On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the NHL Stanley Cup qualifiers are in full swing, with the first -round drama, thrillers in overtime and no shortage of surprises. With at least three games in each series, the landscape is starting to take shape, but no team has yet won a place in the second round of the NHL playoffs. Below, we decompose the current state of each series, the chances of progressing and which teams emerge as favorites for the Stanley Cup.
Summary and ratings of the Eastern Conference series
Capitals de Washington (M1) against Montreal Canadians (WC2)
The capital, which finished first in the metropolitan division, directed the 2-1 series on the Canadians. Washington's depth and eliminatory series experience gave them the advantage, but the young Montreal core managed to steal a game, keeping the competitive series. Capitals are strong favorites to move forward, with ratings in series around -425, reflecting their status of one of the eastern favorites. Their Stanley Cup ratings shortened at +850 to April 24.
Carolina Hurricanes (M2) against New Jersey Devils (M3)
Carolina, currently increasing 2-1, was dominant, propelled by a first season burial of the Jackson Blake recruit and a deep defensive body. The Devils fought against injuries and had trouble containing the attack on hurricanes. Carolina is the consensual favorite to win the series and is now the favorite of the Stanley Cup at +500. The Devils, on the other hand, are long strokes at +15,000.
Toronto Maple Leafs (A1) against the Senators of Ottawa (WC1)
Toronto has a 3-1 lead after surviving several relatives in overtime against Ottawa. Senators showed resilience, avoiding scanning with an extension victory on Saturday, but the offensive firepower of the Maple Leafs, led by Auston Matthews, was decisive. The chances of Toronto to move forward are strong, and their cup ratings have improved at +750, which makes it one of the best contenders in the East. The chances of Ottawa to win the Cup remain at +10,000.
Tampa Bay Lightning (A2) against Florida Panthers (A3)
The panthers are in the lead 2-1 after the lightning responded with a convincing 5-1 victory in match 3. The series was physical and controversial, highlighted by the suspension of Brandon Hagel for a success on Florida Aleksander Barkov, who returned for match 3. Florida remains a slight favorite of the series, but Tampa Bay's experience makes it a launch. The panthers are +750 to win the cup, while Tampa is at +1400.
Summary and ratings of the Western Conference series
Winnipeg Jets (C1) against St. Louis Blues (WC2)
Winnipeg, the winner of the Presidents Trophy, leads the 2-1 series. The balanced attack of the jets and the solid goalkeeper make them clearly favorites to move forward, with dimensions in series at -425. Their cup ratings are +700, reflecting their status as a Upper Western candidate. The blues, who have sneaked in the playoffs with a late wave, remain long long at +10,000.
Dallas Stars (C2) against Colorado Avalanche (C3)
Dallas has a 2-1 lead in what many consider the first round marquee match. The two teams are considered to be legitimate threats, and the series has been closely disputed. The chances of Colorado to win the cup are +1100, and that of Dallas is at +1400. The winner of this series should become the West favorite in the future.
Vegas Golden Knights (P1) against Minnesota Wild (WC1)
This series is equally 2-2 after the Golden Knights gathered with things. The reigning champions of the Western Conference, Vegas, are favored to move forward with ratings of around -240, and their cutting ratings are +1000. Despite the +4000 outsiders, the Wilds have shown that they can compete with anyone when their goalkeeper holds.
Los Angeles Kings (P2) against Edmonton Oilers (P3)
The Kings lead 2-1 in a series featuring two high octane offenses and the power of the stars on both sides. Los Angeles exploited the ice at home and a solid defensive game to win the upper hand. Their cutting ratings are +1200, while Edmonton, led by Connor McDavid, is at +1600. This series remains one of the most unpredictable in the first round.
Stanley Cup cut: favorites and dark horses
As of April 26, the Hurricanes de la Caroline became the consensual favorite to win the Stanley Cup, with chances as short as +500. Their depth, their goalkeepers and their experience in the playoffs made him the team to beat in the East. The Winnipeg (+700) jets and the Colorado avalanche (+1100) are the best choices to the west, the avalanche always attracting an important Paris action despite their train in their first round series.
The other notable contenders include the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers, both at +750, reflecting their solid departures and their favorable support positions. The Vegas Golden Knights (+1000) and Dallas Stars (+1400) complete the teams with a realistic path to the Cup.
At the other end of the spectrum, teams like the Blues of St. Louis, the Senators of Ottawa and the Montreal Canadians are considered to be long emissions, each with chances of +10000 or more. Although upheavals are always possible in the NHL qualifiers, these teams face battles up in their current series and in the wider cutting race.
Storylines to watch
The first round has already delivered its share of drama, thrillers in overtime to controversial suspensions. The Toronto Maple Leafs seek to end the longest drought in the NHL championship, while the panthers hope to defend their title against a booming lightning team. In the west, the Dallas-Colorado series could determine the favorite of the possible cup, the Battle of the Golden Knights with the Wild promises to be a classic, and the fans appreciate the many The next NHL games and accessories on which to bet.
Without sweeping and each series always competitive, the NHL 2025 qualifiers are up to their reputation for unpredictability and excitement. While the first round approaches its conclusion, expect the chances and stories to move in each match, preparing the way for an exciting race towards the Stanley Cup.
