24/25 NHL Playoff Preview - WC by Spencer Meisner

The 2024/2025 playoff season is upon us, and we’ve got a mix of new matchups, and
throwback rivalries to look forward to in round one. The Western Conference is always
entertaining with lots of physicality, mixed with incredible speed and skill. Let’s take a look at each matchup in the West, and what each team is bringing to the table.

Jets vs. Blues

The Winnipeg Jets have basically had a lock on first place in their division all season. They’ve got the likely MVP in Connor Hellebyuck in net, significant depth in every position, and have cruised their way to the top. They have to be the favourites going into the playoffs, however, they haven’t made it as far as the Conference Finals since 2018, and have something to prove to their fans, and the rest of the league.

The Blues, on the other hand, scratched and clawed their way into the playoffs after a coach firing, and rode an impressive 7-2-1 record to end the season. This matchup will have two brothers facing off in Brayden and Luke Schenn, and has the potential to be the hardest hitting series in the playoffs. They may lack star power, but they’ve got Canada’s winning goaltender from the 4 Nations Face-Off in Jordan Binnington looking to win his second big trophy in just 5 months.

Prediction: Jets in 6

Stars vs. Avalanche

One of these teams should win the Stanley Cup, but only one will make it out of the first round.

The Avalanche rebuilt their goaltending, and centre depth mid-season, and have the emotional boost of their captain returning to their lineup for the first time in three years.

The Stars limped their way into the playoffs with a 3-5-2 record to end the season, after
acquiring the season’s biggest prize in Mikko Rantanen. They’ve been a very Jekyll and Hyde team since the trade deadline, but everyone fully expects them to pull it together when it matters most. Their goaltending is strong, they have the star power, and the defensive depth to give do some serious damage in the playoffs.

Prediction: Avalanche in 7

Golden Knights vs. Wild

The Vegas Golden Knights have been perennial Cup contenders ever since they entered the league, and went to the Cup Final in their first year. This season is no different, and their top scorer Jack Eichel is having a career season, trying to lead his team back to the promised land. Vegas knows how to win, and they want to bring Cup number two back to Sin City.

The Minnesota Wild are the Little Team that Could this season, with nearly 15 million dollars in dead cap space from buying out Parise and Suter 4 years ago. They’re working with less money to throw around, but have pushed their way into the playoffs rallying around their retiring goalie (and former Vegas Golden Knight) Marc-Andre Fleury and are looking to give Vegas all they can handle.

Prediction: Golden Knights in 5

Kings vs. Oilers

The Kings and Oilers will play each other in the first round for the fourth year in a row, and the Kings are looking for revenge for... well, the last three years. Los Angeles is well equipped to handle the Oilers attack this year, with fantastic depth all around, and Cup winning goaltender Darcey Kuemper anchoring them in net.

The Oilers have two of the best players in the league at their disposal, and made it all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last year. They have the juice, and they added more depth to their team, all in the attempt to win one more game than last year, and hand Connor McDavid the Stanley Cup he so greatly deserves.