We Asked A.I. to Predict the 2025 Stanley Cup Final

Another day, another fun exercise exploring the wild responses I might get from posing an NHL-related question to A.I., I decided to try it. Today, I asked ChatGPT: “Can you Predict the 2025 Stanley Cup Final?”

The answer that ChatGPT gave wasn’t the wildest response we have gotten since we started this series. The answer actually made sense and could be a very real possibility. Remember, this is based on an A.I. response, so it’s not true or even speculation—just a guess from a machine. It’s also important to note that ChatGPT is not exactly up to speed on the NHL standings or the rumors floating around.

2025 Stanley Cup Final Prediction

Colorado Avalanche vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Two very good teams with major goaltending issues this season got selected by Chat GPT. One has to wonder if they considered that.

Over the past few years, both the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes have been among the NHL’s elite teams. As such, it makes a lot of sense on paper to pick these two franchises. However, the likelihood of this prediction coming true in real life may be low.

As of this writing, Carolina sits third in the Metropolitan Division, and Colorado sits third in the Central. Both teams were once powerhouses in their own conferences, but now they’re good, but not necessarily in the upper echelon of teams that would be considered a near lock to make the Stanley Cup Final.

For Colorado, several teams are standing in their way: the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Winnipeg Jets, and even the Minnesota Wild.

As for the Hurricanes, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, and New Jersey Devils could make life tough on Carolina’s chances of making it to the Finals.

Western Conference: Colorado Avalanche?

The Avalanche have most of the tools to make another run to the Stanley Cup Final. Led by Nathan MacKinnon, one of the NHL’s most electrifying players, and Cale Makar, arguably the best defenseman in the league, they’ve also got Mikko Rantanen playing in a contract year. The team definitely has the star power to carry them deep into the playoffs.

Their depth is also another major strength, as players like Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin can step up in big moments. On the back end, Makar and Devon Toews are one of the best defensive pairings in the NHL and can change the course of the game on any shift.

It’s the fact they are still missing Gabriel Landeskog and questions about their goaltending that make the Avs a question mark. Their newly acquired goaltending duo of MacKenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood adds stability in the net, but is it enough?

Eastern Conference: Carolina Hurricanes?

Like the Avalanche, the Hurricanes have most of the pieces needed to make a serious run to the Stanley Cup Final. There is one exception: they need better goaltending.

With a deep, balanced roster but a vastly different defensive core from seasons past, there have been questions in the past about whether they’re built for playoff hockey. If they don’t have a solid starter in net, they won’t go far.

Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin lead the way on the back end, providing shutdown ability and offensive production. That said, the team lost Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei in free agency this summer. It’s unlikely Chat GPT took that into consideration.

Up front, Sebastian Aho is the team’s heartbeat, while Andrei Svechnikov adds game-breaking skill. Players like Martin Necas and Jesperi Kotkaniemi give the lineup depth and additional scoring. Last season, the team improved their playoff scoring, actually ranking second in goals-for-per-game. That’s a huge hurdle it appears they’ve jumped.

Unfortunately, their goaltending is a bit of an Achilles heel. The team continues to deal with Frederik Andersen’s injuries that keep him on the shelf for months at a time. They will need to look to add another goalie before the deadline to shore up their crease.

The X-factor for the Hurricanes has and continues to be head coach Rod Brind’Amour. There is something about him that makes you feel like his teams are never out of it.

Of These Two Teams, Who Wins?

ChatGPT also predicted who will win their predicted 2025 Stanley Cup Final matchup. They have the Avalanche winning the Cup in seven games over the Hurricanes. It’s possible, but it’s definitely a stretch.

Do you think they got it right?

Next: We Asked A.I. to Predict the Biggest 2025 NHL Deadline Trades