Predicting The 2025 NHL Playoff Bracket Post Four Nations Faceoff

Now that the Four Nations Faceoff is over, hockey fans are prepping for the stretch run and wait to see which teams will find a way into the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Understanding the seeding method is crucial as the regular season comes to an end and the race for playoff spots ramps up. In the NHL, the top three teams from each of the four divisions secure playoff spots, while two Wild Card teams from each conference round out the bracket.

Here’s the breakdown of the NHL playoff seeding format:

• The top three teams from each of the four divisions make the playoffs.

• Two Wild Card teams from each conference also qualify, making a total of eight teams per conference.

• Matchups are structured as follows:

  • 1st Place in a Division vs. a Wild Card Team

  • 2nd Place vs. 3rd Place within each division.

With this seeding structure in mind, here is my projected 2025 NHL Playoff bracket post-Four Nations Faceoff.

Eastern Conference First-Round Matchups

1. Washington Capitals vs. WC2. New York Rangers

The Capitals have been the best team in the East all season long, and I expect them to remain as the conference's top seed. The Rangers, currently outside of the playoff picture by three points, I think will get aggressive even after acquiring J.T. Miller and find a way to lock down the East's final wildcard spot.

2. New Jersey Devils vs. 3. Carolina Hurricanes

I think the Devils and Hurricanes end up flipping down the stretch run, and New Jersey secures home ice advantage for this series. The Canes have been a tad inconsistent since the Mikko Rantanen trade, and the Devils are getting healthier. New Jersey jumps Carolina.

1. Florida Panthers vs. WC1. Ottawa Senators

There would be a ton of theater in a matchup between the Ottawa Senators and the reigning champion Florida Panthers. This would be Ottawa's first postseason appearance since 2017, while the Panthers want to repeat. The matchup between the Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady, would add even more excitement to this series.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. 3. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs would make for an exciting, fast matchup. The seasoned Lightning are eager to reclaim their position as an Eastern Conference contender, while the Leafs are determined to prove that they can make a deep playoff run.

Western Conference First-Round Matchups

1. Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2. Vancouver Canucks

All season long, the Winnipeg Jets have been the top team in the West, and are looking to avenge last season's first round exit. In the meantime, the Vancouver Canucks manage to sneak into the final wildcard position despite having a mixed season filled with drama and injury. This all-Canadian matchup would be intense with some star power.

2. Dallas Stars vs. 3. Colorado Avalanche

A potential Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche playoff matchup would for sure be exciting. Marty Necas, who has been outstanding since the trade to Colorado, has energized the Avalanche, while the Stars provide a well-rounded group with excellent goaltending. The Avs are seeking payback after losing to Dallas in the second round of last year, which heightens the atmosphere.

1. Edmonton Oilers vs. WC1. Minnesota Wild

A matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild would be a fascinating one. The Wild have a tough group, while the Oilers, under the leadership of their dynamic superstars, boast an explosive offensive attack. The Oilers are looking to get back to the Cup Final this year after falling one game short a year ago.

2. Vegas Golden Knights vs. 3. Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights would face off in an intense, physical playoff series. The Kings, with their seasoned core, have lost in the first round the last three years, while the Golden Knights, with their depth and defensive structure, will look to make another deep playoff run.