2025 Division Finals Preview

Well, folks, the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs has arrived, and it's always as very interesting setting. Eight teams with four wins in the playoffs already in their proverbial belt, now standing four wins away from the Final Four, and all trying to obtain the remaining 12 wins to capture the Stanley Cup--the greatest prize in sports. Of the eight remaining teams, only one has never hoisted the Cup in their existence, but the journey will be absolutely amazing.

So let's take a look at all four Division Final series:

Atlantic Division Final

Most of Canada's sports media (so I've heard) give a "this year is different" vibe when it comes to the Maple Leafs. Though, honestly, I think this time, it's real. This year really different. When the Leafs broke that series winning slump two years ago, it felt like the team was just happy to be in the Elite Eight. Now, It really feels like the Leafs are on a real mission here. The fact that they won the division proves it. After dispatching of their provincial rivals, the Leafs will face off against the defending champs, the Florida Panthers, in a rematch from two years ago. Somehow, Florida dispatched the Leafs in five games two years ago as part of their Cinderella run to the Final. This year, the Panthers easily trounced the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second straight year, setting up a battle between Four Nations teammates Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews.

The Leafs are looking to reach the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2002, while the Panthers look to reach the Final Four for the third straight season. Regarding stats, William Nylander leads Toronto in points with nine (3G/6A), while Sam Reinhart leads Florida with six (2G/4A).

Metropolitan Division Final

One thing I couldn't help but notice is that half of this year's Elite Eight is represented by the old Southeast Division (in fact, all five teams from that division made the playoffs this year). The Washington Capitals had quite the season, though it was eclipsed by Alex Ovechkin's historic pursuit. There were concerns that the Caps were too focused on getting that record for Ovi, and it would hurt them in the playoffs. So far, that hasn't been the case, easily taking down Les Habitants in five games. The Carolina Hurricanes also had a short series, but played quite a bit, as two of the games went to double overtime. Nevertheless, the Canes ousted the New Jersey Devils, so here they are, looking to see if they can finally get over the hump in this current streak.

The Capitals are looking to reach the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since winning the whole thing in 2018, while the Hurricanes are looking to make their second Final Four trip in three years. These two teams last met in 2019, which saw the Canes actually oust the Capitals in the opening round. While Ovechkin is Washington's goals leader with four, Dylan Strome leads in points with nine (2G/7A). For the Hurricanes, Sebastian Aho's eight points (3G/5A) lead the team.

Central Division Final

I really want to thank the Winnipeg Jets. I do. When they won Game Seven over the St. Louis Blues, they did three things. One, they saved Connor Hellebuyck from becoming a meme (for now). Two, they kept the increased hope of the first all-Canadian Final since 1989 alive. And three, they saved the entire Western Conference half of the playoffs from being a complete hate-watch. The Jets are the only West team in this bunch who I don't hate, at least when they were getting wins over the Avs, they won fairly. Can't say the same for the Dallas Stars. Stars needed the refs in their back pocket, because without them, the Avs sweep them. That's the main thing that taints Dallas' achievements this season, the fact that they needed the zebras, and still barely escaped.

The Jets are looking to reach the Western Conference Final for the second time in franchise history, while the Stars are looking for their third straight appearance, and their fourth in this decade. Kyle Connor leads the way with 12 points (4G/8A) for the Jets, while the Stars are led by Mikko Rantanen (oh boy) with a dozen points of his own (5G/7A).

Pacific Division Final

Thanks, Kings. Now I have to deal with a Golden Knights/Oilers Pacific Final because you clowns shit the bed again. These are the last two West representatives in the Stanley Cup Final, and regarding Vegas, they are looking to continue their pursuit of their second Cup in three years. Vegas already avenged their first round loss from last year with their grueling six game win over the Minnesota Wild. As for the Oilers, they engaged in their favorite pastime: owning the Kings. Four straight years they beat LA. It's like the 80s never ended. This is the second time that these two teams will meet in the Elite Eight; the Golden Knights ousted the Oilers in six games as part of their Stanley Cup run.

The Golden Knights are looking to reach the Western Conference Final for the fifth time in their eight-year existence, while the Oilers look to make it back-to-back, and their third appearance in four years. For the Golden Knights, the points have been spread out immensely. Five points lead the team, with Tomas Hertl (3G/2A) and Jack Eichel (G/4A) sharing the team lead. As for the Oilers, per usual, it's the dynamic duo leading the way. 11 points for Connor McDavid (2G/9A), and 10 points for Leon Draisaitl (3G/7A).

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Regarding telecasts, ESPN and Turner will have full coverage of the Division Finals, with American RSNs (Regional Sports Networks) being done for the season. In Canada, it will be Sportsnet airing the Division Finals, and seeing as all but one series has a Canadian team, it's going to be fun times for Sportsnet. This is an interesting batch this year, this could result in some interesting Conference Finals rematches on the horizon--hopefully one from 2002, with a different result this time.