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 concluded. The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils in Game 5 on Tuesday night, winning 5-4 in double overtime thanks to a power-play goal from Sebastian Aho.

The game initially favored New Jersey, who quickly built a 3-0 lead in the first 10 minutes, looking capable of forcing a Game 6. However, Carolina staged a rapid comeback in the second period, scoring three goals in under six minutes to tie the score. Devils goaltender Jacob Markström delivered a stellar performance, stopping 32 consecutive shots, including crucial saves late in the third period and overtime. The turning point came in the second overtime with a four-minute high-sticking penalty on Dawson Mercer, which proved fatal for New Jersey. The Hurricanes will now face the winner of the series between the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens.

The Toronto Maple Leafs also had a chance to clinch their series but were shut out 4-0 by the Ottawa Senators, sending that series back to Ottawa for Game 6. Linus Ullmark achieved his first career playoff shutout with 29 saves. Goals from Thomas Chabot and Dylan Cozens, plus two empty-netters, secured the win for Ottawa. NHL history shows only four teams have ever rallied from an 0-3 deficit to win a series; the Senators aim to continue their rare comeback bid in Game 6 on Thursday.

Another team mounting a comeback is the Edmonton Oilers, who bounced back from an 0-2 start against the Los Angeles Kings to take a 3-2 series lead. They have an opportunity to finish the series at home on Thursday. This series has drastically changed momentum; since the midpoint of Game 4, Edmonton has significantly controlled possession, shots, and scoring. The Kings are fighting to avoid being eliminated by the Oilers in the first round for the fourth consecutive season, but Edmonton has clearly found an effective strategy.

The Vegas Golden Knights reached a franchise milestone on Tuesday, playing their 100th playoff game – a significant accomplishment for a team less than a decade old. They marked the occasion with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild, taking a 3-2 series lead. Notably, Vegas boasts an impressive record of 41 straight playoff wins when they score three or more goals.

Looking ahead to Wednesday night, three Game 5s are scheduled. The Florida Panthers face the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Washington Capitals play the Montreal Canadiens, with both home teams having a chance to advance. The Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues will also play their Game 5 in Canada, vying to break their tie and take a 3-2 series lead.

Below are the updated schedules and results for all first-round series.

Series Updates and Schedule

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

Game 1:

Maple Leafs 6, Senators 2

Game 2:

Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT)

Game 3:

Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT)

Game 4:

Senators 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT)

Game 5:

Senators 4, Maple Leafs 0

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

Game 2:

Panthers 2, Lightning 0

Game 3:

Lightning 5, Panthers 1

Game 4:

Panthers 4, Lightning 2

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)

Game 2:

Capitals 3, Canadiens 1

Game 3:

Canadiens 6, Capitals 3

Game 4:

Capitals 5, Canadiens 2

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

Game 2:

Hurricanes 3, Devils 1

Game 3:

Devils 3, Hurricanes 2 (2OT)

Game 4:

Hurricanes 5, Devils 2

Game 5:

Hurricanes 5, Devils 4 (2OT)

Carolina Hurricanes win series 4-1

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

Game 1:

Jets 5, Blues 3

Game 2:

Jets 2, Blues 1

Game 3:

Blues 7, Jets 2

Game 4:

Blues 5, Jets 1

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

Game 2:

Stars 4, Avalanche 3 (OT)

Game 3:

Stars 2, Avalanche 1 (OT)

Game 4:

Avalanche 4, Stars 0

Game 5:

Stars 6, Avalanche 2

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

Game 2:

Wild 5, Golden Knights 2

Game 3:

Wild 5, Golden Knights 2

Game 4:

Golden Knights 4, Wild 3 (OT)

Game 5:

Golden Knights 3, Wild 2 (OT)

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

Game 2:

Kings 6, Oilers 2

Game 3:

Oilers 7, Kings 4

Game 4:

Oilers 4, Kings 3 (OT)

Game 5:

Oilers 3, Kings 1

Game 6:

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

Game 7*:

Saturday, May 3 | TBD | at LA | TBD

* = If necessary