The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set, and the stakes are high as 16 teams gear up for the fight for hockey's ultimate prize. In the Eastern Conference, the Florida Panthers, the defending champions, are faced with a fierce first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a rematch that has playoff history and high expectations. The Toronto Maple Leafs' highly anticipated face-off with the Ottawa Senators marks a significant moment, with both teams eager to prove their mettle in the postseason for the first time in over two decades.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars are poised for an intense series that will see one power team eliminated early. The Los Angeles Kings are hoping to break their three-year losing streak against the Edmonton Oilers, presenting them with a daunting challenge despite their recent offensive surge. Each matchup carries its own narrative, with expert picks emerging on which teams are favored to advance in this thrilling playoff season.