The opening round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs delivered exhilarating action, with dramatic comebacks, overtime thrillers, and standout performances. Here’s a comprehensive recap of the first-round matchups:
Eastern Conference
(A1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators
In the latest installment of the “Battle of Ontario,” the Toronto Maple Leafs triumphed over the Ottawa Senators in six games. Despite Ottawa’s regular-season dominance over Toronto, the Maple Leafs showcased resilience, securing three consecutive overtime victories to establish a commanding 3–0 series lead. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz’s consistent performances were pivotal in Toronto’s advancement.
(A2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (A3) Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers, reigning Stanley Cup champions, dispatched the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games. Matthew Tkachuk led the offensive charge, while goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky recorded a shutout in Game 2. Florida’s potent five-on-five play proved too formidable for Tampa Bay, setting up a second-round clash with Toronto.
(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens
The Washington Capitals, Eastern Conference leaders, overcame the Montreal Canadiens in five games. Captain Alexander Ovechkin delivered a memorable overtime winner in Game 1, and goaltender Logan Thompson’s 28-save performance in Game 5 sealed the series.
(M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M3) New Jersey Devils
The Carolina Hurricanes bested the New Jersey Devils in five games, highlighted by Andrei Svechnikov’s hat trick in Game 4. Sebastian Aho’s double-overtime goal in Game 5 clinched the series, propelling Carolina into a second-round matchup with Washington.
Western Conference
(C1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) St. Louis Blues
The Winnipeg Jets, Presidents’ Trophy winners, narrowly escaped a first-round upset by defeating the St. Louis Blues in a dramatic seven-game series. Trailing 3–1 late in Game 7, Winnipeg scored twice with an extra attacker, including Cole Perfetti’s goal with just over two seconds remaining. Captain Adam Lowry’s double-overtime winner completed the comeback, marking one of the most thrilling Game 7s in recent memory.
(C2) Colorado Avalanche vs. (C3) Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars rallied from a 2–0 deficit in Game 7 to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 4–2. Former Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen led the charge with a hat trick, while goaltender Jake Oettinger made 24 saves. Dallas advances to face Winnipeg in the second round.
(P1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild
The Vegas Golden Knights eliminated the Minnesota Wild in six games. Ivan Barbashev’s overtime goal in Game 4 shifted the series momentum, and Vegas closed out the series with a 4–1 victory in Game 6.
(P2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (P3) Los Angeles Kings
The Edmonton Oilers dispatched the Los Angeles Kings in five games, showcasing their offensive prowess. Edmonton now prepares for a second-round showdown with the top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights.
The second round promises to deliver more high-stakes action as teams fight for a spot in the Conference Finals.
