NHL Playoffs 2025: Schedule, bracket, scores, results for all first-round series in pursuit of the Stanley Cup

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs have seen their first series conclusion. The Carolina Hurricanes successfully advanced by defeating the New Jersey Devils in Game 5. The deciding goal came in double overtime from Sebastian Aho on the power play, securing a 5-4 victory and sending the Devils home for the summer.

New Jersey initially looked strong, building a 3-0 lead within the first ten minutes of Game 5, hinting at a potential Game 6 back on their home ice. However, Carolina staged a rapid comeback, scoring three goals in just 5:40 during the second period to tie the game. Devils goaltender Jacob Markström was outstanding, stopping 32 consecutive shots, including several critical saves late in the third period and through overtime. The turning point occurred in the second extra frame when a four-minute double-minor high-sticking penalty against Dawson Mercer gave Carolina the opportunity they needed, leading to the game-winning goal. The Hurricanes will now face the winner of the series between the Capitals and Canadiens.

The Toronto Maple Leafs also had a chance to clinch their series last night, but the Ottawa Senators kept their playoff hopes alive by forcing a Game 6 with a dominant 4-0 victory back in Ottawa. Linus Ullmark was perfect, stopping all 29 shots for his first career playoff shutout. Goals from Thomas Chabot and Dylan Cozens, complemented by two empty-net tallies, sealed the win for the Senators. Historically, only four teams in NHL history have successfully overcome a 0-3 series deficit, and the Senators are aiming to take the next step in their challenging comeback bid in Game 6 on Thursday.

Speaking of teams fighting back from deficits, the Edmonton Oilers have flipped their series against the Los Angeles Kings, recovering from an 0-2 hole to take a 3-2 lead. They now have the chance to eliminate the Kings on their home ice on Thursday. This series has been characterized by a significant shift in momentum; since roughly the midpoint of Game 4, the Oilers have been clearly superior in puck possession, shots on goal, and, crucially, scoring. Los Angeles is desperately trying to avoid a fourth consecutive first-round elimination at the hands of Edmonton, suggesting the Oilers have found a way to consistently outperform their Californian rivals.

The Vegas Golden Knights reached a notable benchmark on Tuesday, playing their 100th playoff game. This is a significant accomplishment for a franchise that has been in the league for less than a decade. They marked the occasion with an exciting 3-2 overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild, taking a 3-2 lead in their series. An interesting statistic highlights Vegas`s offensive power: they have won 41 consecutive playoff games when they score at least three goals.

Looking ahead to Wednesday night, three crucial Game 5s are on the schedule. Both the Florida Panthers and the Washington Capitals have opportunities to close out their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadiens, respectively. In the other matchup, the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues will compete in Canada for a pivotal Game 5, with the winner taking a critical 3-2 series lead.

(1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators

Game 1: Maple Leafs 6, Senators 2 | Recap

Game 2: Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT) | Recap

Game 3: Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT) | Recap

Game 4: Senators 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT) | Recap

Game 5: Senators 4, Maple Leafs 0 | Recap

Game 6: Thursday, May 1 | 7 p.m. | at OTT | TBS/Max

*Game 7: Saturday, May 3 | TBD | at TOR | TBD

(2)Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) Florida Panthers

Game 1: Panthers 6, Lightning 2 | Recap

Game 2: Panthers 2, Lightning 0 | Recap

Game 3: Lightning 5, Panthers 1 | Recap

Game 4: Panthers 4, Lightning 2 | Recap

Game 5: Wednesday, April 30 | 7:30 p.m. | at TB | ESPN2

*Game 6: Friday, May 2 | TBD | at FLA | TBD

*Game 7: Sunday, May 4 | TBD | at TB | TBD

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens

Game 1: Capitals 3, Canadiens 2 (OT) | Recap

Game 2: Capitals 3, Canadiens 1 | Recap

Game 3: Canadiens 6, Capitals 3 | Recap

Game 4: Capitals 5, Canadiens 2 | Recap

Game 5: Wednesday, April 30 | 7 p.m. | at WSH | ESPN

*Game 6: Friday, May 2 | TBD | at MTL | TBD

*Game 7: Sunday, May 4 | TBD | at WSH | TBD

(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) New Jersey Devils

Game 1: Hurricanes 4, Devils 1 | Recap

Game 2: Hurricanes 3, Devils 1 | Recap

Game 3: Devils 3, Hurricanes 2 (2OT) | Recap

Game 4: Hurricanes 5, Devils 2 | Recap

Game 5: Hurricanes 5, Devils 4 (2OT) | Recap

(1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) St. Louis Blues

Game 1: Jets 5, Blues 3 | Recap

Game 2: Jets 2, Blues 1 | Recap

Game 3: Blues 7, Jets 2 | Recap

Game 4: Blues 5, Jets 1 | Recap

Game 5: Wednesday, April 30 | 9:30 p.m. | at WPG | ESPN

Game 6: Friday, May 2 | TBD | at STL | TBD

*Game 7: Sunday, May 4 | TBD | at WPG | TBD

(2) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche

Game 1: Avalanche 5, Stars 1 | Recap

Game 2: Stars 4, Avalanche 3 (OT) | Recap

Game 3: Stars 2, Avalanche 1 (OT) | Recap

Game 4: Avalanche 4, Stars 0 | Recap

Game 5: Stars 6, Avalanche 2 | Recap

Game 6: Thursday, May 1 | 9:30 p.m. | at COL | TBS/Max

*Game 7: Saturday, May 3 | TBD | at DAL | TBD

(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild

Game 1: Golden Knights 4, Wild 2 | Recap

Game 2: Wild 5, Golden Knights 2 | Recap

Game 3: Wild 5, Golden Knights 2 | Recap

Game 4: Golden Knights 4, Wild 3 (OT) | Recap

Game 5: Golden Knights 3, Wild 2 (OT) | Recap

Game 6: Thursday, May 1 | 7:30 p.m. | at MIN | ESPN

*Game 7: Saturday, May 3 | TBD | at VGK | TBD

(2) Los Angeles Kings vs. (3) Edmonton Oilers

Game 1: Kings 6, Oilers 5 | Recap

Game 2: Kings 6, Oilers 2 | Recap

Game 3: Oilers 7, Kings 4 | Recap

Game 4: Oilers 4, Kings 3 (OT) | Recap

Game 5: Oilers 3, Kings 1 | Recap

Game 6: Thursday, May 1 | 10 p.m. | at EDM | ESPN

*Game 7: Saturday, May 3 | TBD | at LA | TBD