NHL Playoffs: Elimination Showdown on the Ice
The second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs has reached a crucial point, where elimination games are played every night. This Thursday, the excitement doubles with two matches that define the future of the teams.
The first game of the day is between the Washington Capitals, who, with a 3-1 disadvantage, host the Carolina Hurricanes. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
In the second game of the night, the Winnipeg Jets find themselves in a similar situation, with a score of 3-1 against them, and will play at home against the Dallas Stars. This game will start at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Will any of these teams manage to force a sixth game?
Analysis of the matches
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals
Game 5 | 7 p.m. ET
With a 3-1 series lead, the Hurricanes have a high probability of winning, while the Capitals face a considerable challenge. The Hurricanes have one of the lowest odds to win the Cup, while the Capitals face an uphill battle.
The Hurricanes have proven to be dominant in best-of-seven series, leading 8-0 when they have a 3-1 lead. Historically, teams with this advantage have won 91% of the time in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Frederik Andersen of the Hurricanes had an outstanding performance in Game 3, with a shutout of 21 saves. Andersen’s shutout streak lasted 123:24, the fifth-longest in franchise history.
Seth Jarvis scored his 16th postseason goal, the most in franchise history for a player before turning 24.
Alex Ovechkin of the Capitals, although he hasn’t had a standout round, managed to position himself on two historical lists with his power-play goal in Game 4. He now has 77 postseason goals, ranking 12th all-time. In addition, his 31 power-play goals place him fifth all-time.
Dallas Stars vs. Winnipeg Jets
Game 5 | 9:30 p.m. ET
Following the victory in Game 4, the Stars’ odds of winning the series have improved, while those of the Jets have decreased. The Stars’ chances of winning the Cup have also increased.
In franchise history, the Stars have a 13-1 record in best-of-seven series when leading 3-1.
Mikael Granlund, with his hat trick in Game 4, including two power-play goals, became the second player in North Stars/Stars history to achieve this feat.
Mikko Rantanen of the Stars continues to lead the postseason in points (19) and goals (9), being one of the favorites to win the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP.
Jake Oettinger, Stars’ goalie, became the third goalie in franchise history to win five consecutive home games at the start of a postseason.
The Jets will look to improve their home performance, as they have performed poorly away from home this postseason.
Kyle Connor is one goal away from tying Paul Stastny on the franchise’s single-season postseason goal-scoring list.
Wednesday’s Highlights
The three stars of Wednesday according to Arda Öcal:
- Panthers’ defensemen
- Kasperi Kapanen
- Florida team goals
Wednesday’s Match Summary
Florida Panthers 6, Toronto Maple Leafs 1
FLA leads 3-2 | Game 6 on Friday
The Panthers dominated Game 5, keeping the Leafs at bay while generating offensive opportunities. Aaron Ekblad opened the scoring, followed by goals from Dmitry Kulikov, Jesper Boqvist, Niko Mikkola, A.J. Greer, and Sam Bennett. Nicholas Robertson scored for the Leafs, but it was too late. The Panthers can close out the series at home in Game 6.
Edmonton Oilers 1, Vegas Golden Knights 0 (OT)
EDM wins 4-1, will face DAL or WPG in the next round
The Oilers’ depth was key, while the Golden Knights couldn’t match it. Kasperi Kapanen scored the winning goal in overtime, securing the victory for the Oilers. The Oilers advance to the Western Conference Final for the second consecutive year and will face the winner of the series between the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets.
