As the NHL regular season winds down, the playoff picture is taking shape with just 16 days remaining. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes are on the verge of clinching playoff berths, while the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets battle for the Presidents' Trophy.
Let's examine the teams to watch as the 2025 NHL playoffs approach.
Eastern Conference Contenders
Washington Capitals: Metropolitan Division Powerhouse
The Washington Capitals have been the surprise team of the Eastern Conference, surging to the top of the Metropolitan Division with a 49-18-9 record. They sit just one point behind the Winnipeg Jets in the Presidents' Trophy race and hold an 11-point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes in their division.
Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record has energized the team and their fanbase. Ovechkin scored his 891st goal against Boston, putting him just four goals away from breaking Gretzky's record of 894. This historic chase has created a positive atmosphere around the team rather than becoming a distraction.
Defensively, the Capitals have been surprisingly strong, allowing among the fewest goals in the league. Their balanced attack, with contributions throughout the lineup, has made them difficult to match up against. Their head-to-head record against division rivals has been impressive, particularly against the Hurricanes and Devils.
Western Conference Front Runners
Dallas Stars: Central Division Contenders
The Dallas Stars (2nd in Central Division) have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL with a six-game winning streak that has solidified their playoff position. With the postseason approaching, they now sit eight points ahead of the third-place Colorado Avalanche.
Dallas has been impressive on both sides of the puck, ranking among the league leaders in both goals scored and allowed. Their power play has been particularly effective, converting with high efficiency. Defensively, they've allowed among the fewest high-danger chances in the league.
Their balanced approach and playoff pedigree have helped solidify their place among the top contenders according to FanDuel Stanley Cup odds, which now reflect the Stars as a formidable Western threat.
The Stars' playoff experience from recent seasons gives them an advantage over many Western Conference rivals. Their run to the Conference Finals last year provided valuable experience for their core group, and they've added key pieces that make them even more dangerous this season.
Wild Card Races to Monitor
Eastern Conference Wild Card Battle
The Eastern Conference wild card race features several teams fighting for the final two playoff spots. The Ottawa Senators currently hold the first wild card position with a five-point cushion, while the Montreal Canadiens occupy the second spot with a 35-30-9 record.
The Canadiens have been one of the surprise teams of the season and strengthened their hold on a playoff position with a dramatic overtime victory over Florida. Nick Suzuki's heroics—scoring with nine seconds left in regulation and then again 29 seconds into overtime—highlighted Montreal's resilience.
The Columbus Blue Jackets remain just two points behind Montreal with a game in hand after an impressive 8-4 victory over Nashville, featuring Kirill Marchenko's hat trick.
Other teams still mathematically in contention include the New York Islanders (five points back) and Detroit Red Wings (four points back), though both face uphill battles.
Western Conference Wild Card Competition
The Western Conference wild card race has been transformed by the St. Louis Blues' remarkable 10-game winning streak. The Blues (41-28-7) have overtaken the Minnesota Wild for the first wild card spot, sitting one point ahead of Minnesota with both teams comfortably in playoff position.
St. Louis' latest victory—a 2-1 overtime win against Detroit—showcased their resilience. Jordan Kyrou tied the game with just 29 seconds left in regulation before Cam Fowler won it in overtime. This winning streak has completely changed their season outlook and made them a dangerous potential first-round opponent.
The Minnesota Wild (41-28-6) have cooled off at the wrong time, losing three of their last four games to fall into the second wild card position. Teams on the bubble include Utah Hockey Club (eight points back) and the Vancouver Canucks (seven points behind Minnesota with a game in hand), though both face long odds to reach the postseason.
Players to Watch in the Playoff Push
Scoring Leaders Making Playoff Impact
Several of the league's top scorers drive their teams' playoff pushes. Leon Draisaitl scored his NHL-leading 52nd goal in Edmonton's victory over Vegas, continuing his remarkable season. Nikita Kucherov extended his point streak to nine games with two assists in Tampa Bay's win over the Islanders, strengthening the Lightning's position in the Atlantic Division.
Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's goal record adds another layer of intrigue to Washington's playoff push. His chase for history hasn't distracted from team success—in fact, it seems to have energized the Capitals as they pursue the Presidents' Trophy.
Tage Thompson's continued scoring surge (five goals in five games) has kept Buffalo in the playoff conversation, though they remain a longshot. Nick Suzuki's heroics for Montreal demonstrated how star players can elevate their game when the stakes are highest.
Goaltenders Getting Hot at the Right Time
Goaltending often differentiates between playoff success and failure, and several netminders are finding their form at the perfect time. Karel Vejmelka has started 18 consecutive games for Utah Hockey Club, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive with performances like his 33-save effort against Calgary.
The goaltending battles in potential playoff matchups will be fascinating to watch. The Jets' elite goaltending versus Minnesota's tandem, Vegas' experienced playoff performer against St. Louis' hot hand, and Toronto's often-questioned playoff goaltending against Florida's Vezina candidate will all be key storylines.
Teams with goaltending questions will need answers quickly as the regular season concludes. Consistency in the net during the final weeks could provide confidence heading into the high-pressure environment of the playoffs.
Final Weeks of Regular Season Importance
With just a little over 2 weeks remaining in the regular season, every game takes on increased importance for playoff positioning.
Toronto and Carolina can clinch playoff berths immediately, while other teams fight for division titles, home-ice advantage, or simply a spot in the postseason dance. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the regular season and an unpredictable playoff tournament.