The second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs continues this Tuesday with two exciting opening games.
Featured Matches
The first game of the night features a Metro Division clash between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals, at 7 p.m. ET. The second game of the day, starting at 9:30 p.m. ET, will see the Edmonton Oilers visit the Vegas Golden Knights.
Analysis of the Confrontations
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals
These teams split their regular season series 2-2, with the Hurricanes outscoring the Capitals 14-10 in the aggregate. The betting favors Carolina to win the series, while Washington is the underdog.
In the first round of 2019, these teams faced off in Rod Brind’Amour’s first series as coach. Several current players from both teams were present in that series, which Carolina won in seven games, with the seventh game decided in double overtime.
A recent game was notable for its intensity, with 142 penalty minutes, the second-most in a single NHL season game.
Carolina’s goalie, Frederik Andersen, leads the playoffs with a .936 save percentage, but was absent in Game 5 of the series against New Jersey. Ovechkin, with four goals in the first round, has 76 in his career, tied with Mario Lemieux for 12th all-time.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Like the Hurricanes and Capitals, the Oilers and Golden Knights split their regular season series 2-2, with a closer goal differential. The betting odds show a close matchup, with both teams having the same odds to win the series.
These teams previously faced each other in the playoffs in the second round of 2023, where the Golden Knights won the series and then were crowned Stanley Cup champions.
The leaders of both teams are Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, selected in the top spots of the 2015 NHL draft. McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the only active players with 10 or more points in a playoff series on multiple occasions.
The Oilers allowed 24 goals in the first round, the third-most in franchise history in a won playoff series. Adin Hill improved his performance in the second half of the first round, with a .918 save percentage in the last three games.
Stars of the Day
- William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs): Nylander became the second player in Leafs history with three points in the first period of a playoff game.
- Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs): Knies scored a crucial goal in the third period to secure the Leafs’ victory.
- Morgan Rielly (Toronto Maple Leafs): Rielly scored his 14th playoff goal, breaking the tie with Ian Turnbull for the most goals by a defenseman in Maple Leafs history.
Monday Summary:
Toronto Maple Leafs 5, Florida Panthers 4
The Maple Leafs took the lead from the start, with Nylander scoring early and adding another goal in the first period. Despite an attempted comeback by the Panthers in the third period, the Leafs managed to hold the lead and secure the victory.
