On April 19 2025, 16 National Hockey League (NHL) teams began their chase for the coveted Stanley Cup. The 2025 playoff matchups have made for intense play and exciting games for fans of all teams. Throughout the regular season several powerhouse teams from the Western Conference such as the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars claimed their spots in the playoffs and continued to showcase their impressive level of play moving into the second round. However, some fan favorites such as the Colorado Avalanche and the New Jersey Devils fell short to the tough competition in the first round. As games progress, fans continue to root for their favorite teams.
With three Canadian teams clinching spots in the playoffs, viewership in Canada has skyrocketed with an estimated 1.68 million viewers. The Toronto Maple Leafs were able to defeat the Ottawa Senators 4-2 and advance to the second round. With Toronto winning the first three games in the series, they were followed by two losses to Ottawa and having a total of three overtime games made for an eventful series for Canadian hockey fans. William Nylander, Maple Leafs’ right wing, had a notable performance in game six, with one assist and scoring two goals which aided Toronto to their victory over the Senators.
The Dallas Stars were among some of the breakthrough teams in the playoffs with their 4-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Stars right wing, Mikko Rantanen, was a standout player in game seven with one assist and scoring a hat trick. The Stars were able to win three out of four home games and an additional away game victory to come out on top in their first round matchup. On the other hand, despite the loss, the Avalanche still performed well under the pressure. Colorado center and alternate captain, Nathan MacKinnon scored a total of seven goals and had four assists throughout the seven game series.
As for the Carolina Hurricanes, their victory came in a much shorter series than the Stars. In their round one matchup, Carolina was able to defeat the New Jersey Devils 4-1. The Hurricanes showcased their team’s skill with their reliable offense and their all-around defense throughout the five games against the Devils, sending a clear message to their future competition that they are able to rise to the challenge. Carolina goalie Frederik Anderson assisted the team in their round one domination with consistency in the net including a 0.958 save percentage in game one, 25 saves in game two and six saves on seven shots in game five before exiting the game due to an undisclosed injury. Anderson has since recovered and looks to continue to display his capabilities as the starting goalie in round two. Additionally, Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven helped put Carolina at an early lead after scoring two goals in game one.
The 2025 NHL playoffs have already delivered a deal of competition and surprising outcomes for the 16 teams. With the Oilers and the Stars continuing to assert their dominance, and fan favorites such as the Avalanche and the Devils falling short, the stakes are high. Round one ultimately set the stage for what is to come for the remaining eight teams in the second round. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers will all continue their pursuit for the prize of being named this season’s Stanley Cup Champions in their games throughout the remainder of May.
