallas Stars- Stars 4-2

• P1: Vegas Golden Knights Vs P2: Edmonton Oilers- Oilers 4-2

Eastern Conference Final

• A2: Florida Panthers Vs M2: New Jersey Devils- Panthers 4-1

Western Conference Final

• P2: Edmonton Oilers Vs C3: Dallas Stars- Oilers 4-2

2025 Stanley Cup Final: Edmonton Oilers Defeat Florida Panthers In 6 Games

Despite the slow start, I’m sticking with my prediction of the Edmonton Oilers defeating the Florida Panthers in a rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup Final. Both teams possess the depth and firepower necessary to go far in the playoffs again, with Edmonton's potent offense under the direction of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continuing to dominate. In the East, Florida should still be the favorite due to their tough approach and well-rounded team who has played into June the last two season's. I think McDavid and company get their revenge this time around.