History was made in the NHL this season, but not the kind that its most storied U.S. franchises wanted. The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs mark the first time that the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers have all missed the cut in the same postseason:

An infusion of young talent fresh to the NHL in recent weeks, a handful of veterans in their mid-to-late 30s chasing the Stanley Cup and the best goaltender in the league this season looking to change his reputation are among the things to watch as the playoffs unfold.

The Stanley Cup dream for 16 teams has been dashed, but for the fans of those teams, there is still plenty to root for in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.