The Stanley Cup Playoffs are an annual elimination tournament held by the National Hockey League (NHL) to determine the league champion. A total of 16 teams qualify for the playoffs, eight from each conference (Western and Eastern).
The top three teams from each division automatically secure spots in the playoffs, which makes up a total of 12 teams. The other four teams are determined by two wild card teams from each conference, which are the two-highest placed teams based on regular-season points.
The playoffs feature four rounds: the first round, second round, conference finals, and then the Stanley Cup finals. Each round is played in a best-of-seven series, which means the first teams to win four games advance to the next round. Home-ice ground is given to the team with a better regular-season record in both the first two rounds. The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on 19 April 2025, concluding with the Stanley Cup finals on 23 June 2025.
Stanley Cup Playoffs 2025: Teams Qualifying From Each Conference
| Western Conference Teams | Eastern Conference Teams |
| Winnipeg Jets | Washington Capitals |
| Dallas Stars | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| Vegas Golden Knights | Florida Panthers |
| Minnesota Wild | Tampa Bay Lightning |
| Edmonton Oilers | Carolina Hurricanes |
| Los Angeles Kings | New Jersey Devils |
| Colorado Avalanche | Detroit Red Wings |
| Calgary Flames | Columbus Blue Jackets |
Where To Watch The Stanley Cup Playoffs 2025
The Stanley Cup 2025 is extensively covered all over America. The broadcasting information is as follows:
In Canada, the games will be aired across the Sportsnet networks and CBC, under the Hockey Night in Canada brand. The finals can be seen on both CBC and SportsNet.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., the playoffs will be broadcast live through a partnership with ESPN, including the ESPN and ABC channels. It will also be available through TNT Sports. The first and second rounds will be on ESPN, while TNT will stream the finals.
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