The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs saw their first series conclude when the Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils. Carolina secured the series victory in Game 5, winning 5-4 in double overtime on a power play goal by Sebastian Aho.
The decisive Game 5 started with the Devils taking a commanding 3-0 lead early, suggesting they might force a Game 6. However, the Hurricanes quickly responded in the second period, scoring three goals in less than six minutes to tie the game. Devils goalie Jacob Markström made 32 consecutive saves, many spectacular, through the late third period and the first overtime. But a double-minor penalty in the second overtime proved costly for New Jersey, leading to the winning goal. Carolina will next play the winner of the Capitals-Canadiens series.
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a chance to advance, but the Ottawa Senators kept their series hopes alive with a 4-0 shutout victory to force a Game 6. Linus Ullmark earned his first career playoff shutout with 29 saves. Thomas Chabot and Dylan Cozens scored the initial goals, followed by two empty-netters. Historically, only four NHL teams have ever come back from an 0-3 series deficit, a challenge the Senators now face as they prepare for Game 6.
In another comeback story, the Edmonton Oilers have rallied from an 0-2 deficit against the Los Angeles Kings to take a 3-2 series lead. They now have an opportunity to eliminate the Kings on home ice. This series shifted dramatically midway through Game 4, with the Oilers subsequently dominating in puck possession, shots on goal, and scoring. The Kings are fighting to avoid a fourth consecutive first-round elimination by Edmonton, but the Oilers appear to have found their rhythm.
The Vegas Golden Knights reached a franchise milestone by playing their 100th playoff game, a notable achievement for a team less than ten years old. They celebrated with a 3-2 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild, taking a 3-2 series lead. An interesting statistic for Vegas: they have won 41 consecutive playoff games when scoring three or more goals.
Looking ahead, several more crucial Game 5s are scheduled. The Florida Panthers aim to eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Washington Capitals look to close out the Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues will compete, vying to break their series tie and take a 3-2 lead.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
Game 1: Maple Leafs 6, Senators 2
Game 2: Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT)
Game 3: Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT)
Game 4: Senators 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT)
Game 5: Senators 4, Maple Leafs 0
Game 6: Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m. at Ottawa
*Game 7: Saturday, May 3, TBD at Toronto
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
Game 1: Panthers 6, Lightning 2
Game 2: Panthers 2, Lightning 0
Game 3: Lightning 5, Panthers 1
Game 4: Panthers 4, Lightning 2
Game 5: Wednesday, April 30, 7:30 p.m. at Tampa Bay
*Game 6: Friday, May 2, TBD at Florida
*Game 7: Sunday, May 4, TBD at Tampa Bay
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
Game 1: Capitals 3, Canadiens 2 (OT)
Game 2: Capitals 3, Canadiens 1
Game 3: Canadiens 6, Capitals 3
Game 4: Capitals 5, Canadiens 2
Game 5: Wednesday, April 30, 7 p.m. at Washington
*Game 6: Friday, May 2, TBD at Montreal
*Game 7: Sunday, May 4, TBD at Washington
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
Game 1: Hurricanes 4, Devils 1
Game 2: Hurricanes 3, Devils 1
Game 3: Devils 3, Hurricanes 2 (2OT)
Game 4: Hurricanes 5, Devils 2
Game 5: Hurricanes 5, Devils 4 (2OT) – Hurricanes win series 4-1
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Game 1: Jets 5, Blues 3
Game 2: Jets 2, Blues 1
Game 3: Blues 7, Jets 2
Game 4: Blues 5, Jets 1
Game 5: Wednesday, April 30, 9:30 p.m. at Winnipeg
Game 6: Friday, May 2, TBD at St. Louis
*Game 7: Sunday, May 4, TBD at Winnipeg
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
Game 1: Avalanche 5, Stars 1
Game 2: Stars 4, Avalanche 3 (OT)
Game 3: Stars 2, Avalanche 1 (OT)
Game 4: Avalanche 4, Stars 0
Game 5: Stars 6, Avalanche 2
Game 6: Thursday, May 1, 9:30 p.m. at Colorado
*Game 7: Saturday, May 3, TBD at Dallas
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
Game 1: Golden Knights 4, Wild 2
Game 2: Wild 5, Golden Knights 2
Game 3: Wild 5, Golden Knights 2
Game 4: Golden Knights 4, Wild 3 (OT)
Game 5: Golden Knights 3, Wild 2 (OT)
Game 6: Thursday, May 1, 7:30 p.m. at Minnesota
*Game 7: Saturday, May 3, TBD at Vegas
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Game 1: Kings 6, Oilers 5
Game 2: Kings 6, Oilers 2
Game 3: Oilers 7, Kings 4
Game 4: Oilers 4, Kings 3 (OT)
Game 5: Oilers 3, Kings 1
Game 6: Thursday, May 1, 10 p.m. at Edmonton
*Game 7: Saturday, May 3, TBD at Los Angeles
