NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently highlighted how the league has historically seen opening-round playoff pairings settled on the season’s final day, and this year follows that same pattern.
Three series matchups remained undetermined until the last day before this weekend’s playoff start. Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed first-round series:
Carolina (53-22-7, 113 points): Under Rod Brind’Amour’s leadership, the Hurricanes have reached the playoffs for eight straight seasons and earned the Eastern Conference’s top seed, giving them home-ice advantage through the conference championship. Their advantages include playoff experience with three Eastern Conference final appearances in recent years and seven players who scored 20 or more goals, topped by Seth Jarvis with 32. However, questions persist about their goaltending situation and their history of offensive struggles in high-pressure situations.
Ottawa (43-27-11, 97 points with 1 game remaining): The Senators sat 15th among 16 Eastern Conference teams on January 25 before winning 20 of their following 29 contests to secure a playoff spot. Travis Green’s squad plays with intensity, and goaltender Linus Ullmark can dominate when performing at his peak. Late-season injuries revealed impressive organizational depth. Their challenges include taking the seventh-most penalties league-wide while ranking fourth-worst in penalty killing, plus the energy spent on their dramatic comeback.
Whyno’s prediction: Carolina (-175) deserves favorite status due to superior talent, but expect a challenging series. Hurricanes in six games.
Pittsburgh (41-25-16, 98 points): The underdog Penguins have given Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang another postseason opportunity after three years away from the playoffs. Erik Karlsson has excelled at age 35, while rookie coach Dan Muse employs a system that enables quick scoring bursts and momentum shifts. Their defensive play and goaltending remain problematic, often requiring them to outscore their issues.
Philadelphia (43-27-12, 98 points): The Flyers have dominated since March 7, posting a 15-5-1 record to reach their first playoffs since 2020. They benefit from veteran leadership like Sean Couturier while riding emerging young talents Tyson Foerster, Porter Martone, and Matvei Michkov. Goaltender Dan Vladar carried a heavy workload during the stretch run, and many players lack experience with playoff pressure.
Whyno’s prediction: Pittsburgh (-160) possesses too many battle-tested veterans and could surprise with an extended run. Penguins in five games.
Buffalo (50-23-8, 108 points with 1 game remaining): The Sabres overcame an 18-29 start to break the league’s longest playoff absence and capture their division title, with Lindy Ruff emerging as a coach of the year candidate. Unlike previous seasons, players have learned to handle close games and secure victories rather than collapse. Tage Thompson provides scoring threats from anywhere on the ice. Their inexperience could surface during playoff intensity, making player adaptation crucial.
Boston (45-27-10, 100 points): Following a one-year playoff absence, the Bruins leaned on 100-point scorer David Pastrnak, goaltender Jeremy Swayman, and top defenseman Charlie McAvoy for stability. Marco Sturm provides excellent coaching, and Swayman delivered an outstanding season. They represent a dependable but unspectacular team that relies heavily on Pastrnak and top offensive contributors.
Whyno’s prediction: Buffalo (-190) succeeds after being tested to their limits. Sabres in seven games.
Tampa Bay (50-25-6, 106 points with 1 game remaining): The Lightning weathered injuries to key players including defensemen Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh, plus centers Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, yet remain Stanley Cup contenders thanks to winger Nikita Kucherov, goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, and roster depth. Vasilevskiy provides championship-level goaltending nightly, while extended player absences showcased coach Jon Cooper’s excellence. Hedman hasn’t played since mid-March with uncertain playoff availability.
Montreal (48-24-10, 106 points): The Canadiens closed strong with eight consecutive victories and 15 wins in their final 21 games, featuring Cole Caufield as the franchise’s first 50-goal scorer since 1990 and center Nick Suzuki entering MVP consideration. They excel at quick puck movement and can score at even strength or on power plays. They must prove their ability to play playoff-style defense and receive consistent goaltending.
Whyno’s prediction: Tampa Bay (-235) brings championship experience, but Montreal arrives hot at the perfect time. Canadiens in six games.
Dallas (49-20-12, 110 points with 1 game remaining): The Stars will miss injured center Roope Hintz for at least two games, with top defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s return timeline also uncertain, despite their overall strength. Jake Oettinger can dominate in goal, particularly in third periods, while winger Mikko Rantanen has proven playoff credentials. Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnson both exceeded 40 goals. Key injuries may prove overwhelming against elite competition.
Minnesota (46-24-12, 104 points): The Wild have lost eight straight playoff series since their last advancement in 2015, though they now feature elite defenseman Quinn Hughes following a December trade. Top wingers Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy provide offensive firepower, with Hughes joining Brock Faber on defense. Center depth remains problematic, along with inconsistent goaltending since February’s Olympic break.
Whyno’s prediction: Dallas (-100) holds slight favorite status but faces injury concerns at an inopportune time. Wild in seven games.
Western Conference will finalize three remaining matchups by Thursday evening.
Colorado, the Presidents’ Trophy recipient, will meet either Los Angeles, Anaheim, or two-time defending conference champion Edmonton. Among the Kings, Ducks, and Oilers, two teams will face each other while the third meets Vegas.
