The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs begin Saturday after a riveting playoff race in both conferences. How lucky we are to have the Battle of Ontario, Battle of Florida, the Mikko Rantanen Bowl and Round 4 of Kings-Oilers in the first round.
Many years, the initial round of the playoffs seems to produce the highest quality of series, since it is before teams lose players to injury. This year, there are real rivalries and intrigue right off the hop.
Every team has a chance to win it all, but not every team is a true contender.