The first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs is ready to begin, and fans are already making their predictions. In the Western Conference, four intense matchups are lined up, and experts are already sharing their thoughts on who might move forward — and who might go home early.
Let’s take a look at each Western Conference series, the key reasons each team could win, and who is expected to come out on top.
Winnipeg Jets (C1) vs. St. Louis Blues (WC2)
Season Series: Jets lead 3-1
Why Winnipeg Could Win:
The Jets were the best team in the regular season with 55 wins. Their home record (29-7-4) is one of the strongest in the NHL. With Connor Hellebuyck, a top Vezina Trophy candidate in goal, the Jets are looking solid in both offense and defense. They’ve been under pressure before, and this year might be their time to finally break through.
Why St. Louis Could Win:
The Blues had a strong finish to the season, going 19-4-2 in their final stretch. Goalie Jordan Binnington has been in great form since winning gold at the 4 Nations, with an impressive 2.23 GAA. If he stays sharp, St. Louis has what it takes to push this to a long series.
Prediction: Jets in 6 games
The Blues are tough, but Winnipeg’s talent, depth, and goaltending give them the edge. Expect St. Louis to fight hard, but the Jets should move on.
Vegas Golden Knights (P1) vs. Minnesota Wild (WC1)
Season Series: Vegas leads 3-0
Why Vegas Could Win:
Vegas has dominated this matchup. They score more (3.33 goals per game) and defend better than Minnesota. They also have one of the league’s best power plays. Across almost every stat – offense, defense, and special teams – Vegas comes out ahead.
Why Minnesota Could Win:
Minnesota has Filip Gustavsson, the better goalie in this matchup. He posted a .914 save percentage and five shutouts this season. If Gustavsson gets hot, he can steal a game or two. The return of stars like Kirill Kaprizov also adds firepower.
Prediction: Golden Knights in 5 games
Minnesota just doesn’t have the depth to match up with a team as balanced as Vegas. It won’t be a sweep, but it might be close.
Dallas Stars (C2) vs. Colorado Avalanche (C3)
Season Series: Avalanche lead 2-1
Why Dallas Could Win:
The Stars have one of the league’s best offenses and finished third overall in goals-per-game. With players like Tyler Seguin returning from injury, they’re even stronger now. If their defense stays solid, Dallas could make a deep playoff run.
Why Colorado Could Win:
The Avalanche beat Dallas in their last two meetings and have added depth across the board, especially in defense. With Miro Heiskanen possibly missing time and Jason Robertson’s status unclear, Dallas might be starting at a disadvantage. And with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, Colorado has the star power to take over the series.
Prediction: Avalanche in 7 games
This series could go either way. But with MacKinnon and Makar leading the way, Colorado is expected to edge out Dallas in a thrilling Game 7.
Los Angeles Kings (P2) vs. Edmonton Oilers (P3)
Season Series: Kings lead 3-1
Why Los Angeles Could Win:
The Kings are excellent at home (31-5-4) and have been on fire since the trade deadline, going 17-4-0. Their defense is one of the best in the NHL, and goalie Darcy Kuemper is playing like a champion again.
Why Edmonton Could Win:
With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers always have a chance. If those two stars play at their best and Edmonton’s goaltending holds up, they can beat anyone. They also added experienced players like Jake Walman and Trent Frederic to add depth.
Prediction: Kings in 6 games
Despite losing to Edmonton in the playoffs the past three years, this time the Kings have the better goaltending and a more balanced team. Expect them to pull off a surprise and send Edmonton packing.
The 2025 NHL Western Conference playoffs are shaping up to be full of surprises, close calls, and big-time performances. While regular-season stats give us a clue, the playoffs are a whole different game. With players like McDavid, Makar, and Kaprizov hitting the ice, fans are in for an amazing first round.
From tight matchups like Dallas vs. Colorado to expected domination by Vegas, anything can happen in the quest for the Stanley Cup.
