Several first-round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are nearing resolution as teams push to advance. Matchups feature teams looking to close out opponents and others attempting to force additional games.
Recent games saw the Florida Panthers defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 on Monday, taking a 3-1 lead in their series. The Panthers scored three goals late in the third period to secure the win. Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones scored goals 11 seconds apart to flip the score. The Panthers victory came in Tampa Bay.
Also Monday, the Dallas Stars defeated the Colorado Avalanche 6-2. Wyatt Johnston scored nine seconds into the game, setting a franchise record. Johnston added another goal and an assist. The Stars secured a 3-2 lead in their series with the Avalanche.
Tuesday features four Game 5s. The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Ottawa Senators, aiming to eliminate their provincial rivals. The Carolina Hurricanes play the New Jersey Devils at home with a chance to advance. In the Western Conference, the Vegas Golden Knights face the Minnesota Wild, and the Los Angeles Kings meet the Edmonton Oilers. Both Western Conference series are tied 2-2.
The performance of goaltenders has become a notable storyline in some series. Multiple goaltenders have been pulled from games during the first round.
Concerns have arisen regarding Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck after consecutive difficult starts. He allowed five goals on 18 shots in Game 4 against the St. Louis Blues after giving up six goals on 25 shots in Game 3. Hellebuyck was pulled in both games.
Looking ahead, the National Hockey League announced start times for four Game 6 contests scheduled for Thursday, May 1. These games involve teams attempting to keep their playoff hopes alive or finish their series on the road.
Start times were set for the Maple Leafs-Senators (7 p.m. ET), Golden Knights-Wild (7:30 p.m. ET), Stars-Avalanche (9:30 p.m. ET), and Kings-Oilers (10 p.m. ET) Game 6s. These will impact how the nhl playoff bracket shapes up for the second round.
The complete slate of games and results impacting the nhl playoff bracket can be followed. All first round series results are available.
