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Hi, my name is Hannah and I’m so happy you’re here!

  • 2025 NHL Playoff Preview: First-Round Matchups, Bold Predictions & Stars to Watch

    2025 NHL Playoff Preview: First-Round Matchups, Bold Predictions & Stars to Watch

    Dive into the 2025 NHL Playoffs with full first-round matchups, top players to watch, bold predictions, and insights on who might win the Cup.

    The Great Chase…for the Stanley Cup

    With Regular season over, we now all turn our eyes to the most wonderful time of the year…NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. With some of the best players battling it out, I can’t wait to see the upsets, star power, incredible saves, and of course, some fights. The East and the West will go best on 7 to see who will get to raise the Stanley Cup up this year. 

    Eastern Conference Breakdown

    For most of the 2024-25 season, when you thought of the Easter Conference, you thought of OV’s Great Chase to beat Wayne Gretzky’s goal record. Can the Capitals now turn that moment to secure them the cup? Or will another hungry team like the Toronto Maple Leafs finally pull through?

    First Round Playoff Matchups

    • Toronto Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senators
      • All of Canada will be watching as these teams battle out for Ontario. The Senators are expecting their captain Brady to be back for game one. The Leafs are known for having an early playoff exit, but with their new head coach, Craig Berube, they might finally have the resources to pull this off!
    • Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
      • Meanwhile, all of Florida will be watching as Lightning vs Panthers fight this one out. Similar to his brother, Matthew is expected to come back game one – our first time seeing him on the ice since the 4 Nations. 
    • Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens
      • The Habs barely secured their spot in this year’s playoffs, keeping us all on our toes. Going against the best team in the East should definitely give them a run for their money even with their new talent in Ivan Demidov. 
    • Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils
      • With the New Jersey Devils missing some of their key players, like Jack Hughes, I don’t know if they have the star talent to pull off a win against the Carolina Hurricanes who have been gaining momentum. 

    Western Conference Breakdown

    A lot of the Western conference comes down to: who is healthy and who is not. Some of these key games could honestly be decided by the lack of one or two key players. Yet I can’t wait to see some of these matchups play out in real time. 

    First Round Playoff Matchups

    • Winnipeg Jets vs St Louis Blues
      • The Winnipeg Jets are riding the high of winning the Presidents Trophy. Meanwhile the Blues are lucky to be in the playoffs after almost losing their spot to the Calgary Flames. With Hellebuyck protecting the net, the Jets seem like an easy win to me. 
    • Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche
      • This might be my favorite match-up in the West. The Stars have some depth with their veterans yet some young players that help control the game (read our piece on Wyatt Johnston here). On the other hand, the Av’s have some of the best players in the league with MacKinnon and Makar. They’re also expecting Gabriel Landeskog to return who we haven’t seen on the ice in an NHL game since 2022. 
    • Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild
      • The Minnesota Wild snagged the first Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. With Brock Faber in defense and a healthy Kaprizov, the Wild are a fun team to watch. Yet the Golden Knights will be hard to beat with the way Eichel has been playing. Read more about this game in this article from NHL.
    • LA Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
      • The LA Kings have a hungry, physical team that could fight during this series. The Oilers have some of the best players in the league – the bigger question is if they will be healthy for game one. The Oilers just lost their best defenseman, Ekholm, for at least a few playoff games. We’re also waiting to hear if Draisaitl and McDavid make an appearance game one. To me, a healthy Oiler team is hard to beat.

    Key NHL Players to Watch in the 2025 Playoffs

    There are a few key players to watch out for this round. Most importantly, who will be healthy. With key players like McDavid and the Tkachuk brothers still unconfirmed for game one, their participation could shift the entire playoffs. I’m also very excited to see how Ivan Demidov plays with the Habs round one. 

    Who Will Win the 2025 Stanley Cup? Final Thoughts

    I think we can all agree that the playoffs bring forth some of the best hockey of the season. Personally, I can’t wait to see if the Av’s or the Maple Leafs can take it all. But who do you think will take it all and win? Let me know if the comments!

  • Is Wyatt Johnston the Most Underrated Forward in the NHL?

    Is Wyatt Johnston the Most Underrated Forward in the NHL?

    Is Wyatt Johnston the NHL’s most underrated forward? We break down the Dallas Stars center’s breakout season, elite two-way game, and clutch playoff moments to show why he deserves more recognition in the league.

    Why the Dallas Stars’ rising center deserves more spotlight

    The Dallas Stars have had an incredible season in the 2024-25 NHL campaign. They currently trail in the central division with 102 points–just behind the Winnipeg Jets. While being a top playoff contender, many people are looking to familiar names like Jason Robertson or Miro Heiskanen, yet there’s a star player (literally) who has seemed to fly under the radar: Wyatt Johnston.

    In a world of hearing of young stars like Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard, Wyatt Johnston has flown under the radar. It begs the question: Is Wyatt Johnston one of the most underrated forwards in the NHL? 

    The Numbers Don’t Lie

    This season, Johnston has quietly become a crucial piece of the Stars’ top six. In the 2023-24 season, he produced 65 points (32 goals, 33 assists) and averaged 17:00 minutes on ice. So far in the 2024-25 season, he’s out produced last year with 67 points so far (30 goals, 37 assists) and 18:59 average time on ice–a career high. 

    For comparison, this season’s first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini has posted 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists) with slightly more ice time (19:21). While Celebrini generates headlines, Johnston is putting up elite numbers with less fanfare.

    Even during his rookie year, Johnston was producing and playing at a high level. “He ended his rookie season tied with Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers for the lead among NHL rookies with 24 goals, fourth with 41 points, second with 160 shots on goal and third with 34 even-strength points (21 goals) in 82 regular-season games”


    More Than Just Offense– Johnston’s Two-Way Game

    Johnston doesn’t just perform on offensive, but excels on both sides of the puck. With only 21 years of age, Johnston plays a mature game and takes on defensive responsibilities as well. Johnston sees regular time on penalty kills, is deployed late in close games, and has become a key player for the Stars’ transitional game. Johnston also has a knack for forechecking and puck retrieval. 


    Rising When It Matters Most

    It’s not just the regular season where Johnston shines. In the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, Johnston produced 5 goals and 7 points across 19 games as a rookie. The following year, he notched 11 points in 17 playoff games. Most notably was the game-winning goal in the second round game against the Colorado Avalanche that sent Dallas to the Western Conference Final. 

    The Stars head coach, Pete DeBoer, sings praise for Johnston. “He’s got ice in his veins. You don’t see that kind of poise from many kids his age. He wants the puck in the big moments.”


    Why He’s Overlooked

    So why isn’t Wyatt Johnston getting the love he deserves? Part of it comes down to the depth of talent in Dallas. He plays on a veteran-heavy Dallas team that is full of other star players like Robertson, Heiskanen, and Hintz. 

    Market size matters, too. Johnston plays in Dallas—not a traditional hockey market like Toronto, New York, or even Anaheim. While players like Trevor Zegras, and Tage Thompson benefit from large media exposure, Johnston’s spotlight is more local.


    Why Johnston Gets Overlooked

    With Johnston continuing on his current track, we have to wonder how far he will continue to grow. With his offensive instincts, two-way play, and growing minutes, he might become a point-per-game player for the Stars. With Jamie Benn aging, the Stars will eventually shift toward their younger players, making Johnston a top candidate to be Dallas’ top-line center. 


    Underrated but Not for Long

    Wyatt Johnston may not dominate headlines, but his impact is undeniable. So, is Wyatt Johnston the most underrated forward in the NHL? He just might be.

    What do you think? Who else deserves more recognition across the league?

  • A Changing of the Guard: Emerging NHL Stars Taking Over

    A Changing of the Guard: Emerging NHL Stars Taking Over

    Is the NHL entering a new era? With rising stars like Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, and Leo Carlsson making headlines, and legends like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin still going strong, this blog explores whether we’re witnessing a true generational shift in the league. From rookie stats to leadership comparisons, dive into the future of hockey’s elite.

    In the hours following the Canadian win in the 4 Nations, questions of Crosby passing the torch to McDavid began to circulate. While McDavid himself downplayed the notion—telling NHL reporters, “I don’t look at the torch being passed”—it raises a bigger question: Are we witnessing a generational shift in the NHL?

    Hockey history is defined by these transitions. Just as Wayne Gretzky paved the way for Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, the NHL welcomes its next wave of players who will shatter records and redefine the game.

    In the 2024-25 season, it has been clear to see new stars begin to emerge. With young, yet brilliant, players like Bedard, Celebrini, and Carlsson, it begs the question: Is the torch of the great players beginning to be passed right before our eyes?

    The New Guard: Who Are They?

    Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks)

    Connor Bedard was the most anticipated prospect in years, and the Blackhawks wasted no time drafting him 1st overall in 2023. During his rookie season, his production led him to 61 points (22 goals and 39 assists) which earned him the 2024 Calder Trophy. Bedard is a fun player to watch due to his hockey IQ, handwork, and shot release. Chicago is banking on him to lead their rebuild, and so far, he looks promising. 

    Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks)

    San Jose’s first-overall pick in 2024, Celebrini has wasted no time making an impact. His rookie season has lead him to a current production of 52 points (21 goals and 31 assists) and continues to showcase a well-rounded offensive game. Known for his vision and playmaking ability, Celebrini’s two-way game gives the Sharks a legitimate future star to build around.

    Leo Carlsson (Anaheim Ducks)

    Leo Carlsson was drafted 2nd overall in the 2023 draft right after Connor Bedard. His rookie season he racked up 29 points (12 goals and 17 assists). This current 2024-25 season, he’s already surpassed last season by 4 additional goals. Carlsson blends size, skill, and hockey sense—qualities that have Ducks fans excited for what’s to come.

    With each passing game, these young stars are proving they belong. The question now is: how soon will they overtake the NHL’s established elite?

    The Old Guard: Still Elite?

    For nearly two decades, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Connor McDavid have dominated the NHL. Their records speak for themselves, but even as a new wave of talent emerges, these players continue to set the standard.

    Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)

    Drafted first overall in 2005, Crosby has become one of the greatest players of all time. His 102-point rookie season (39 goals, 63 assists) set the precedent for a career that includes three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017), two Art Ross Trophies, and two Hart Trophies to name few. More than just awards, Crosby has won the respect and love of fans and players all over throughout his career. 

    Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)

    McDavid has lived up to every expectation since being drafted first overall in 2015. He’s recorded seven 100-point seasons, five Art Ross Trophies, three Hart Trophies, and finally claimed his first Conn Smythe Trophy. McDavid’s speed and playmaking ability remain unmatched, proving he’s still at the peak of his powers.

    Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)

    The greatest goal-scorer of the modern era, Ovechkin’s rookie season in 2005-06 (52 goals, 54 assists, 106 points) was a sign of things to come. He’s a three-time Hart Trophy winner, a Stanley Cup champion (2018), and now has eclipsed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record. Even at 39, Ovechkin continues to be a scoring force.

    Despite the league getting younger, Crosby, McDavid, and Ovechkin remain forces to be reckoned with. But with the next generation rising fast, how much longer will they dominate?

    Head-to-Head Comparisons

    Let’s compare the old guard and the new guards rookie season against each other: 

    Looking at the numbers, today’s young players are making an impact and doing so in a fast and competitive way. 

    Over the last two decades, the NHL as continued to evolve to a speed, finesse, and offensive creativity driven game. In the early 2000’s size and physicality we’re often revered. Now, skill and puck possession are more critical than ever. Along with game evolution, technology and training continue to advance, allowing players to be more and more prepared for the season. 

    Leadership vs. Raw Talent: Are They Ready to Carry a Franchise?

    Crosby and Ovechkin aren’t just elite talents—they are franchise cornerstones from day one. Crosby was named captain of the Penguins at just 19, and Ovechkin became the face of the Capitals before he even played an NHL game.

    So, are Bedard, Celebrini, and Carlsson ready to do the same for their teams? The early signs are promising. Bedard has already been trusted with a leadership role in Chicago, while Celebrini is emerging as San Jose’s future. The key question is whether they can develop the intangibles—composure, work ethic, and the ability to elevate teammates—that turned Crosby and Ovechkin from stars into legends.

    Is This the Year of the Shift?

    With teams like the Chicago Blackhawks fully committing to Connor Bedard as the face of the franchise, it begs the question: Are we finally witnessing a generational shift in the NHL?

    And it’s not just Chicago. The San Jose Sharks are building their future around Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, while teams like Anaheim, Columbus, and Buffalo are betting big on their younger players. 

    As we look ahead to the next 3-5 years, change is inevitable. Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin-who will likely retire soon-the league will be run by scoring superstars like Bedard and Celebrini. 

    So, what do you think? Is this just another phase in NHL history, or are we witnessing a real takeover?