NHL Playoffs Kick Off with New Faces

The NHL playoffs are set to start this Saturday, and it’ll be interesting to see some fresh teams in the mix this year.

By the time Sunday rolls around, four squads that missed the postseason last year—namely, the Sabers, Mammoths, Penguins, and Bruins—will have made the cut. Meanwhile, the Ducks, Flyers, and Blue Jackets are still vying for a chance. Anaheim could clinch their spot with a win over the Canucks on Sunday evening.

Buffalo has finally put an end to a daunting 14-season playoff drought. On the flip side, Utah State has managed to carve out some success in just its second season.

The Rangers are facing the prospect of another early summer, finding themselves in a sort of limbo.

In a recent analysis, it was noted that certain turnarounds can offer valuable lessons for the Blueshirts.

Boston Bruins

Boston’s general manager, Don Sweeney, has made pivotal moves, bumping the team’s points from 76 last season to 96 against Columbus on Sunday. This improvement comes after a tumultuous 2024-25 season where captain Brad Marchand was traded to Florida as part of a controversial deal.

The recent hiring of Kevin Maxwell for the Rangers is notable in light of how 10 players on the current Bruins roster were acquired through trades. Sweeney’s significant signings, including Tanner Jano and Jonathan Aspiroto, addressed key needs, with Aspirot now serving as Charlie McAvoy’s main partner on defense.

This season, the Bruins exhibited a more balanced offense, even if some players exceeded expectations. The depth in scoring proved essential for their playoff qualification. Historically, the Rangers have often leaned on a top-heavy lineup; however, they certainly recognize how a transformative goaltender can be a game-changer. Jeremy Swayman has emerged as the Bruins’ clear number one, showcasing his value during crucial moments this season.

Boston’s road back to the playoffs wasn’t entirely smooth. They encountered three losing streaks of five games or more along the way. It’s all a bit of a process, as Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan often points out. The Rangers themselves enjoyed two strong seasons before reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2022 and 2024, though that’s not the only path.

Utah Mammoths

The Mammoths are currently riding a five-game winning streak, marking their first playoff appearance as an organization. Their dedication to first-round draft picks like Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther is paying off, avoiding the pitfalls experienced by the Arizona Coyotes during their development. Cooley and Guenther are having standout seasons, and Utah’s young roster looks poised for a playoff breakthrough.

The Rangers have a history of struggling to develop their prospects effectively. The transitional phase from Arizona to Salt Lake City demanded patience, but it also ushered in a cultural shift, largely thanks to changing ownership. Ryan Smith, in particular, has been recognized for his thoughtful treatment of players and staff throughout this transition.

While nothing suggests that James Dolan, who owns the Rangers and Knicks, is planning to step away, Utah is demonstrating that some of the most vital changes can come from the very top.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins seemed set for a rebound this season, despite what many skeptics believed. Having not made the playoffs since 2022 and not won a series since 2018, Pittsburgh has found new life under a fresh coaching staff and strong performances from its core players, supported by the roster built by GM Kyle Dubas. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the “retooling” process the Rangers are aiming for.

Captain Sidney Crosby’s leadership is invaluable; his trio with Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang is one for the ages. The fact that they continue to perform excellently at 38 and 39 years old is quite remarkable.

A lot hinges on captain JT Miller’s contributions for the Rangers, both on and off the ice. Chris Drury, the president and general manager of the Blueshirts, has chosen the right path forward. Miller’s season has had its ups and downs, exacerbated by injuries. Additionally, former Rangers assistant Dan Muse has brought a new voice to the Penguins’ bench.

Dubas has managed to reshape the lineup effectively, bringing in Anthony Mantha, Egor Chinakhov, and rookie Ben Kindel, who have all reaped the benefits.