The Battle Begins in the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The “venue change” stage has arrived in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, with the teams that previously played as visitors now being hosts. The [Carolina Hurricanes](/nhl/team/_/name/car/carolina-hurricanes) and the [Washington Capitals](/nhl/team/_/name/wsh/washington-capitals) are tied 1-1 in the series, and will face each other again at the Lenovo Center.
The game is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. On the other hand, the [Edmonton Oilers](/nhl/team/_/name/edm/edmonton-oilers) return to Rogers Place with a 2-0 lead over the [Vegas Golden Knights](/nhl/team/_/name/vgk/vegas-golden-knights). Game 3 of that series will be played on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET.
What direction will the Caps-Canes series take when they move to D.C.? Will the Knights be able to secure at least one victory in Alberta to force a Game 5 in Las Vegas?
Match Notes
[Washington Capitals](/nhl/team/_/name/wsh/washington-capitals) vs. [Carolina Hurricanes](/nhl/team/_/name/car/carolina-hurricanes)
Game 3 | 6 p.m. ET | TNT
With the Canes and Capitals tied 1-1, Carolina is the series favorite according to ESPN BET.
Capitals defenseman [John Carlson](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/5118/john-carlson) scored a goal in the second game, his 13th playoff goal, surpassing [Brian Leetch](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/529/brian-leetch) and ranking third among American defensemen. He is still behind [Chris Chelios](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/151/chris-chelios) and [Brian Rafalski](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/755/brian-rafalski).
[Tom Wilson](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/2970615/tom-wilson) recorded 2 points, 3 shots on goal, 2 hits, and 2 blocked shots for the first time in his playoff career.
The Hurricanes haven’t led a game since Game 4 of the first round against the Devils.
[Frederik Andersen](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/2517899/frederik-andersen) leads qualified goaltenders this postseason in goals-against average (1.55) and is second in save percentage, with .930. Washington’s Logan Thompson is above him in save percentage.
[Vegas Golden Knights](/nhl/team/_/name/vgk/vegas-golden-knights) vs. [Edmonton Oilers](/nhl/team/_/name/edm/edmonton-oilers)
Game 3 | 9 p.m. ET | TNT
After two wins by the Oilers in Las Vegas, Edmonton is favored to win the series. Edmonton is also favored to win the Cup.
[Leon Draisaitl](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/3114727/leon-draisaitl) and [Connor McDavid](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/3895074/connor-mcdavid) combined to score the winning goal in overtime in Game 2. McDavid is second in playoff points with 14.
[Victor Olofsson](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/3151096/victor-olofsson) scored two goals and one assist in Game 2. Eichel finished with three assists.
The Three Stars of Friday
- Connor Hellebuyck, G, [Winnipeg Jets](/nhl/team/_/name/wpg/winnipeg-jets)
After a tough first round against the Blues, Hellebuyck managed to keep a clean sheet against the Stars in Game 2.
- Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, [Winnipeg Jets](/nhl/team/_/name/wpg/winnipeg-jets)
Ehlers had his second multi-goal game of his career and added an assist.
- Brad Marchand, RW, [Florida Panthers](/nhl/team/_/name/fla/florida-panthers)
Marchand scored the winning goal in overtime for the Panthers.
Friday Summaries
[Florida Panthers](/nhl/team/_/name/fla/florida-panthers) 5, [Toronto Maple Leafs](/nhl/team/_/name/tor/toronto-maple-leafs) 4 (OT)
TOR leads 2-1 | Game 4 Sunday
Toronto started with a 2-0 lead in the series and in the game. Brad Marchand scored the winning goal in overtime.
[Winnipeg Jets](/nhl/team/_/name/wpg/winnipeg-jets) 4, [Dallas Stars](/nhl/team/_/name/dal/dallas-stars) 0
Series tied 1-1 | Game 3 Sunday
Hellebuyck stopped the Stars’ 21 shots. Ehlers scored two goals.
