Which Eastern Conference Teams will Actually Make the Playoffs?
The Eastern Conference playoff bubble has never been more, well, bubbly. We're a month away from the playoffs -- which teams will actually punch a ticket?
We’re officially one month out from the end of the 2025 NHL regular season, and more than half of the Eastern Conference is still at least somewhat in the playoff race.
Just take a gander at how tight the bubble is right now:
First off, let’s cherish this specific last month of the season we’re about to embark on. We aren’t usually treated to so many teams being forced to play their hearts out this late. It’ll be heart attack hockey up until the very last shift. Let’s enjoy it.
Now, for funsies, I’m officially mentally prepared to cast my final prediction of the Eastern Conference playoff field.
It would be silly to spend too much time explaining the locks. Hot take: I think all the locks are going to make it. You’re welcome for this insider info you can only find at the civ report dot substack dot com.
Let’s just get straight to the drama.
The Big, Bad Eastern Conference Bubble
New Jersey Devils
Yeah, you heard me. It’s officially time to consider the Devils and their cursed, injury-laden second half a bubble team. They look like shells of themselves lately, and why wouldn’t they?