Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins kick off the Eastern Conference first round after Buffalo ended a 12-year playoff drought. Buffalo's Atlantic Division title sets up a high-stakes battle against Boston, with Nikolaj Ehlers (28 points since the Olympic break) emerging as Carolina's top bet for most points in their series against the Ottawa Senators. ESPN's Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash highlight Ehlers' playoff-ready form, noting his six points in four games and consistent production despite Carolina securing the division early.

In the Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia rematch of the 2021 Final, Porter Martone's +330 odds to tally 20+ shots in the series stand out. The Flyers' young guns aim to upset the Penguins' veteran core, while Quinn Hughes (Minnesota) and Ryan Hartman (Dallas) draw attention for their series MVP potential. Hughes, a game-time decision for Game 1 due to illness, leads the NHL in puck possession time, making him a top Conn Smythe contender if the Wild advance.

The Colorado Avalanche remain President's Trophy favorites, but their path to the Stanley Cup faces hurdles against the Los Angeles Kings. Meanwhile, Linus Ullmark (Senators) and Jake Oettinger (Stars) are critical to their teams' playoff hopes, with Ullmark's 14-4-3 record since January and Oettinger's 35-1 odds for the Conn Smythe reflecting their goaltending prowess. With the Western Conference featuring Edmonton, Vegas, and Anaheim in a stacked bracket, ESPN's analysts stress that defensive depth and playoff experience will decide the series outcomes.