The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Are Here: Ranking the Series 1 Thru 8
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Are Here: Ranking the Series 1 Thru 8” inside PodZeus.
The Locked On NHL podcast kicks off the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a detailed ranking of the first-round series, highlighting the most compelling matchups and the least compelling ones. Hosts Rachel Donner and Gil Martin break down the eight series, with their top picks being Minnesota vs. Dallas, Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia, Boston vs. Buffalo, and Tampa vs. Montreal—each praised for high-stakes rivalries, elite talent, and exciting styles of play. They express disappointment that top-tier teams like the Wild and Stars are facing off early, while also celebrating underdog stories like the Buffalo Sabres’ return to the playoffs and the Flyers’ Cinderella run. The hosts also discuss the end-of-season awards, including Connor McDavid’s sixth Art Ross Trophy and Nathan McKinnon’s Rocket Richard win, while noting team management changes, such as the Vancouver Canucks firing their GM and New Jersey hiring Sonny Mehta. The episode closes with a preview of the playoff schedule and a strong endorsement of the Everydayer Club for fans seeking ad-free content and community access.
Minnesota vs. Dallas is the most exciting series on paper, featuring the top two teams in the league.
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia is the marquee rivalry with deep history and cross-state intensity.
Buffalo’s playoff return is a story of redemption and long-awaited fan joy.
Tampa vs. Montreal offers a clash of young talent and sustainable team-building philosophies.
LA vs. Colorado is a massive mismatch on paper, but the contrast in styles makes it compelling.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Playoff Kickoff & Series Rankings Overview
“The first round is my favorite round because it's wall to wall hockey. There are so many good matchups, so many exciting games. And it's like you're swimming in great hockey for two weeks.”
Top 4 Series: Elite Matchups & Rivalries
“For me, it was number two on my list. Okay. Fair. Right. And I would say that the Flyers Pens getting the 8 p.m. primetime slot would confirm that the Flyers Pens is a better series than the Wild Stars.”
Bottom 4 Series: Mismatches & Fan Preferences
“I just think these are two good hockey teams. I mean, I just think the quality of play between these two teams will be higher than some of the other series.”
End-of-Season Awards & Management Changes
The hosts review major awards like the Art Ross (McDavid), Rocket Richard (McKinnon), and Jennings Trophy (Colorado goaltenders), then discuss GM firings and hires in Vancouver, New Jersey, and Chicago.
Playoff Schedule & Final Thoughts
The episode wraps with a preview of the opening day’s games, a celebration of the playoff atmosphere, and a strong pitch for the Everydayer Club.
“The best time of the year for hockey fans.”
“The first round is my favorite round because it's wall to wall hockey. There are so many good matchups, so many exciting games. And it's like you're swimming in great hockey for two weeks.”
“I don't like watching the Vegas Golden Knights play hockey. I don't enjoy their style of play.”
Hosts
Rachel Donner
person
Gil Martin
person
Philadelphia Flyers
other
Pittsburgh Penguins
other
Connor McDavid
person
Colorado Avalanche
other
Buffalo Sabres
other
Dallas Stars
other
Minnesota Wild
other
Montreal Canadiens
other
Is the Brad Treliving SHOCKWAVE Just the BEGINNING for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League • 34m • 3/31/2026
GAME NIGHT: Isles DROP two-points versus Buffalo, Pens POUR IT ON, Devils and Rangers MAYHEM
Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League • 41m • 4/1/2026
Western Conference Wild Card Race Heats Up, Bruins Solidify Playoff Spot + Three Stars of the Week
Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League • 38m • 4/1/2026
Why the Maple Leafs FIRED Brad Treliving | Macklin Celebrini is UNREAL
Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League • 29m • 4/2/2026
GAME NIGHT: Canes/Wild clinch, Sabres/Bolts on hold, Leafs, Panthers, Blackhawks are officially out
Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League • 35m • 4/3/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Are Here: Ranking the Series 1 Thru 8” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime