The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs have quickly delivered numerous memorable moments, and Wednesday night provided even more excitement.
The action began with the Maple Leafs edging out the Panthers in a 4-3 victory. Max Pacioretty, Max Domi, and Morgan Rielly each contributed two points. Pacioretty was particularly impressive, scoring a goal and adding an assist to lead Toronto as they established a 2-0 series advantage heading to South Florida.
Elsewhere, Mikko Rantanen maintained his excellent form, guiding the Stars to a 3-2 win over the Jets in their series opener. Rantanen achieved a franchise first for the Stars/North Stars with a natural hat trick. Goaltender Jake Oettinger also played a key role, stopping 30 of 32 shots to secure the road victory in Winnipeg.
Following another exciting night on the ice, let`s highlight some of the most spectacular individual performances from Wednesday`s games.
3. William Nylander | RW | Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have relied on offense from their key players: Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares. With his goal on Wednesday, Nylander delivered. The Toronto forward is now tied for second in playoff scoring with 13 points, trailing only Mikko Rantanen.
Nylander registered his sixth playoff goal at 4:18 of the second period, leveling the score at 2-2. Pacioretty gained possession at center ice and initiated a two-on-one rush with Nylander. Rather than shooting, Pacioretty executed a backhanded pass to Nylander, who controlled the puck and elevated it past Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Nylander has been on a hot streak, scoring five goals in his last three games and finding the net in three straight contests.
2. Max Pacioretty | LW | Toronto Maple Leafs
Since returning to the lineup before Game 3 of the previous series against the Senators, Max Pacioretty has been exceptionally effective. The experienced forward recorded a goal and an assist on Wednesday, bringing his total to six points over his last three playoff appearances, with goals in two of those games.
Pacioretty influenced Game 2 in multiple ways. On the power play, he positioned himself near the net and successfully deflected Morgan Rielly`s point shot just below the crossbar for a goal. Beyond scoring, he also demonstrated his playmaking by assisting Nylander`s goal in the second period.
1. Mikko Rantanen | RW | Dallas Stars
Rantanen continued his scoring surge after a remarkable Game 7 performance where he scored a hat trick against his former team. This time, he delivered a natural hat trick against the Jets, powering his team to a crucial Game 1 road win. Rantanen is now just the third player in franchise history (including the Minnesota North Stars era) to score at least six goals across a four-game playoff stretch.
Rantanen`s scoring spree began at 8:43 of the second period with an impressive individual play. After teammate Evgenii Dadonov`s one-timer was saved by Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Rantanen, while falling in the crease, used one hand to bat the rebound into the net. He finished his three-goal night when a pass attempt deflected off defenseman Dylan Samberg`s stick and into the net. The Stars forward consistently demonstrates a knack for finding the net, validating Dallas general manager Jim Nill`s astute acquisition of Rantanen at the trade deadline.
