Here’s everything you need to know about the NHL playoffs, including the format and key rules.
The stage is set for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The final NHL postseason berth was awarded and the playoff bracket was finalized on the penultimate night of the regular season.
The Montreal Canadiens, on April 16, defeated the Carolina Hurricanes to clinch the Eastern Conference's second wild-card berth over the Columbus Blue Jackets, locking in the 16-team bracket in the process. The Habs are going to the playoffs for the first time since their run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
So, when do the playoffs start and how do they work? Here's what to know:
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How many games are in an NHL season?
All NHL teams play 82 regular-season contests.
When does the NHL season end?
The final games of the regular season take place on Thursday, April 17.
When do the 2025 NHL playoffs start?
The postseason action gets underway just two days later on Saturday, April 19.
How many teams make the NHL playoffs?
Half of the 32-team league qualifies for the postseason, with eight Eastern Conference teams and eight Western Conference squads making up the field.
There are four total divisions -- two per conference -- and the top three finishers in each earn playoff berths. The postseason bracket is then rounded out by wild-card berths, which are awarded to the two best remaining teams in each conference.
What teams are going to the NHL playoffs in 2025?
Eastern Conference
- Washington Capitals (clinched No. 1 seed in Metropolitan Division, Eastern Conference)
- Carolina Hurricanes (clinched No. 2 seed in Metropolitan Division)
- New Jersey Devils (clinched No. 3 seed in Metropolitan Division)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (clinched No. 1 seed in Atlantic Division)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (clinched No. 2 seed in Atlantic Division)
- Florida Panthers (clinched No. 3 seed in Atlantic Division)
- Ottawa Senators (clinched No. 1 wild card)
- Montreal Canadiens (clinched No. 2 wild card)
Western Conference
- Winnipeg Jets (clinched No. 1 seed in Central Division, Western Conference)
- Dallas Stars (clinched No. 2 seed in Central Division)
- Colorado Avalanche (clinched No. 3 seed in Central Division)
- Vegas Golden Knights (clinched No. 1 seed in Pacific Division)
- Los Angeles Kings (clinched No. 2 seed in Pacific Division)
- Edmonton Oilers (clinched No. 3 seed in Pacific Division)
- Minnesota Wild (clinched No. 1 wild card)
- St. Louis Blues (clinched No. 2 wild card)
How do the NHL playoffs work?
Division winners face wild-card teams in the first round. The top-ranked division winner in each conference draws the second-ranked wild-card team while the second-ranked division faces the top-ranked wild card. The rest of Round 1 pits the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in each division up against one another.
Do the NHL playoffs reseed teams?
The postseason follows a bracket format rather than reseeding teams, setting up more potential divisional matchups in the second round.
When is the Stanley Cup Final 2025?
The only thing currently known about the Stanley Cup Final schedule is that Game 7 will be played no later than June 23.
