The NHL playoffs are always a highlight for hockey fans, and the NHL bracket 2025 is delivering classic moments, tight games, and dramatic matchups. With the top teams battling for a shot at the Stanley Cup, excitement is at an all-time high. Let's break down the latest bracket, highlight key encounters, and guide you on how to follow every puck drop.

Intense playoff action from the 2025 NHL bracket

2025 NHL Bracket and Current Standings

The road to the Stanley Cup is packed with surprises. As the CBS Sports NHL Playoffs 2025 schedule and bracket highlights, both conferences have seen upsets and overtime thrillers. In the East, the Carolina Hurricanes clinched their spot in the Conference Final against either the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Florida Panthers. Over in the West, the Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, are set for a showdown with the Dallas Stars after the Stars edged past the Winnipeg Jets in an overtime classic.

Here's a snapshot from the current bracket:

• Eastern Conference Finalists: Carolina Hurricanes await the winner between the Maple Leafs and Panthers.
• Western Conference Finalists: Dallas Stars will face the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch full of promise.

Every series has its own narrative—from come-from-behind victories to stellar goalie performances.

Key Moments and Players to Watch

The nhl bracket 2025 is stacked with top talent and emerging stars. According to ESPN's latest Stanley Cup playoff odds and Conn Smythe futures, the Edmonton Oilers are current favorites, with superstar Connor McDavid leading the Conn Smythe Trophy race for playoff MVP. Goaltenders like Jake Oettinger (Stars) and Frederik Andersen (Hurricanes) have kept their teams alive through clutch saves.

Unmissable Matchups

• Panthers vs. Maple Leafs: Locked in a tense battle, promising at least one Game 7 moment. Watch out for scorers like Auston Matthews and Aleksander Barkov.
• Stars vs. Oilers: This series is set to light up the Western Conference with high-octane offense and goaltending duels.

For full game breakdowns, check out the detailed recaps and schedules at CBS Sports' NHL Playoffs hub.

How to Watch the NHL Playoffs 2025

Hockey fans won’t want to miss a single shift. The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are aired across major networks, including ESPN, TNT, ABC, and streaming platforms like Max and ESPN+.

For a comprehensive guide on viewing options, the complete Yahoo Sports viewing guide details cable packages and streaming services so fans can follow each round live. You’ll find schedules by date, network, and direct stream recommendations to suit any setup.

Predicting the Stanley Cup Finalists

With the nhl bracket 2025 evolving each night, predictions are heating up. The Oilers and Hurricanes are among expert favorites, but upsets remain likely as teams jostle for momentum. Keeping up with the latest Stanley Cup odds and bracket advances can give fans an edge when debating who’ll raise Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Stay Up to Date

Bookmark the bracket and stay updated with live schedules, stats, and expert insights from trusted sources like CBS Sports, ESPN, and Yahoo Sports.

In conclusion: The 2025 NHL playoffs are shaping up to be a memorable journey. Whether your team is still fighting or you've picked a dark horse, the nhl bracket 2025 promises more drama and action ahead. Don’t miss a single moment—follow the live coverage, check the full schedule, and share in the thrill of the Stanley Cup chase with fellow hockey fans.