The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is one of the most exciting stretches on the NHL calendar.
Here’s one intriguing matchup to watch in each of the eight series.
(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens
Intriguing matchup: Capitals’ offense vs. inexperienced Canadiens’ D-corps
The Canadiens limped into the playoffs but proved they can compete with the league’s elite during their hot streak after the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Montreal’s defense lacks playoff experience. David Savard brings 57 career playoff games and a Stanley Cup ring, but three of their top six defensemen – Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and Jayden Struble – have never played in the postseason.
Washington has cooled recently despite the excitement around Alex Ovechkin breaking the all-time goals record.
The Capitals finished the season ranked second in the NHL with 3.49 goals per game and feature seven 20-goal scorers.
(A1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators
Intriguing matchup: Brady Tkachuk vs. Toronto’s top pairing
The Battle of Ontario features several compelling storylines, but Tkachuk’s playoff debut stands out. The Senators’ captain is expected to be ready for Game 1 after nursing an injury during the final stretch of the regular season.
Tkachuk showed at the 4 Nations tournament that he thrives in high-pressure situations. Facing Toronto as an underdog creates the perfect stage for him to make an impact.
Containing Tkachuk will be a top priority for the Maple Leafs. Jake McCabe’s undisclosed injury complicates this task, though he’s probable for Game 1. McCabe is Toronto’s most physical defender and forms the shutdown pairing with Chris Tanev.
(M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M3) New Jersey Devils
Intriguing matchup: Carolina’s power play vs. New Jersey’s penalty kill
The Hurricanes enter as strong favorites, largely due to New Jersey’s significant injuries.
While the Devils face an uphill battle, their special teams advantage could swing the series.
Carolina dominates at five-on-five with an NHL-leading 55.43% expected goals rate. However, their power play ranked 24th overall and fell to 31st since January with just a 12.4% conversion rate.
New Jersey boasts the league’s second-best penalty kill at 82.27%.
(A2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (A3) Florida Panthers
Intriguing matchup: Matthew Tkachuk vs. Brandon Hagel
Florida and Tampa Bay have developed a fierce rivalry, with Tkachuk and Hagel emerging as central figures in the hostility.
The two dropped the gloves in a premeditated fight during the 4 Nations tournament. Due to Tkachuk’s subsequent injury, they haven’t faced off since.
This series has all the ingredients to be the most explosive of the first round, especially if these two renew their personal battle.
(C1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) St. Louis Blues
Intriguing matchup: Connor Hellebuyck vs. Playoff demons
The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Jets have dominated since opening the season with an eight-game win streak. On paper, they should handle the Blues easily.
The major question: Which Hellebuyck will show up?
Winnipeg’s star goaltender is virtually guaranteed to win his second consecutive Vezina Trophy. However, he’s faltered in consecutive playoff appearances with save percentages of .886 and .864 in back-to-back first-round exits.
The Blues managed just six goals against Hellebuyck in three regular-season games but will hope his playoff struggles continue.
(P1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild
Intriguing matchup: Center depth
Vegas has owned Minnesota recently, winning 11 of their last 13 meetings.
The Golden Knights’ advantage down the middle could prove decisive. Vegas will deploy Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, and William Karlsson as their top three centers.
Minnesota counters with Joel Eriksson Ek as a solid first-line center, but there’s a significant drop-off to Frederick Gaudreau and Marco Rossi on the second and third lines.
How the Wild manage this mismatch will likely determine their fate.
(C2) Dallas Stars vs. (C3) Colorado Avalanche
Intriguing matchup: Thomas Harley vs. Nathan MacKinnon
Dallas faces defensive uncertainty entering the playoffs, particularly with Miro Heiskanen sidelined. Containing MacKinnon and Colorado’s offensive weapons is crucial for the Stars’ success.
That responsibility will likely fall to Thomas Harley.
The 23-year-old defenseman has excelled this season, especially since Heiskanen’s injury. Harley led all NHL defensemen with 27.1 goals above replacement during the regular season.
He performed well in limited action with Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, but shutting down MacKinnon in the playoffs could elevate him to star status.
(P2) Los Angeles Kings vs. (P3) Edmonton Oilers
Intriguing matchup: Darcy Kuemper vs. Oilers’ attack
The Kings and Oilers meet in the playoffs for the third straight year. Edmonton won the previous two matchups, but Los Angeles has a new advantage: reliable goaltending.
In their previous playoff meetings, the Kings used six different goaltenders. Only 36-year-old Jonathan Quick in 2022 posted a save percentage above .900.
This year, Los Angeles turns to Darcy Kuemper, who could be a Vezina Trophy finalist after his dominant late-season performance.
Kuemper has a 13-4-4 career record against Edmonton with a .924 save percentage and two shutouts. He also won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022.
His presence might finally help the Kings advance past the first round.
