The Presidents' Trophy for best regular-season record has already been clinched by the Winnipeg Jets, who are hoping an excellent campaign carries on into the postseason. In the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals — once Alex Ovechkin broke the all-time NHL goal-scoring record — have secured the No. 1 seed.

Connor Hellebuyck and Jordan Binnington, who last met when Team Canada and Team USA clashed in February's 4 Nations Face-Off, will match up again Saturday evening when the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues kick off the 2025 postseason.

A month before NHL's playoff openers this weekend, Commissioner Gary Bettman was more than happy to defend the decision to not expand the bracket like other professional leagues around North America have done in recent years.