3 Dark Horse Teams Heading Into the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Blues have surged into playoff contention thanks to standout performances across the roster. Dylan Holloway has been a revelation since joining the squad, providing an offensive spark — though he remains week-to-week with an injury. But the spotlight shines brightest on Robert Thomas, who’s been nothing short of elite. Since Feb. 22, he leads the entire NHL in points (40), assists (32), and plus/minus (plus-18), solidifying himself as the heartbeat of this Blues team.

Jordan Kyrou has also elevated his game, racking up 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 24 games over that same stretch. That includes a seven-game point streak from March 15 to March 25, where he lit it up with 12 points — seven goals and five helpers — proving he’s more than just speed and flash.

And, of course, there’s Jordan Binnington. When the Blues get hot, it usually starts with him. Since the break, Binnington has been locked in — going 13-3-1 with a 2.23 goals against average (GAA) and a .910 save percentage (SV%.) He’s been a wall in net and is without question one of the biggest X-factors for St. Louis. If the Blues are going to make a serious run, it’ll be on the back of his playoff-caliber goaltending.

2. Ottawa Senators

Landing the No. 2 spot on this dark horse list was a no-brainer — the Ottawa Senators. Finishing comfortably in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 45-30-7 record and 97 points, Ottawa is set for a first-round showdown with their provincial rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. And if the regular season is any indication, the Senators are more than ready for the challenge. They went a perfect 3-0-0 against the Maple Leafs, outscoring them 9-3 — including a statement 3-0 shutout win on Nov. 12, backstopped by none other than Linus Ullmark.

Ullmark is a huge part of why I think Ottawa has a legitimate shot at a deep run. Despite missing time due to injury, he’s been solid all season with a 2.72 GAA, a .910 SV%, and a 25-14-3 record in 44 games played. He’ll be the backbone of this playoff push — and if the Senators get regular-season Ullmark, they’ll be a tough out. Of course, the concern is his playoff track record, which hasn’t exactly inspired confidence in the past. But if there’s ever a time for a redemption arc, it’s now.

Up front, Brady Tkachuk is built for the playoffs, and I expect him to thrive in the high-intensity atmosphere. Acquiring a player of Dyaln Cozens’ caliber could come up huge for this Senators team. Tim Stützle, who led the team with 79 points, will need to carry the offensive load, while on the blue line, we finally get to see what a healthy Thomas Chabot can do in a postseason setting. And keep your eyes on Jake Sanderson — the 21-year-old has all the tools to become a playoff star, and this could be his breakout moment.

To get past the Maple Leafs, Ottawa will need production from all of those names — and they’ll have to find a way to contain Toronto’s firepower: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares. It’s a tall task, but if Ottawa plays their structured, gritty style and Ullmark holds the line, the upset is absolutely on the table.

1. Los Angeles Kings

At first glance, calling the Kings a dark horse might seem like a stretch — they finished second in the Pacific Division with a 48-25-9 record and 105 points, tying their franchise record for the most points in a single season (set in 1974-75).They’ve been rock-solid all season, especially on home ice, where their 31-6-4 record is the best in the entire league. With home-ice advantage secured in Round 1, they’ll need to make it count — because for the fourth-straight year, they’re facing off against the Edmonton Oilers, a team that’s bounced them from the playoffs three years in a row.

So why label them a dark horse? Because despite their strong record, the Kings are often overlooked in the Cup conversation. This team is built on elite defense, backstopped by a goaltender who’s quietly having one of the best seasons of his career. Darcy Kuemper has been lights-out, posting a 31-11-7 record with a 2.02 GAA and a .922 SV% through 50 games. Frankly, if not for Connor Hellebuyck’s historic season in Winnipeg, Kuemper would be at the top of my Vezina Trophy ballot.

Then there’s the depth. Offensively, the Kings don’t rely on a single superstar but instead roll four lines that can all contribute. Adrian Kempe (73 points), Anze Kopitar (67), Kevin Fiala (60), and Quinton Byfield (54) have all stepped up, and since Feb. 22, the team has scored 99 goals — tied for the most in the NHL during that span with the Blues.

If there’s a knock on the Kings, it’s that they lack a true “gamebreaker” — that one forward who can take over a playoff series. But with the way they defend and the level of goaltending they’re getting, they may not need one. This is a team built for the grind, and they have all the pieces to finally flip the script against Edmonton — and maybe even make a run all the way.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are finally here. From jaw-dropping goals to bone-rattling hits and clutch saves, it’s the best time of the NHL season. Will the Sens be this year’s Cinderella story — or will the heavyweights hold strong?

Drop your playoff predictions in the comments — let’s hear who you’ve got going all the way.