NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn — 3 underdog NHL teams that can potentially upset their higher-seed rivals in Round 1 of 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs ft. Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn

3 underdog NHL teams that can potentially upset their higher-seed rivals in Round 1 of 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs ft. Montreal Canadiens

Modified Apr 18, 2025 10:08 GMT

With the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs set to begin this weekend, the attention turns to the eight first-round matchups. Some powerhouse clubs like the Presidents' Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets look steamroll the competiton, while others like the Toronto Maple Leafs hope that this year is finally their opportunity to win it all.

But some other clubs could play the role of Cinderella and go on an unexpected run, upsetting other higher-seeded teams along the way. So, here’s a closer look at three underdog teams that could upset higher seeds in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

3 underdog NHL teams that can potentially upset their higher-seed rivals in Round 1 of 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs

#3 Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators swept the Toronto Maple Leafs during their regular-season series - Source: Imagn

The Ottawa Senators will face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Battle of Ontario. This edition has been more than two decades in the making, potentially thrilling a whole new generation of hockey fans.

The Senators enter the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs as the No. 7 seed, while the Leafs are the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Senators swept the regular-season series, including a 3-0 blanking back in November.

As such, the Senators look poised to pull off a major upset by handing the Leafs yet another first-round exit. The Senators have enough high-end talent to compete with the Leafs, including a Vezina Trophy winner in Linus Ullmark.

#2 St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues were scorching hot in the second half and will be looking to continue their strong play against the Winnipeg Jets - Source: Imagn

The St. Louis Blues turned things around this season after hiring Jim Montgomery to run things behind the bench. The team went on a tear in the second half of the season, including a 12-game winning streak.

While the Blues have cooled off since then, they are no less dangerous. They have plenty of firepower and a solid checking game that could douse the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets’ overwhelming offense.

The Blues have a proven performer in Jordan Binnington, who could come in and steal more than a game in the series. If the Jets don’t jump out to an early lead in the series, they could crash and burn in the first round.

#1 Montreal Canadiens

Cole Caufield will be a key player for the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs - Source: Imagn

The Montreal Canadiens squeaked into the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs as the final seed in the Eastern Conference. They had a solid season despite their share of ups and downs.

While there are serious questions surrounding their goaltending, the Canadiens could impact the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs by unseating the East’s #1 seed, the Washington Capitals.

The Capitals cooled off down the stretch after getting off to a roaring start. If the Canadiens can contain all-time goal-scoring king Alexander Ovechkin, they could take the series the distance.

If that’s the case, all bets are off. The Habs could pull off one of the most stunning playoff upsets in recent memory.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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