Cup dreams, cracks beneath: Exposing the flaws of NHL's top contenders

Key Highlights

• Every Stanley Cup contender carries a hidden weakness

• Star power alone won’t guarantee playoff success

• Depth, health, and luck will shape the champion

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are loaded with drama from the very first round. While each team in the field dreams of glory, the truth is every true contender has a weakness that could cost them. The team that overcomes its fatal flaw, and catches a little luck, could be lifting the Cup in June.


Eastern Favorites Show Cracks


Toronto may have finished atop the Atlantic, but their playoff ghosts still loom large. Time and again, their stars have vanished when it matters most. Tampa Bay, despite elite top-line talent, faces a deeper concern, aging stars, and a goalie with recent playoff stumbles. The Panthers, last year's champs, are riddled with returning players fresh off injuries. Chemistry and conditioning will be tested early.

Carolina’s well-oiled machine faces a different challenge: shaky goaltending. They control the puck well but lack elite finishing, and without top-level netminding, their run could end fast. Over in D.C., Washington’s Cinderella season leans on shooting luck and unproven goaltenders, both volatile come playoff time.


Western Giants Hold Thin Margins

In the West, the Winnipeg Jets soar in regular season form, but Connor Hellebuyck's playoff misfires remain a concern. Vegas brings balance and experience, but a leaky penalty kill could be fatal against elite Western power plays.

Dallas looks dangerous, but without Miro Heiskanen, their defensive structure is weakened. The Avalanche have a few flaws on paper, but a coaching mismatch or goalie inexperience could undo them. Edmonton, meanwhile, relies too heavily on its superstars. Any dip from McDavid or Draisaitl, and the Oilers could be gone early.


Dark Horses and Dangerous Underdogs

The Kings are red-hot but their power play sputters. That won’t cut it in a close series. Meanwhile, the Blues bring magic and momentum, but lack the depth to make a serious run. Still, they’ve done the impossible before.

Read more: Oilers’ Stuart Skinner Laughs Off Mikko Rantanen Collision After On-Ice Scare


One Weakness Can End It All

Winning the Cup isn’t about perfection. It’s about surviving the chaos, masking your flaws, and seizing the right moment. This year, the margin between champion and collapse is razor thin, and for every contender, the flaw that ends their run might already be showing.