The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up as the first round comes to a thrilling close, setting the stage for several highly anticipated second-round matchups. With surprises, comebacks, and emotional farewells, this year’s postseason is delivering drama in every series. As of May 2, eight teams have punched their tickets to the next round, including the defending champion Florida Panthers, who are eyeing back-to-back titles.
Florida Panthers Roar Into Round Two
The Florida Panthers wasted no time asserting dominance in their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Clinching the series in five games, the Panthers demonstrated offensive firepower and solid goaltending, with key performances from Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov. Game 5 was especially emphatic, with a 6-3 win sealing the series and silencing any critics who doubted their chances at a repeat.
Florida now prepares for a compelling second-round showdown with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team that has finally begun to exorcise its playoff demons.
Also Read: Fortescue Overcomes Cyclone Disruptions to Boost Iron Ore Shipments in Q3
Leafs Break Old Curse, Set Sights on Panthers
Toronto’s 4-2 series victory over the Ottawa Senators marked only their second playoff series win since 2004. The Battle of Ontario revived an old rivalry, and it did not disappoint. The Leafs jumped out to a 3-0 series lead before the Senators clawed back with two wins, including a dominant 4-0 shutout in Game 5. But Toronto closed out the series with a convincing 4-2 win in Game 6.
Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have been pivotal, but goaltender Ilya Samsonov’s clutch saves have provided the stability Toronto desperately needed. The matchup against Florida promises to be a high-octane, physical series.
Capitals, Hurricanes Set for Metropolitan Showdown
In the Metropolitan Division, the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes both advanced with 4-1 series wins and are set to clash in a second-round series that promises grit and intensity.
The Capitals took down the Montreal Canadiens, with captain Alex Ovechkin leading by example and Tom Wilson providing physicality and scoring touch. After a minor stumble in Game 3, Washington responded with two commanding wins to close out the series.
Carolina, meanwhile, held off the New Jersey Devils with their signature depth and defensive prowess. The Hurricanes’ only blemish was a Game 3 double-overtime loss, but they bounced back to win the next two. Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov have been leading the charge offensively, while goalie Frederik Andersen continues to provide consistency between the pipes.
Golden Knights Advance in Emotional Victory
Over in the Western Conference, the Vegas Golden Knights edged out the Minnesota Wild in a tightly contested five-game series. The highlight of the series was the final appearance of legendary goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who received an emotional sendoff after Game 5. Vegas now faces a stiff challenge in the Edmonton Oilers.
Vegas’ balanced attack and physical play wore down Minnesota. With playoff veterans like Jonathan Marchessault and Jack Eichel stepping up, the Golden Knights look prepared for another deep run.
Oilers Eliminate Kings for Fourth Straight Year
The Edmonton Oilers continued their dominance over the Los Angeles Kings, eliminating them in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. After falling behind 2-0 in the series, the Oilers rattled off four straight wins, highlighted by Connor McDavid’s dazzling performances and Leon Draisaitl’s scoring touch. Game 6 ended in a 6-4 victory, showcasing Edmonton’s explosive offense.
The Oilers-Golden Knights series promises fireworks, with two of the West’s most aggressive offenses set to collide.
Avalanche Force Game 7
The only remaining first-round series yet to be decided is between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars. The Avalanche staved off elimination with a high-scoring 7-4 victory on Thursday night, tying the series 3-3. Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon led the charge for Colorado, whose offensive depth overwhelmed the Stars late in the game.
Game 7, set for Saturday, will determine who advances to face the winner of the Vancouver Canucks-Winnipeg Jets series, which is also nearing its conclusion.
Streaming and Coverage
Fans can catch all the playoff action via FuboTV, which carries ESPN games
