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2025 NHL Playoffs: First Round Recap & Second Round Preview

The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have advanced to the second round, featuring intense matchups between top contenders. Here’s a comprehensive recap of the first round and a preview of the upcoming series.

🏒 First Round Recap

Eastern Conference

  • Toronto Maple Leafs def. Ottawa Senators (4–2): Toronto overcame a resilient Ottawa team, with Auston Matthews and William Nylander delivering clutch performances. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz was instrumental in securing the series. Wikipedia, l’enciclopedia libera
  • Florida Panthers def. Tampa Bay Lightning (4–1): The Panthers dominated their in-state rivals, showcasing a potent offense and solid defense to advance comfortably. ESPN.com
  • Carolina Hurricanes def. New Jersey Devils (4–1): Carolina’s aggressive playstyle and depth were too much for New Jersey, with Sebastian Aho leading the charge. ESPN.com
  • Washington Capitals def. Montreal Canadiens (4–1): Washington secured their first second-round appearance since 2018, with Alex Ovechkin and Logan Thompson playing pivotal roles. The Washington Post

Western Conference

  • Edmonton Oilers def. Los Angeles Kings (4–2): Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl propelled the Oilers past the Kings, marking their fourth consecutive playoff series win over Los Angeles. New York Post
  • Vegas Golden Knights def. Minnesota Wild (4–2): Vegas’s balanced attack and strong defense proved decisive against Minnesota.
  • Dallas Stars def. Colorado Avalanche (4–3): In a thrilling seven-game series, Mikko Rantanen’s hat trick in Game 7 led Dallas to victory over his former team. Medium
  • Winnipeg Jets def. St. Louis Blues (4–3): The Jets edged out the Blues in a tightly contested series, with Connor Hellebuyck’s goaltending being a key factor.

🔮 Second Round Matchups & Previews

Eastern Conference

(A1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (A2) Florida Panthers

  • Game 1: Toronto secured a 5–4 victory, with Auston Matthews leading the offense.
  • Outlook: The Panthers aim to rebound by leveraging their physical play and depth, while the Maple Leafs look to maintain their offensive momentum.

(M1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M2) Washington Capitals

  • Game 1: Scheduled for May 6 at 7 p.m ET.
  • Outlook: This series is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams showcasing strong defensive structures and key offensive contributors.

Western Conference

(P1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (P2) Edmonton Oilers

  • Game 1: Scheduled for May 6 at 9:30 p.m. ET. NHL.com
  • Outlook: Vegas’s depth and defensive prowess will challenge Edmonton’s star-driven offense led by McDavid and Draisaitl. New York Post

(C1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (C2) Dallas Stars

  • Game 1: Scheduled for May 7 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
  • Outlook: The Stars’ offensive firepower, including Rantanen, will test the Jets’ defense and goaltending.sbnation.com+1Medium+1

Best Performace

The standout individual performance of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs’ first round belongs to Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars. Facing his former team, the Colorado Avalanche, Rantanen delivered a historic Game 7 performance, recording a third-period hat trick and an assist to lead the Stars to a 4–2 comeback victory. This feat marked the first time in NHL history that a player notched a hat trick in the third period of a Game 7 against his former team.

Best Comeback/Moment

The most dramatic comeback of the 2025 NHL Playoffs’ first round occurred in Game 7 between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues. Facing elimination, the Jets trailed 3–2 late in the third period. With just 2.2 seconds remaining, Cole Perfetti scored the tying goal, marking the latest game-tying goal in a Game 7 in NHL history. The momentum carried into overtime, where Adam Lowry netted the game-winner at 16:10 of the second overtime, securing a 4–3 victory for Winnipeg and a berth in the second round.

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