The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs start this Saturday, April 19, and the stage is set for one of the most unpredictable and exciting postseasons in recent years. With traditional powerhouses like New York, Boston, and Chicago missing the cut, the spotlight now turns to fresh contenders across both conferences.
2025 NHL Playoffs: Who’s In?
Eastern Conference teams:
Ottawa SenatorsToronto Maple LeafsFlorida PanthersTampa Bay LightningMontreal CanadiensWashington Capitals (No. 1 Seed)New Jersey DevilsCarolina Hurricanes
Western Conference teams:
St. Louis BluesWinnipeg Jets (No. 1 Seed, Presidents’ Trophy Winners)Colorado AvalancheDallas StarsMinnesota WildVegas Golden KnightsEdmonton OilersLos Angeles Kings
The Washington Capitals, led by Alex Ovechkin, clinched the No. 1 seed in the East, while the Winnipeg Jets soared to the top of the West with a 55-22-4 record, earning the Presidents’ Trophy for best overall regular-season performance.
How to watch the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
To watch the Stanley Cup playoffs beginning on April 19, 2025, from 6 P.M. E.T., you can log in to ESPN, ESPN2, TNT and Trutv. For streaming, the options are Max, Directv Stream, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV. The end date of the playoffs is June 23, 2025.
First games:
St.Louis Blues vs Winnipeg Jets – 6:00 p.m. ET on TNT/truTV and streaming on MaxColorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars at 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT/truTV and streaming on Max
Best streaming services to watch the NHL Playoffs without cable
1. Sling TV (Best overall budget option)
Price: $23 for first month (Orange plan 50% off)Includes: ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBSCons: Fewer channels overallPerfect for: Affordable access to every NHL playoff broadcast channel
2. DirecTV Stream – MySports Pack
Price: $69.99/monthIncludes: ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, FS1, USA, plus ESPN+Free Trial: 5 daysPerfect for: Sports fans who want everything in one place
3. Max (for TNT/TruTV games)
Price: $16.99/monthIncludes: TNT, TBS, truTV sports via Bleacher Report Sports Add-OnBonus: Includes access to HBO Originals like The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, The White Lotus
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Published By:
Aashish Vashistha
Published On:
Apr 21, 2025