The Western Conference will be a gauntlet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, especially after the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline on Friday. There is no clear favorite.

The Western Conference playoffs are shaping up to be a gauntlet. Even though not every team is a Cup contender, everyone is competitive, and that should make for an exciting first round for fans ...

When it comes to the Western Conference, the eight-team field is officially set — as well as all of the first-round matchups — thanks to Tuesday's wins for the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues.

At the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off break, seven Eastern Conference teams are six points of the Detroit Red Wings, who occupy the second wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.