The race to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs is heating up, and the postseason picture is starting to take shape. Teams across the league are either clinching their playoff tickets or seeing their hopes fade as elimination becomes official. With just days left in the regular season, every point counts—and for the New Jersey Devils, the path ahead is clear, but momentum remains key.
🏒 Devils Locked into Third in the Metro
Despite a recent stumble against the Boston Bruins, the New Jersey Devils officially clinched a playoff berth this week, thanks to a bit of scoreboard help from other Metropolitan Division rivals. No team behind them can catch up, which means the Devils are locked into the third spot in the Metropolitan Division.
That also seals their first-round opponent: the Carolina Hurricanes, a team that knocked New Jersey out of last year’s playoffs. With Washington firmly holding the top spot in the division, the Devils’ opening series matchup is set in stone—though their mindset heading into it is anything but.
🔥 Final Stretch: Opportunity to Build Momentum
While their spot is secured, the Devils still have four regular-season games remaining. These final matchups are crucial for building confidence, refining chemistry, and potentially making a statement to the rest of the Eastern Conference. With key players like Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Jonas Siegenthaler out, others on the roster will need to step up and set the tone.
A strong finish—especially with three of the last four games on home ice—could provide just the spark New Jersey needs to carry some energy into their series against Carolina.
🏆 Around the League: Clinching & Elimination Scenarios (as of 4/11/25)
- Clinched Playoff Berths:
- New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, and now the New Jersey Devils have secured spots in the East.
- In the West, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Vancouver Canucks have clinched.
- On the Bubble:
- The Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning are battling for Wild Card spots in the East.
- Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues remain in the hunt out West.
- Eliminated from Contention:
- Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, and Anaheim Ducks are officially out of the playoff picture.
🧊 What’s Next for the Devils?
The Devils will need to focus on tightening up defensively and locking down their goaltending situation as they prepare for a grueling series against a tough Carolina squad. Though the Canes may have had their number last year, recent struggles suggest they’re not invincible—and New Jersey has just enough firepower to make this series competitive.
If the Devils can finish strong, anything is possible in the playoffs.
Stay tuned to Explore New Jersey for ongoing coverage of the NHL Playoffs, Devils updates, and all things Jersey hockey. Ready for another run, Devils fans?
