As the 2024-25 NHL regular season nears its conclusion on April 17, 2025, anticipation builds for the playoffs set to begin on April 19, 2025.

The Vancouver Canucks faced a disappointing season characterized by injuries and internal conflicts among star players, which ultimately led to their absence from the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals made headlines by breaking the all-time goal-scoring record, contributing to the team's strong season that secured them the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Winnipeg Jets have made history by winning the Presidents' Trophy for the first time, thanks to outstanding performances from Connor Hellebuyck and other key players.

In international play, the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament was a resounding success, culminating in an exciting final won by Canada, showcasing the talent of teams from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the U.S.

In contrast, the New York Rangers, who won the Presidents' Trophy last season, failed to qualify for the playoffs this year, raising questions about their future direction.

The Ottawa Senators successfully made the playoffs, while other teams like the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings continued to struggle with their postseason droughts, largely due to inconsistent goaltending.

Despite significant offseason investments by teams such as the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks, only the Edmonton Oilers managed to advance to the postseason among the high-spending clubs.

The trade deadline saw a flurry of notable player transactions, including significant trades involving Jacob Trouba and Mikko Rantanen, which helped to boost fan engagement despite the constraints of the salary cap.