The National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to commence on Saturday, with a mix of established powerhouses and newcomers vying for the championship. The Washington Capitals, led by Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time career goals record, aim to overcome their recent slump and make a deep playoff run.
The Capitals have exceeded expectations with the best record in the Eastern Conference, thanks in part to Ovechkin’s impressive goal-scoring season. However, injuries and post-chase fatigue have contributed to losses in eight of their last 12 games, raising concerns about whether they can maintain their momentum.
Meanwhile, the Tkachuks – Matthew and Brady – are poised for a strong playoff run despite recent injuries. Matthew Tkachuk, who sustained a lower-body injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off, is set to return for his Panthers’ first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. His brother, Brady, will also make his Senators debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Winnipeg, which finished with the best record in the league at 56-22-4, is under pressure to deliver a Stanley Cup appearance. The Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck leads the NHL in wins and save percentage, and the team’s strong structural play and timely scoring have been key factors in their success.
As the playoffs begin, fans can expect an exciting ride with a mix of established stars and newcomers vying for the championship.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/18/nx-s1-5368546/nhl-stanley-cup-playoffs-preview