The Stanley Cup has been won by an 8-seed in the past. Top teams go out in the first round all the time. Even those who don’t love hockey have a hard time avoiding the NHL Playoffs, which is non-stop intensity for almost two months.

There are 16 teams across two conferences who will compete for the Stanley Cup in the 2025 NHL Playoffs. Each round features best-of-seven series, with home ice given to the higher-placed team in the regular season standings.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Hockey League announced today the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round schedule and broadcast information between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens, which begins Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena. All First Round games will be televised on Monumental Sports Network (MNMT).