NHL Playoffs || Ovechkin || More

Edition #237

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Apr 20, 2025

First off, I’m extremely sorry about this not getting posted yesterday. The Diamond Digest came out the day before, so I completely forgot about having to publish this one. Regardless, I’m not too late on the action.

Whenever I post the Sports Square surveys, I always have a bunch of people tell me that they’re interested in more NHL content. Well, it’s here now, folks.

I want to start with some breaking news. Well, it’s not really breaking news, because it happened 2 weeks ago, but it’s still news.

Ovechkin broke the NHL all-time scoring record on Sunday, April 6th, 2025. This record was held by the all-time great Wayne Gretzky, who finished his career with 894.

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Breaking the record was something that was considered impossible. 894 is a lot. Ovechkin didn’t care. He just trailblazed. He did it against the New York Islanders, and even Wayne Gretzky was there to see the whole thing unravel. Washington D.C., then made April 11th Wayne Gretzky Day.

The #1 pick in 2004, Ovechkin, has everything now. The all-time scoring record. One Stanley Cup (and a chance for another one this year). Just because he has the scoring record doesn’t mean he’s the best ice hockey player in the world. That title belongs to Gretzky, and no one can take it away from him, even if his goals were scored in the higher NHL scoring era. Alex definitely takes 2nd.

Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky's NHL record with 894th goal – News-Herald

There were a lot of alarming questions at the start of the season, especially because he didn’t start the season off strong. At the start of the season, he suffered a broken left fibula, the first time in his 20-year career that he’s ever broken a bone. He didn’t want to stay on the injured list, he was off the boot in no time and skating. He returned just after Christmas.

On the topic of the Washington Capitals, they do have a realistic shot at winning the Stanley Cup this year, and while Ovi has said before that he would retire immediately after breaking Gretzky’s record, he also would love to win another Stanley Cup. He is on contract and set to make $9.5 million.

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This is now the 4th straight postseason the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers are facing off in the first round of the playoffs. I’m going to preview each playoff team, and then we’ll predict who’s winning it all.

Toronto Maple Leafs:

The Maple Leafs finished with 52 wins and 26 losses this season, and have definitely been the most complete team. Toronto allows less than 3 goals per game, and has goalkeepers with a .916 save percentage collectively. The Maple Leafs have faced it all in the postseason over the last decade, and they certainly don’t want to be first rounded again. Look out for Marner, who is on a contract year.

Tampa Bay Lightning:

The Lightning wrapped the season with 47 wins and 27 losses, and they look ready for another deep run. Tampa Bay has allowed just 2.40 goals per game since February, backed by a penalty kill ranked inside the top ten. The Lightning know what it takes to win in the postseason, and they’re counting on their defensive structure to keep them alive against the Panthers. Keep your eyes on Kucherov, who just led the league with 121 points.

Florida Panthers:

The Panthers ended the year with 47 wins and 31 losses, and they’re aiming to defend their title with authority. Florida gives up just 2.72 goals per game and boasts a deep lineup with five 20-goal scorers. The Panthers have been through the wars and know what it takes to win. Keep an eye on Seth Jones, who’s taking on a massive role early in the series.

Ottawa Senators:

The Senators closed the season with 45 wins and 30 losses, and they’re ready to prove they belong. Ottawa has allowed just 2.80 goals per game while limiting opponents to under 30 shots a night. This team finally has the defensive structure and goaltending to support its explosive young core. All eyes will be on Tkachuk, who’s returning from injury just in time for a high-stakes clash with Toronto.

Washington Capitals:

The Capitals finished with 51 wins and 22 losses, and they were the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season. They have everything they need, including the all-time scorer and a lights-out goalkeeper. Even with Ovechkin on this team, Tom Wilson is going to be the player to watch this postseason, because his extra punch could get the Capitals far this postseason.

Carolina Hurricanes:

The Hurricanes just find some way to continue contending, and this season, it’s because they are pretty good at 5 on 5, and continue to smother their opponents. Defense has also been solid for this team, and a breakout offensive performance from Seth Jarvis has brought them here. Carolina needs the whole team to work together, though. Logan Stankoven is going to be the player to watch here.

New Jersey Devils:

The Devils finished with 42 wins and 91 points, and they have a real chance to surprise people in the playoffs. They’re strong on special teams, with one of the best power plays and penalty kills in the league, and they don’t give up many goals or shots. Even though star player Jack Hughes is out with an injury, the team still has solid goaltending with Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen, who can help keep games close. Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt have been playing really well since Hughes got hurt, and getting defenseman Dougie Hamilton back should help their offense, too. Hischier will be the player to watch, as he’ll need to lead the team on both ends of the ice. The first-round matchup against the Hurricanes won’t be easy, but if the Devils stay strong defensively and take advantage of their power plays, they could go on a surprising playoff run.

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Montreal Canadiens:

The Canadiens finished with 40 wins and 91 points, sneaking into the playoffs after a strong finish, including six straight wins. With momentum on their side, they’ve found their groove, averaging over three goals per game while keeping opponents under three. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have been leading the charge, and rookie Lane Hutson has been a standout on defense. Facing the high-powered Capitals, goaltender Sam Montembeault will need to keep Washington’s offense at bay to give Montreal a chance. A player to watch is Ivan Demidov, who made an immediate impact in his NHL debut and could be a key piece for the Canadiens.

Winnipeg Jets:

The Jets finished the season with a remarkable 56 wins and 116 points, earning the Presidents' Trophy for the league’s best record. They’ve been a complete team under Scott Arniel, with balanced scoring from forwards and defensemen and one of the league’s top defensive structures. In goal, Connor Hellebuyck, possibly a future Hall of Famer, has been a rock. However, the big question is whether their regular-season success will carry over into the playoffs, as they've been eliminated in the first round for two straight seasons despite strong regular seasons. If they can finally break through, they could make a deep run. Hellebuyck is the key player to watch, as he aims to rebound from a tough postseason showing last year and prove he can deliver in the playoffs.

Dallas Stars:

The Stars finished the season with 50 wins and 106 points, and they’re in a prime position to make a Stanley Cup run. After making it to three Western Conference finals in the past five years, they’ve added key pieces like Mikko Rantanen, a Stanley Cup champion, to an already talented roster. With DeBoer’s playoff experience and Rantanen’s addition, the Stars are ready for a deep run. Rantanen, who has 101 points in 81 career playoff games, will be the player to watch, as his impact could be the key to Dallas’ success.

Colorado Avalanche:

The Avalanche finished with 49 wins and 102 points, and while they’re still dealing with inconsistency in secondary scoring, their recent trades have made them one of the most complete teams since their 2022 Stanley Cup win. The big question for Colorado is whether its supporting cast can step up. Gabriel Landeskog is the key player to watch. After nearly three years out with a knee injury, he’s back and already scoring in the AHL, providing the Avs with leadership and a solid two-way presence at a crucial time.

St. Louis Blues:

The Blues finished with 44 wins and 96 points, and after hiring Jim Montgomery in November, they’ve made a strong push to the playoffs. The key to their playoff hopes will be their defensive structure. Under Montgomery and assistant Mike Weber, the Blues have improved dramatically, ranking among the best in the league at limiting high-danger chances and shots. Goaltender Jordan Binnington is the player to watch. His stellar play for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off has carried over to the Blues, and if he continues to perform at this high level, St. Louis could make a deep run this postseason.

Las Vegas Golden Knights:

The Golden Knights finished the season with 50 wins and 110 points, and are in a strong position to contend for their second Stanley Cup in three years. Jack Eichel has evolved into a complete two-way forward, and Pavel Dorofeyev has stepped up as a 30-goal scorer. The team’s strength lies in its depth, with 11 players hitting double-digit goals this season. The X-factor for Vegas will be Tomas Hertl. He’s had a strong full season, hitting 30 goals. If he can bring his playoff form from previous years, the Golden Knights will be tough to beat.

Los Angeles Kings:

The Kings finished the season with 48 wins and 105 points, and they’ve finally found a level of consistency that could help them break through after three straight first-round exits to the Oilers. The key to their success will be their identity—an aggressive offensive team and a tight defensive unit, ranking in the top 10 in most offensive and defensive categories. Kuemper, with his experience in both Arizona and Colorado, could be the difference-maker. Getting the Kings past the first round will be the first step.

NHL Playoffs || Ovechkin || More

Edition #237

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