The 2025 NHL playoff bracket is underway, delivering all the excitement hockey fans crave each spring. With new contenders emerging and old rivalries rekindled, this postseason promises unforgettable moments and fierce competition as teams chase the storied Stanley Cup. In this comprehensive guide, you'll find the latest matchups, schedules, and expert analysis to help you follow every twist and turn of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Understanding the 2025 NHL Playoff Bracket

The NHL playoff bracket is divided into two conferences—Eastern and Western—with each conference hosting four first-round series. The bracket format means that teams must battle through up to four best-of-seven rounds for a chance to lift the Cup. This year, some perennial contenders are under pressure, while upstarts have sprung surprises.

For an up-to-date overview of the playoff bracket, including current series standings and upcoming game times, check out USA Today's detailed NHL playoff bracket: Schedule, times, TV and scores. Here you'll see which teams have taken early leads and which first-round matchups remain hotly contested.

Key Series and Storylines to Watch

Eastern Conference

• Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators: The Leafs have started strong but have a history of difficulty closing out series. Ottawa, on the other hand, refuses to back down and forced a Game 6 after a gutsy shutout.
• Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils: Carolina dominated the opening games, but the Devils pushed back before Carolina clinched the series in double overtime.
• Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers: Florida has the lead, but a heated atmosphere and big hits—especially involving Matthew Tkachuk—mean this Atlantic Division rivalry is far from over.

Western Conference

• Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues: Both teams are locked in a battle, with St. Louis exploiting Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s struggles. For a deeper dive into Hellebuyck’s performance and other key narratives, read ESPN's 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs: Takeaways as Round 1 heats up.
• Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild: Vegas is aiming to prove they’re still championship material after making franchise history with their 100th playoff game.
• Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers: Edmonton has overcome an early series deficit and now looks to oust their playoff nemesis.

Complete Schedules and Results

The playoff calendar is crowded with can’t-miss games almost every night. For game-by-game breakdowns and series recaps, CBS Sports shares a comprehensive roundup at NHL Playoffs 2025: Schedule, bracket, scores, results for all first-round series.

Stay up-to-date with:

• Game start times and broadcast channels
• Ongoing bracket updates
• Highlights of major momentum shifts

What Makes This Year’s Bracket Special?

Every NHL playoff bracket brings its own drama, but 2025 is already shaping up as one of the most unpredictable yet. Injuries, emerging stars, and intense rivalries have shaped this year’s path to the Stanley Cup. Added intrigue comes from the Western Conference, where previous champions have struggled to repeat and new faces are stepping up under playoff pressure.

The standout performances of goaltenders, controversial calls, and a few coaching challenges gone awry have already made headlines. With the playoff bracket evolving each night, fans can expect plenty of surprises before the Cup is finally raised.

Stay Tuned for More Playoff Action

Tracking the NHL playoff bracket in real time means you never miss a key moment, game, or underdog triumph. Whether you’re analyzing on-ice tactics or just following your favorite team’s fortunes, use the linked resources here to stay informed throughout the postseason.

For the latest insights and expert breakdowns, continue following:

• USA Today's real-time bracket
• CBS Sports' schedules and results
• ESPN's inside analysis

The race for the Stanley Cup has only just begun. Keep this guide handy as the NHL playoff bracket evolves—and may your team’s journey be an unforgettable one!