The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a hellscape. NHL teams have to run a gauntlet of seven-game series, needing to win five rounds to be crowned champion. The intensity is dialed up, and travel is relentless. That’s why playoff matchups are so critical to which teams advance to the next round. As part of our season-long NHL coverage, we’ll be keeping an eye on how playoff matchups evolve throughout the campaign.
NHL Playoff Picture: NHL Playoff Bracket if Season Ended Today
Eastern Conference
| #1 Metropolitan Division – New Jersey Devils | #2 Wild Card – Detroit Red Wings |
| #1 Atlantic Division – Boston Bruins | #1 Wild Card – Pittsburgh Penguins |
| #2 Metropolitan Division – Carolina Hurricanes | #3 Metropolitan Division – New York Islanders |
| #2 Atlantic Division – Toronto Maple Leafs | #3 Atlantic Division – Tampa Bay Lightning |
Few people would have bet that the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings would make this year’s postseason, let alone face each other in the first round.