Hockey fans submitted approximately 1.31 million brackets in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge, an increase of 18% year over year. Fans were tasked with predicting the winner of each series through the Stanley Cup Final as well as the number of games for each First Round series.

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs begin on April 19. The Winnipeg Jets are the NHL's top overall seed, having finished the regular season with the most points in the standings, and the Washington Capitals earned the No. 1 seed in the East.

NHL Playoffs have brought home-ice advantage back into focus, with host teams dominating early matchups. This feature explores how energized crowds, last-change strategy, and home comfort are shifting postseason momentum.