When do the NHL playoffs start?
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on Saturday, April 19.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Blue Jackets' Emotional Season Ends; NHL Playoff Schedule Set | NHL Playoff Races Heat Up: Key Matchups and Surprising Contenders | Red Wings vs. Devils: Game Preview, Lineups, and Analysis (March 8, 2026) | Islanders and Sharks Clash in High-Stakes Playoff Battle | Sabres Face Predators After Active Trade Deadline: Preview, Lineups, and Storylines | Penguins Face Rival Flyers Without Crosby and Malkin | Maple Leafs, Kraken, and Kings Make Moves at the NHL Trade Deadline | Capitals Trade John Carlson: End of an Era in Washington | Blackhawks Mourn the Loss of Troy Murray | Blue Jackets' Emotional Season Ends; NHL Playoff Schedule Set | NHL Playoff Races Heat Up: Key Matchups and Surprising Contenders | Red Wings vs. Devils: Game Preview, Lineups, and Analysis (March 8, 2026) | Islanders and Sharks Clash in High-Stakes Playoff Battle | Sabres Face Predators After Active Trade Deadline: Preview, Lineups, and Storylines | Penguins Face Rival Flyers Without Crosby and Malkin | Maple Leafs, Kraken, and Kings Make Moves at the NHL Trade Deadline | Capitals Trade John Carlson: End of an Era in Washington | Blackhawks Mourn the Loss of Troy Murray
Hockey / NHL
Blue Jackets' Emotional Season Ends; NHL Playoff Schedule Set
The Columbus Blue Jackets' bid for the Stanley Cup Playoffs came to an end after a season marked by both on-ice challenges and off-ice tragedy. Meanwhile, the NHL has released the full schedule for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, setting the...
Key Insights
- The Columbus Blue Jackets were eliminated from playoff contention despite a strong late-season push.
- The team faced significant emotional challenges following the death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother.
- The Montreal Canadiens clinched the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot, their first playoff appearance since 2021.
- The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on Saturday, April 19, with St. Louis at Winnipeg and Colorado at Dallas.
- The playoff field is set, with teams now vying for positioning for draft lottery odds.
In-Depth Analysis
### Blue Jackets' Season Recap The Columbus Blue Jackets (39-33-9) showed remarkable resilience throughout the season, overcoming the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother to remain competitive. Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, the team finished strong with a five-game winning streak. Coach Dean Evason praised the team's close-knit mentality and commitment to playing hard regardless of the circumstances.
### NHL Playoff Picture The Montreal Canadiens secured the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, setting up a first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals. The NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs will commence on Saturday, April 19, featuring:
- St. Louis Blues at Winnipeg Jets
- Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars
The Eastern Conference bracket includes:
- Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
- Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
- Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
The Western Conference bracket includes:
- Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
- Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
- Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
- Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
### Key Takeaways The playoff field is set, with teams now focused on draft lottery positioning. Games on Thursday, April 17, concluded the regular season. Noteworthy games included Philadelphia at Buffalo, Detroit at Toronto, and Calgary at Los Angeles.
FAQ
Which teams are in the Eastern Conference playoffs?
Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens.
Which teams are in the Western Conference playoffs?
Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues.
Takeaways
- The Blue Jackets' season was a testament to their resilience and determination.
- The NHL playoff schedule is now set, offering fans exciting matchups to look forward to.
- Key dates to remember: Playoffs start April 19.
- The Montreal Canadiens are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Discussion
What are your predictions for the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources
Disclaimer
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