NHL Playoffs 2025: Stanley Cup schedule, bracket, scores, as Hurricanes and Oilers open series with victories

The 2025 NHL playoffs advanced on Tuesday evening, with two additional second-round series commencing. The Carolina Hurricanes secured a significant road victory against the Washington Capitals in overtime, while the Edmonton Oilers won Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights with a comeback performance.

During the initial game, the Hurricanes relentlessly tested Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson with numerous shots throughout the contest. Although prime scoring opportunities were limited, Carolina maintained a clear advantage in puck possession and zone time. Nevertheless, the Capitals entered the third period holding a 1-0 lead, courtesy of a goal scored by Aliaksei Protas. Approximately halfway through the final period, Logan Stankoven netted a crucial goal for Carolina, leveling the score. The tie persisted until the end of regulation. Then, Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin released a well-aimed shot through a crowd, which found its way under Thompson`s pad to clinch the 2-1 victory.

In Las Vegas, the Golden Knights quickly established a 2-0 lead in the first period, thanks to two goals from captain Mark Stone. Just as it seemed Vegas might dominate the game, Edmonton rebounded, fueled by the efforts of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Together, they contributed four points to the Oilers` subsequent two goals. Zach Hyman then scored the winning goal with only a few minutes left in the game. As the Golden Knights pressed for an equalizer, Connor Brown solidified the victory with an impressive solo play, securing the 4-2 win and a 1-0 series advantage.

The playoff action continues on Wednesday night. The Florida Panthers aim to even their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 2, while the Winnipeg Jets host the Dallas Stars as their Central Division matchup begins.

Round 2 Schedule and Scores

(1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (3) Florida Panthers

• Game 1: Maple Leafs 5, Panthers 4
• Game 2: Wednesday, May 7 | 7 p.m. | at TOR | ESPN
• Game 3: Friday, May 9 | 7 p.m. | at FLA | TNT/truTV/Max
• Game 4: Sunday, May 11 | 7:30 p.m. | at FLA | TBS/truTV/Max
• *Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 | TBD | at TOR | ESPN
• *Game 6: Friday, May 16 | TBD | at FLA | TNT/truTV/Max
• *Game 7: Sunday, May 18 | TBD | at TOR | TNT/Max

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (2) Carolina Hurricanes

• Game 1: Hurricanes 2, Capitals 1 (OT)
• Game 2: Thursday, May 8 | 7 p.m. | at WSH | ESPN
• Game 3: Saturday, May 10 | 6 p.m. | at CAR | TNT/truTV/Max
• Game 4: Monday, May 12 | 7 p.m. | at CAR | TNT/truTV/Max
• *Game 5: Thursday, May 15 | TBD | at WSH | TNT/truTV/Max
• *Game 6: Saturday, May 17 | TBD | at CAR | TBD
• *Game 7: Monday, May 19 | TBD | at WSH | ESPN

(1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (2) Dallas Stars

• Game 1: Wednesday, May 7 | 9:30 p.m. | at WPG | ESPN
• Game 2: Friday, May 9 | 9:30 p.m. | at WPG | TNT/truTV/Max
• Game 3: Saturday, May 11 | 4:30 p.m. | at DAL | TBS/truTV/Max
• Game 4: Tuesday, May 13 | 8 p.m. | at DAL | ESPN
• *Game 5: Thursday, May 15 | TBD | at Jets | TNT/truTV/Max
• *Game 6: Saturday, May 17 | TBD | at DAL | TBD
• *Game 7: Monday, May 19 | TBD | at WPG | ESPN

(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (3) Edmonton Oilers

• Game 1: Oilers 4, Golden Knights 2
• Game 2: Thursday, May 8 | 9:30 p.m. | at VGK | ESPN
• Game 3: Saturday, May 10 | 9 p.m. | at EDM | TNT/truTV/Max
• Game 4: Monday, May 12 | 9:30 | at EDM | TNT/truTV/Max
• *Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 | TBD | at VGK | ESPN
• *Game 6: Friday, May 16 | TBD | at EDM | TNT/truTV/Max
• *Game 7: Sunday, May 18 | TBD | at VGK | TNT/Max

Round 1 Results

(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: Maple Leafs 4, Senators 2

(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: Panthers 6, Lightning 3

(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: Capitals 4, Canadiens 1

(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)

(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: Jets 5, Blues 3
• Game 6: Blues 5, Jets 2
• Game 7: Jets 4, Blues 3 (2OT)

(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: Avalanche 7, Stars 4
• Game 7: Stars 4, Avalanche 2

(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: Golden Knights 3, Wild 2

(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: Oilers 6, Kings 4