The 2025 NHL playoffs have reached the conference finals, with two teams already making their mark on the postseason. The Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes have advanced to the conference final round, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the playoffs. Here’s what we know about the conference finals so far:
The Western Conference final is shaping up to be a potential rematch from last year’s playoffs. The Edmonton Oilers, who defeated the Dallas Stars in six games last year, are facing the winner of the Stars-Jets series. Currently, the Stars hold a 3-2 lead over the Winnipeg Jets, who won the Presidents’ Trophy this season. Regardless of who wins the series, the Oilers won’t have home-ice advantage, as both the Jets and Stars finished ahead of them in the regular-season standings.
In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes are looking to make a deep playoff run. They’ve already dispatched the New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals in convincing fashion, with goalie Frederik Andersen posting stellar numbers. The Hurricanes will face the winner of the Florida Panthers-Toronto Maple Leafs series, which will be decided in Game 7 on Sunday. If the Hurricanes face the Panthers, they’ll have home-ice advantage. However, if they face the Leafs, they’ll start the series on the road.
The conference finals promise to be thrilling, with several key storylines to watch. The Oilers are looking to make another deep playoff run, while the Hurricanes are seeking their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 2006. The Panthers and Leafs will battle it out in Game 7, with the winner facing the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final.
One of the biggest factors in the Hurricanes’ success so far has been the play of goalie Frederik Andersen. He’s posted a 1.36 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage in nine playoff starts. If he can continue to play at this level, the Hurricanes will be a tough team to beat.
The NHL conference finals are shaping up to be an exciting conclusion to the playoffs. With two talented teams already advancing to the conference final round, the stage is set for a thrilling finish. The Oilers and Hurricanes are looking to make deep playoff runs, while the Panthers, Leafs, Stars, and Jets are battling it out for a chance to join them. Who will emerge victorious and make it to the Stanley Cup Final? Only time will tell.
The next few days will be crucial in determining the conference final matchups. The winner of the Panthers-Leafs series will face the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final, while the winner of the Stars-Jets series will face the Oilers in the Western Conference final. With home-ice advantage on the line, these series will be intense and closely contested. Stay tuned for more updates on the NHL playoffs and the road to the Stanley Cup Final.
