With two weeks left in the 2024-25 NHL regular season, six of the 16 spots in the Stanley Cup Playoffs have been claimed. Barring some epic meltdowns, most of the remaining postseason berths are unofficially accounted for, with the second wild card in the Eastern Conference appearing to be a fight to the finish.

The five teams battling for the spot are separated by five points, and three of those clubs -- the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders -- entered Thursday with eight games left on the schedule. Montreal currently owns the second wild card, although it is even in points with the New York Rangers, who have seven games left. The Columbus Blue Jackets trail the Canadiens by two points and have nine games to play, while Detroit and the Islanders are four and five points back, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets (106 points), Washington Capitals (105) and Dallas Stars (102) are the top contenders for the Presidents' Trophy. However, most sportsbooks list Dallas at +600 to win the Stanley Cup, giving it the best chance of those three teams -- and almost every other club. The reigning champion Florida Panthers are strongly being considered to repeat, especially if Matthew Tkachuk successfully returns from the lower-body injury he suffered in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

Although the first-round playoff matchups won't be determined for a while, we'll take an early look at the best bets to secure the second wild card in the East and win the Stanley Cup, as well as who to avoid.

Who captures the last playoff spot in the East and who wins the 2025 Stanley Cup? And which HUGE long shot could go all the way? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Scott Erskine's Stanley Cup picks, all from the expert who has covered the league and the sport of hockey for more than 20 years!