The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs continue to feature outstanding player performances, and Tuesday night delivered. Jaccob Slavin played a key role in the Carolina Hurricanes` Game 1 victory against the Washington Capitals, while the Edmonton Oilers` star pair fueled a successful rally in Las Vegas.
In Washington D.C., the evening`s action started with a tight, defensive battle between the Hurricanes and Capitals, ending regulation tied 1-1. Slavin was instrumental in the defensive effort and emerged as the overtime hero.
Out in Las Vegas, the Golden Knights took an early 2-0 lead in the first period. However, the Oilers shifted momentum in the second frame, largely thanks to another brilliant performance from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who combined for four points. When these two are on their game, even top defensive clubs struggle to contain them.
As another night of playoff hockey concludes, we recognize the top individual contributions with our selection of the 3 Stars of the Night.
3. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers secured another comeback victory on Tuesday, with Draisaitl netting a crucial goal. Facing a 2-1 deficit early in the third period, Draisaitl displayed impressive hand-eye coordination and hockey sense. After Adin Hill deflected an Evan Bouchard shot into the air, Draisaitl deftly swatted the puck backhand just as it landed on the ice, directing it off Hill`s pad and into the net to equalize the game. Beyond this highlight-reel play, Draisaitl also assisted Edmonton`s initial goal, delivering a precise cross-ice pass to Connor McDavid during a classic zone entry.
2. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers
Although McDavid didn`t score in the Oilers` Game 1 win against the Golden Knights, he was the primary catalyst for their comeback. Much like in the first round, McDavid elevated his game when his team trailed, making several impactful plays that altered the course of the contest.
The Oilers captain recorded assists on his team`s first two goals, showcasing remarkable skill on each play. For the opening goal, McDavid delivered a flawless pass around Brayden McNabb to find Corey Perry alone in front of Adin Hill. His second assist came after a dazzling end-to-end rush, which led to the sequence where Draisaitl scored on the rebound from the Bouchard shot.
1. Jaccob Slavin, D, Carolina Hurricanes
Jaccob Slavin`s performance in Game 1 against the Capitals was exceptional, featuring nearly flawless shutdown defense and the decisive overtime goal. During his 18 minutes of five-on-five play, the Hurricanes significantly out-attempted their opponent (plus-23), generated more scoring chances (plus-12), and had a distinct advantage in high-danger chances (plus-5), according to Natural Stat Trick. Given that Washington finished second in the regular season in goals scored (286), Slavin`s defensive contribution was truly outstanding.
Offensively, Slavin topped the Hurricanes with five shots on goal. His fifth shot proved to be the game-winner, slipping beneath the pad of Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson only 3:06 into overtime. Few players demonstrated a greater two-way impact than Slavin on this night.
