RealGM

The 2024-2025 NHL regular season delivered exceptional excitement with several surprise teams advancing to the playoffs. The Winnipeg Jets claimed the Presidents\\\' Trophy and Central Division title, while the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vegas Golden Knights each secured their respective division championships.

Despite the Dallas Stars\\\' concerning 0-5-2 late-season slide, I remain confident in my preseason prediction that they will ultimately winning the Stanley Cup—provided they can overcome the Colorado Avalanche in what promises to be a challenging first-round matchup.

First Round Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions

Western Conference

• Winnipeg Jets over St. Louis Blues in 7 games
• Dallas Stars over Colorado Avalanche in 6 games
• Vegas Golden Knights over Minnesota Wild in 5 games
• Los Angeles Kings over Edmonton Oilers in 6 games

Eastern Conference

• Toronto Maple Leafs over Ottawa Senators in 6 games
• Tampa Bay Lightning over Florida Panthers in 6 games
• Montreal Canadiens over Washington Capitals in 7 games
• Carolina Hurricanes over New Jersey Devils in 5 games

Let the chase for the Stanley Cup begin!