My Ideal (Yet Realistic) NHL Playoff Bracket: First-Round Matchups

With the Four Nations Faceoff and a dramatic trade deadline concluding an exciting last month in the NHL, it's time to turn our attention to the final stretch of the regular season. With teams strengthening their rosters and postseason races getting more intense, the last 20ish games per team will be packed with drama. With the playoffs around the corner, this is my perfect first-round playoff bracket, with matchups that would create an unforgettable postseason.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division Matchups

(1) Florida Panthers vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators

In my ideal bracket, I’d have the Florida Panthers winning the Atlantic Division crown, avoiding a first-round matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Both Florida teams went all-in at the trade deadline, making major moves, and if possible, I’d love to see that matchup in round two.

Meanwhile, this scenario brings playoff hockey back to Ottawa for the first time since 2017, with the Senators facing the defending Stanley Cup champions. It would also mark the first playoff action of Senators captain Brady Tkachuk’s career, as he goes head-to-head with his older brother, Matthew. With the Tkachuk's battling alongside other feisty players like Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett, this series would have no shortage of intensity.

(2) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (3) Tampa Bay Lightning

If the Panthers win the Atlantic, we’re likely looking at a first-round matchup between the Maple Leafs and Lightning for the third time in four years. The two teams have split their previous meetings, each winning a series. With both making big moves at the deadline to gear up for a deep playoff run, a first-round exit would make for a long summer for the loser.

Metropolitan Division Matchups

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens

Even though I don't entirely expect it, as a Habs fan, I can't help but hope that Montreal will make it into the playoffs this year for the first time since 2021. However, if they can get in, a playoff matchup against the Capitals, who have been the best team in the East the whole season, would be a great test for their young core. This is probably my most unrealistic matchup of the first round, but it's not completely out of the question at this point. 

(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) New Jersey Devils

This matchup is all but locked in and it has been for a while now. The Devils' chances are hurt by Jack Hughes season-ending shoulder surgery. Carolina is still a formidable team, but their actions this season have raised some questions. They traded Mikko Rantanen for Logan Stankoven and future assets at the deadline after dealing him valuable assets for him in January. They traded Mikko Rantanen for Logan Stankoven and future assets at the deadline after dealing him valuable assets for him in January. This could impact the Canes depth and postseason run this season which could make this battle more even.

Western Conference

Central Division Matchups

(1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) Vancouver Canucks

As a fan of all-Canadian matchups, I’d love to see this series go down, these two franchises haven't faced off in the postseason since 1993 and there is no better time for it then now. Winnipeg has been the best in the West all year long, and if the Canucks can manage to squeak in, it should mean that they are playing good hockey entering the playoffs. Hopefully we get to the two teams play one another this spring.

(2) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche

Mikko Rantanen facing off against his old team? Absolute cinema. With Rantanen trying to make a statement against the Avalanche and both teams being serious contenders with a lot of star power, this series would be heated. In fact, it could end up being the best series of the playoffs.

Pacific Division Matchups

(1) Edmonton Oilers vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild

Even though I know Vegas will most likely win the Pacific division, I am simply sick of seeing the Oilers play the Kings in round one every year. The Oilers' explosive offense and Minnesota's tough defensive style would create an exciting series and freshen the first-round of the Pacific side of the bracket. 

(2) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (3) Los Angeles Kings

This series would be a fantastic way to start the playoffs. While both teams are strong and have a lot of playoff experience which should lead to some great hockey. Also, I would be way more interested in watching Vegas and Los Angeles battle it out instead of the Oilers and Kings' seemingly annual round one battle. Los Angeles and Las Vegas should be a rivalry and if this we get this series this spring, it could be the first step in establishing itself as a true one in the NHL.