2025 NHL Playoff Schedule: Full Dates, Bracket & Results

The Florida Panthers repeated as champions in the 2025 NHL playoffs, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in six games — but the full picture of the schedule, bracket, and what it means for 2026 is scattered across headlines. Let’s take a clear look at the schedule, the results, and the key questions still on fans’ minds.

Playoff start date: April 19, 2025 · Playoff end date: June 17, 2025 · Stanley Cup champion: Florida Panthers · Total playoff teams: 16

Six facts define the 2025 postseason, one takeaway: the data shows a dominant Panthers run and clear financial hierarchy.

Has the 2025 NHL playoffs started yet?

When did the 2025 NHL playoffs begin?

• The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs started on April 19, 2025 (Wikipedia, established reference).
• The postseason concluded on June 17, 2025, with the Florida Panthers defeating the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 in the Stanley Cup Final (ESPN, major sports media).
• Sixteen teams qualified for the playoffs.

What was the final schedule?

The bracket unfolded across four rounds. The Panthers dispatched the Lightning in five games, then outlasted the Maple Leafs in seven before sweeping past the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. On the Western side, the Oilers knocked out the Kings in six, the Golden Knights in five, and the Stars in five (ESPN). The Stanley Cup Final itself went six games: Oilers took Game 1 in overtime, Panthers answered with double‑OT in Game 2, then Florida won three of the next four to close it out (Olympics.com, Olympic broadcaster).

The implication: Florida’s defensive structure and depth overwhelmed every opponent, setting a standard that challengers must now match.

Who is favored to win the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup?

What are the projected standings for 2025-26?

Early odds from sportsbooks list the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers as co‑favorites. The Oilers boast the league’s top two scorers, while the Panthers return their core under coach Paul Maurice. The 2025-26 regular season begins in October, and playoff structure remains unchanged (USA Today, news outlet).

When does the 2026 NHL playoffs start?

The 2026 playoffs are expected to begin in April 2026, though the exact date has not been set. Historically, the NHL starts its postseason in the second week of April. For fans planning ahead, the league typically announces the schedule in early July.

What is the richest NHL team?

Who is the richest man in the NHL?

According to Forbes, the business authority on sports finance, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the most valuable NHL franchise at $3.6 billion. The New York Rangers ($2.8B) and Montreal Canadiens ($2.7B) round out the top three. The richest individual player by career earnings is Wayne Gretzky, who accumulated over $40 million in salary alone (Spotrac, player salary tracker).

What are the Forbes NHL valuations for 2025?

The valuations reveal a clear hierarchy: Toronto’s brand power dwarfs the rest of the league.

For context, the Leafs are worth more than the next two teams combined. Hockey Hall of Fame Tickets – a related attraction – underscores the financial gravity of the sport in Canada.

What was the biggest upset in NHL playoff history?

Has there ever been a 4-0 sweep in the finals of NHL?

Yes, a Stanley Cup Final sweep has occurred four times: 1928, 1941, 1992, and 1998 (Wikipedia, hockey history record). The most recent sweep was the 1998 Detroit Red Wings over the Washington Capitals. No team has swept the final since.

What is the Miracle on Manchester?

The “Miracle on Manchester” refers to the 1982 Los Angeles Kings’ stunning comeback against the Edmonton Oilers in the first round. Down 5‑0 in the third period, the Kings scored five unanswered goals and won in overtime. It remains the largest comeback in NHL playoff history and is widely considered the biggest upset ever (Wikipedia, upset chronicle).

The pattern: even dominant teams in today’s NHL struggle to close out opponents without at least one letdown game.

Who is the famous retired hockey player?

Is Wayne Gretzky a smoker?

Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player ever, has been photographed smoking cigars at social events. He has never publicly confirmed a regular habit. Marchand Misses Team Canada Games provides context on how current stars handle off-ice controversies.

What is Wayne Gretzky’s legacy?

Gretzky holds the NHL records for most career goals (894), assists (1,963), and points (2,857). He won four Stanley Cups, nine Hart Trophies, and 10 Art Ross Trophies. His career earnings rank him as the richest NHL player in history (Spotrac, salary database).

Is there a female name on the Stanley Cup?

Yes. The first woman to have her name engraved on the Stanley Cup was Marguerite Norris, president of the Detroit Red Wings from 1952‑1955, whose name appears on the 1954 and 1955 Cups. Since then, several women have been included as team employees, including athletic trainers and executives (ProStockHockey, NHL coverage). As of 2025, at least six women have their names on the trophy.

The 2025 playoffs closed a chapter and opened another. For fans of the Panthers, the repeat cements a dynasty. For Edmonton, the loss sharpens the question: can McDavid and Draisaitl finally break through before their window closes? For every other team, the offseason means chasing value — on the ice and the balance sheet. For the NHL as a league, the data is clear: the gap between elite contenders and the rest is growing, and the 2026 playoffs will test whether parity can survive.