The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs have been delivering thrilling entertainment for fans. The NHL remains packed with pressure and heated matchups as the season intensifies. With only a few days left, the anticipation of crowning the Stanley Cup champions continues to build. It’s time to wrap up our busy schedules and make room to witness some of the most exciting moments of the 2025 Stanley Cup battles. The playoffs kicked off with 16 teams vying for the prestigious title. Over the past few weeks, the competition has narrowed, reducing the contenders to half as teams faced elimination. The remaining teams, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Dallas Stars, continue their pursuit of glory. The field has shrunk, and the battle will follow this pattern until only one team emerges victorious. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on all the upcoming NHL Stanley Cup matchups.
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs have reached the second round, and the intensity is at an all-time high. The Florida Panthers face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Carolina Hurricanes battle the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference. Over in the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars take on the Winnipeg Jets, and the Edmonton Oilers clash with the Vegas Golden Knights. Every team has fought hard to make it this far, and now, the pressure is even greater as they inch closer to the Stanley Cup. The games will continue throughout May, with the possibility of game sevens stretching into mid-month if the matchups remain fierce. Fans watch eagerly to see who will advance and keep their championship hopes alive. Expect intense battles, dramatic moments, and non-stop excitement as the playoffs progress.
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Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Schedule:
Eastern Conference Semifinals
Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Game 1: May 5 – 8:00 PM ET at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Game 2: May 7 – 7:00 PM ET at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Game 3: May 9 – 7:00 PM ET at Florida
Game 4: May 11– 7:30 PM ET at Florida
Game 5: May 14 – TBD at Toronto (if necessary)
Game 6: May 16 – TBD at Florida (if necessary)
Game 7: May 18 – TBD at Toronto (if necessary)
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals
Game 1: May 6 – 7:00 PM ET at Capital One Arena, Washington
Game 2: May 8 – 7:00 PM ET at Capital One Arena, Washington
Game 3: May 10 – 6:00 PM ET at Carolina
Game 4: May 12 – 7:00 PM ET at Carolina
Game 5: May 15 – TBD at Washington (if necessary)
Game 6: May 17 – TBD at Carolina (if necessary)
Game 7: May 19 – TBD at Washington (if necessary)
Western Conference Semifinals
Dallas Stars vs. Winnipeg Jets
Game 1: May 7 – 9:30 PM ET at Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg
Game 2: May 9 – 9:30 PM ET at Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg
Game 3: May 11 – 4:30 PM ET at Dallas
Game 4: May 13 – 8:00 PM ET at Dallas
Game 5: May 15 – TBD at Winnipeg (if necessary)
Game 6: May 17 – TBD at Dallas (if necessary)
Game 7: May 19 – TBD at Winnipeg (if necessary)
Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Game 1: May 6 – 9:30 PM ET at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Game 2: May 8 – 9:30 PM ET at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Game 3: May 10 – TBD at Edmonton
Game 4: May 12 – TBD at Edmonton
Game 5: May 14 – TBD at Las Vegas (if necessary)
Game 6: May 16 – TBD at Edmonton (if necessary)
Game 7: May 18 – TBD at Las Vegas (if necessary)
Predictions:
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers
The Toronto Maple Leafs will take on the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This exciting matchup is set to take place on May 6, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena. The Maple Leafs finished the regular season strong, securing first place in the Atlantic Division, while the Panthers ended in third. Check out the 2024-25 NHL Standings here! to stay updated on your favorite teams’ status. This sets up a highly competitive series between two skilled teams. The Leafs advanced to Round 2 after defeating the Ottawa Senators in a best-of-seven series, winning 4-2. Toronto has shown strength in several key areas, particularly in power play efficiency, with star players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander leading the charge. They remained consistent throughout the season and now face even greater pressure as they battle the Panthers.
Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers earned their Round 2 spot by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in a best-of-seven series, winning 4-1 and proving their dominance in the first round. The Panthers have a powerful offensive lineup, backed by strong defense led by Aaron Ekblad and Gustav Forsling. Sergei Bobrovsky has also been a standout in goal, making crucial saves under pressure. This sets up an intense battle between two well-matched teams, with both expected to deliver high-level performances. While the Maple Leafs hold the upper hand in form, the Panthers are just as capable of pulling off a win, making this series an unpredictable and thrilling contest.
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes will face off in Game 1 of Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This matchup is set to take place on May 7, 2025, at Capital One Arena. The last time these teams met, the Capitals secured a narrow 5-4 victory, showing how evenly matched they are. Both teams have proven their competitiveness, and this series is expected to continue in the same intense fashion. Washington earned their spot in Round 2 by defeating the Montreal Canadiens 4-1, dominating most of the series while facing moments of resistance from Montreal. This marks the Capitals’ first playoff series win since their championship run in 2018, sparking new hopes for another deep playoff push. Washington is strong in offense, with Alex Ovechkin leading the charge as a top scorer. Their well-structured defense and solid goaltending make them difficult to beat, while their depth across all four lines keeps them performing consistently.
On the other side, the Carolina Hurricanes secured their place in Round 2 by winning their series 4-1 against the New Jersey Devils. Carolina displayed excellent defensive skills, strong goaltending, and a balanced scoring attack, making them the first team to advance. They excel in puck possession, controlling the flow of the game and maintaining pressure on opponents. Key players like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov drive their offense, while Jalen Chatfield and Gustav Forsling strengthen their defense and limit scoring opportunities. Their playoff experience and depth allow them to stay competitive, even in high-pressure moments. As the series begins, the Capitals have the advantage of playing at home, which could give them an edge in securing a win in Game 1.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers will take on the Vegas Golden Knights in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Game 1 is set to take place on May 9, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The Golden Knights finished the season strong, securing first place in the Pacific Division, while the Oilers ended in third. Vegas advanced to Round 2 by defeating the Minnesota Wild 4-2, with standout performances from Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Goaltender Adin Hill was a key player, making 29 saves in Game 6 to secure a 3-2 victory. The Golden Knights have been dominant in the playoffs, with their power play efficiency improving significantly and their defensive lineup, led by Noah Hanifin and Alex Pietrangelo, playing a crucial role. With their solid defensive structure, Vegas will aim to limit the Oilers’ scoring chances.
On the other side, the Edmonton Oilers have remained a strong team in the Western Conference throughout the season. They reached Round 2 after making an impressive comeback against the Los Angeles Kings, winning the series 4-2. Despite losing the first two games, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl led the team to four consecutive victories, proving their offensive strength. Heading into this battle, Edmonton is expected to put up a balanced and competitive performance on both ends of the ice. With two of the biggest names in the NHL; McDavid and Draisaitl, leading the charge, the Oilers will look to showcase their offensive firepower while maintaining solid defensive play. This matchup is set to be an intense and evenly fought battle, with the Golden Knights having the edge in securing a victory.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars
Game 1 of Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs will be an exciting matchup between the Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars. This highly anticipated game is set for May 8, 2025, at Canada Life Centre. The Jets and Stars finished the season in first and second place in the Central Division, showing how closely matched they are. With both teams performing at a high level, this battle is expected to be thrilling and full of action. The Jets reached Round 2 after a dramatic Game 7 victory against the St. Louis Blues in double overtime. Winnipeg has been a strong playoff contender, led by elite goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who tops the league in key stats. Their efficient power play and balanced offense, including Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, keep them competitive. Gritty players like Alex Iafallo and Nino Niederreiter add depth, while strong defensive leadership from Josh Morrissey helps shut down opponents.
On the other hand, the Dallas Stars have also been impressive in the playoffs with a well-balanced roster. Their goaltender, Jake Oettinger, has been solid, making key saves and keeping them strong in close games. Defensively, Miro Heiskanen leads the team, providing stability and contributing offensively when needed. The Stars have great scoring ability, with players like Roope Hintz and Matt Duchene consistently delivering on offense. Even after dealing with injuries, the Stars have shown resilience and remain a serious playoff contender. While both teams have the ability to win, the Jets might have a slight advantage going into this matchup.