The postseason began with familiar expectations. Winnipeg topped the regular-season standings and Washington led the East. Both teams entered the first round confident and well-positioned. Winnipeg overcame a strong push from St. Louis in seven games. Washington dispatched Montreal in five with steady defense and balanced scoring.
Despite their top-seed status, neither team has had an easy path. Washington now faces Carolina, who rolled past New Jersey in their opener. The series is leaning toward Carolina, whose defense has disrupted the Capitals’ usual rhythm. Game 4 may prove pivotal.
Panthers, Leafs keep Atlantic tight
Florida entered the playoffs with less fanfare but gained momentum fast. They eliminated Tampa Bay 4-1 with aggressive play and depth scoring. Their next challenge is Toronto, who survived a tough six-game series against Ottawa.
Now tied 2-2, their second-round matchup has been unpredictable. Toronto won the opening two games with late-game goals. Florida responded with a shutout and an overtime win. The series heads back to Toronto, where home ice could prove decisive.
Jets-Stars shaping into key battle
In the Central, the Winnipeg-Dallas series is drawing attention. Winnipeg had to survive a draining series against the Blues, winning Game 7 in double overtime. That fatigue has been a factor against a fresher Dallas squad.
The Stars, led by Mikko Rantanen’s strong scoring, took a 2-1 lead. Winnipeg answered in Game 2 with a shutout but fell short in Game 3. Game 4 in Dallas could swing the series. Each contest so far has shown how closely matched these teams are.
Oilers, Knights lock horns again
The Pacific rivalry between Edmonton and Vegas remains intense. The Oilers struck early, winning Games 1 and 2. Vegas responded with a narrow Game 3 win to stay in the fight.
Both teams have playoff experience and stars capable of shifting momentum. Connor McDavid continues to generate offense for Edmonton. Vegas has leaned on Jack Eichel’s playmaking and tight defensive play. Their series is the most volatile so far, with each shift carrying weight.
Read more: Mitch Marner and Stephanie LaChance: A love rooted in real life
Every round raises the stakes
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs have already delivered speed, drama, and unpredictability. No team has coasted. Even favorites have had to grind for wins. Each series remains open, with no clear front-runner emerging yet. As the second round continues, team depth, resilience, and timely performances will determine who moves forward. The Cup is still anyone’s to win.
Despite their top-seed status, neither team has had an easy path. Washington now faces Carolina, who rolled past New Jersey in their opener. The series is leaning toward Carolina, whose defense has disrupted the Capitals’ usual rhythm. Game 4 may prove pivotal.
Panthers, Leafs keep Atlantic tight
Florida entered the playoffs with less fanfare but gained momentum fast. They eliminated Tampa Bay 4-1 with aggressive play and depth scoring. Their next challenge is Toronto, who survived a tough six-game series against Ottawa.
Now tied 2-2, their second-round matchup has been unpredictable. Toronto won the opening two games with late-game goals. Florida responded with a shutout and an overtime win. The series heads back to Toronto, where home ice could prove decisive.
Jets-Stars shaping into key battle
In the Central, the Winnipeg-Dallas series is drawing attention. Winnipeg had to survive a draining series against the Blues, winning Game 7 in double overtime. That fatigue has been a factor against a fresher Dallas squad.
The Stars, led by Mikko Rantanen’s strong scoring, took a 2-1 lead. Winnipeg answered in Game 2 with a shutout but fell short in Game 3. Game 4 in Dallas could swing the series. Each contest so far has shown how closely matched these teams are.
Oilers, Knights lock horns again
The Pacific rivalry between Edmonton and Vegas remains intense. The Oilers struck early, winning Games 1 and 2. Vegas responded with a narrow Game 3 win to stay in the fight.
Both teams have playoff experience and stars capable of shifting momentum. Connor McDavid continues to generate offense for Edmonton. Vegas has leaned on Jack Eichel’s playmaking and tight defensive play. Their series is the most volatile so far, with each shift carrying weight.
Read more: Mitch Marner and Stephanie LaChance: A love rooted in real life
Every round raises the stakes
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs have already delivered speed, drama, and unpredictability. No team has coasted. Even favorites have had to grind for wins. Each series remains open, with no clear front-runner emerging yet. As the second round continues, team depth, resilience, and timely performances will determine who moves forward. The Cup is still anyone’s to win.
You may also like
Talks with Pakistan can only happen on terror, return of PoK: PM Modi draws red line
Outlining India's doctrinal shift to hard-nosed message for Pak: Full text of PM Modi's address to nation
Shocking images show vile souvenirs created by trophy hunters from holiday kills
Putin's 'honeytrap' spy scheme sees six Bulgarians jailed for passing info to Russia
Gentle yet effective eye cream that makes skin 'less puffy and wrinkled' now has 20% off
