The Winnipeg Jets showcase an impressive season, yet remain plagued by the specter of past failures as they gear up for the playoffs. After a dismal loss to Utah, head coach Scott Arniel's fierce critique spurred a remarkable turnaround, prompting a string of victories that solidified their spot among the top teams in the NHL.

Despite holding all their first-round picks, the Jets opted for strategic depth rather than blockbuster trades, acquiring players like Brandon Tanev and Luke Schenn. This approach reflects their struggle with identity and ambition as they find themselves tightly squeezed between the need for success and fear of failure. The offseason moves hint at a team not yet ready to take the leap towards greatness, as they seek to overcome a history rife with playoff disappointments.

This NHL postseason marks a historic shift as all four Original Six teams from the U.S. - the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers - are absent, leaving the stage clear for a new wave of contenders. Canada, on the other hand, is sending five teams to the playoffs, fueled by a nationalistic fervor following their recent 4 Nations Face-Off victory. Teams like the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens are set for a compelling matchup, with the Canadiens looking to upset as they possess a youthful roster and playoff experience. In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Maple Leafs face off against the Ottawa Senators, a rivalry renewed after a long hiatus. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers prepare for another chapter in their Battle of Florida. The Western Conference features intriguing matchups, including the Winnipeg Jets, fresh off a strong regular season, who are keen to prove they can convert their success into postseason victories.

The NHL playoffs are upon us, and sports betting enthusiasts are gearing up for some exciting wagering opportunities. The top contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy include Connor Hellebuyck, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid, but some underdogs like Nikita Kucherov and Alex Ovechkin are also worth a look for value bets. The Winnipeg Jets, despite their Presidents' Trophy win, have been marked as a risky choice for a deep playoff run due to inconsistent performance. In the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning are favorites, while the Toronto Maple Leafs, long seen as playoff underachievers, may finally have a favorable path. The Western Conference is headlined by the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche, with the Stars positioned as strong contenders because of their impressive lineup.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off with 16 teams vying for the most coveted trophy in sports, featuring a blend of elite talent and exciting matchups. Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning stands out as a key player, having led the league in points this season. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews is crucial for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with the team aiming to overcome a historical playoff drought. The Florida Panthers, facing depth issues, acquired Brad Marchand to bolster their lineup. Iconic scorer Alex Ovechkin, even at 39, remains a formidable presence for the Washington Capitals. The Carolina Hurricanes will rely on Sebastian Aho, while the New Jersey Devils' hopes hinge on goalie Jacob Markstrom following Jack Hughes' injury. Players like Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators and Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens could also play vital roles as the tournament unfolds.

Canadian teams have historically dominated the NHL, yet it has been over three decades since a Canadian team, the Montreal Canadiens, last won the Stanley Cup. The Edmonton Oilers narrowly missed the title last year, falling to the Florida Panthers in Game 7. This season, five Canadian teams qualified for the playoffs, the most since 2017. The Toronto Maple Leafs face the Ottawa Senators in a winnable series, but must overcome their first-round elimination history. The Winnipeg Jets are burdened by the pressure of being Presidents' Trophy winners and the absence of Nikolaj Ehlers due to injury. The Oilers, featuring superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, face concerns over injuries affecting their chances. The Senators are a young team still finding their way, while the Canadiens enter the playoffs with little momentum.