NHL Playoffs: High-Stakes Showdowns Loom in First Round As the Stanley Cup Playoffs heat up, teams are gearing up for intense battles for supremacy. Among the 16 teams vying for the coveted championship, some face more daunting challenges than others. For the top contenders, a first-round exit would be a crushing disappointment, especially for those with a rich history of success or high expectations from their fans. In this preview, we'll examine the three first-round playoff series with the most at stake, where only one team can advance to the next round and take a crucial step towards hoisting the Stanley Cup.


The ultimate goal for every NHL team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is to win it all, but for some teams, more than others, winning it all matters more. With that, we’ll visit the three first-round playoff series with the most at stake.