Every NHL season, 32 teams battle for the same prize — the Stanley Cup. But only one wins. So what separates the champs from the rest? While there’s no guaranteed path to victory, recent Stanley Cup winners show a clear pattern: tight defense, smart puck possession, reliable goaltending, and offensive depth.
By analyzing the regular-season stats of the past 10 champions, we can see which 2025 teams are built to go the distance. Let’s break down the traits of a true contender — and see who fits the mold this year.
Key Traits of a Stanley Cup Champion
Goals Against Per Game
Championship teams keep the puck out of their net. Seven of the last 10 Cup winners ranked in the top 10 in goals against per game.
Expected Goals Differential
This stat tracks how many quality scoring chances a team creates versus allows. Eight of the past 10 champs finished top 12 in this area, showing the importance of strong two-way play.
Goal Differential
At the end of the day, it’s about results. Seven of the last 10 winners ranked in the top four in goal differential, proving that dominating both ends of the ice matters.
Special Teams
A strong power play and penalty kill can tilt a playoff series. Seven of the last eight Cup winners had a top-10 power play during the regular season.
Corsi-for Percentage
This advanced stat shows which teams control the puck at even strength. Seven of the past 10 champions ranked in the top 10 here.
PDO
Luck matters too. PDO combines shooting and save percentages. Five of the last 10 champions were top-five in PDO, showing that good fortune plays a part — but no winner was ranked lower than 13th.
Regulation Wins
These wins show how well a team plays 5-on-5. Nine of the last 10 champions were top-10 in this category.
Other Key Factors
Weight: Heavy, physical teams often thrive in the playoffs. Five of the last seven Cup winners were among the 10 heaviest teams.
Star Talent: Most Cup winners had at least one — often two — players who averaged a point per game or more.
Depth Scoring: Champions have more than just top-line talent. Six of the last 10 had at least four 20-goal scorers.
Stable Goaltending: Seven of the last 10 champs had a goalie with at least a .915 save percentage.
So, which 2024-25 NHL teams check the most boxes?
Winnipeg Jets: Canada’s Best Shot in 2025?
The Winnipeg Jets are looking like a complete package. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy, they have the best power play in the league and one of the top goalies in Connor Hellebuyck.
Last year’s quick playoff exit raised concerns, but this season, they’ve improved their offensive game and dominate both ends of the ice. With Hellebuyck’s .922 save percentage and strong underlying stats, Winnipeg’s goaltending advantage could carry them far.
The Jets also boast a deep offense, with Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor leading the way. Their top-tier goal differential and special teams make them one of the most balanced squads heading into the playoffs.
Los Angeles Kings: Defense First, Offense Just Enough
The Kings have the best defense in the NHL. They’re first in expected goals against and second in goals allowed. Their penalty kill is elite, and Darcy Kuemper is having a career year with a 2.02 goals-against average and .922 save percentage.
What they lack in explosive offense, they make up for with smart structure and depth. Adrian Kempe leads their scoring, and while their power play is weak (ranked 28th), they’re nearly unbeatable when scoring three goals or more, holding a 41-0-2 record in such games.
They’ll rely on players like Anze Kopitar, Kevin Fiala, and Trevor Moore for playoff scoring, with Kuemper giving them a fighting chance in every series.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Not Done Yet
Never count out the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite losing key players last offseason, they’ve reloaded impressively. With Nikita Kucherov having a Hart-worthy year and support from Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, and Brandon Hagel, the Lightning have the most dangerous offense in the NHL.
Their power play ranks fifth, and they lead the league in goals scored. Add in Vezina-caliber goaltending from Andrei Vasilevskiy, and you have a team built to go deep once again.
Their regular-season numbers back it up — top-five in most key categories and top-two in goal differential in the East. Their experience, depth scoring, and elite goaltending check all the boxes.
While no one stat guarantees a Stanley Cup, history shows that teams with strong defense, elite goaltending, balanced scoring, and solid special teams usually go far. The Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, and Tampa Bay Lightning fit that profile in 2025.
With the playoffs about to begin, these three teams stand out as the most likely to lift the Stanley Cup. They’re built the right way, have momentum on their side, and most importantly — they’ve matched the winning formula seen time and again over the past decade.
