May 6, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
Following an exciting first night, the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs continues on Tuesday with two series-opening matchups.
The action begins with a Metropolitan Division clash featuring the Carolina Hurricanes against the Washington Capitals (7 p.m. ET). The late game sees the Edmonton Oilers travel to Vegas to face the Golden Knights (9:30 p.m. ET).
Read on for detailed game previews including statistical insights, a summary of Monday`s results, and the three top performers from Arda Öcal.
Matchup Notes
Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals
Game 1 | 7 p.m. ET
The two teams split their 2024-25 regular-season series 2-2, with the Hurricanes holding a 14-10 advantage in total goals. Carolina is favored to win the series at -175, while Washington is listed at +150 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.
These clubs previously met in the first round of the 2019 playoffs, Rod Brind`Amour`s first series as a head coach. Five current Capitals (John Carlson, Nic Dowd, Lars Eller, Alex Ovechkin, Tom Wilson) and five current Hurricanes (Sebastian Aho, Jordan Martinook, Jaccob Slavin, Jordan Staal, Andrei Svechnikov) participated in that series. Carolina ultimately won in seven games, with Game 7 decided in double overtime.
A recent game highlighted the intensity between the teams: on April 2, the Hurricanes secured a 5-1 victory in a game that saw 142 combined penalty minutes, the second-highest total in a single NHL game this season.
Andrei Svechnikov`s five goals in the first round tied a franchise record for the Whalers/Hurricanes for goals in a single playoff round. Other players to achieve this feat include Sebastian Aho (2021 first round), Eric Staal (2009 first round), Ray Sheppard (1999 first round), and Mark Hunter (1991 first round).
Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen boasts the best save percentage in the playoffs (.936) but left Game 4 against New Jersey and did not play in Game 5.
With four goals in the first round, Alex Ovechkin now has 76 career playoff goals, tying him with Mario Lemieux for 12th all-time. Jaromir Jagr is next on the list with 78.
Logan Thompson was outstanding in the Capitals` net during Round 1 home games, stopping 86 of 90 shots (.956 save percentage) and allowing two goals or fewer in all three games in D.C.
Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights
Game 1 | 9:30 p.m. ET
Similar to the Hurricanes and Capitals, the Oilers and Golden Knights split their season series 2-2, with a narrow goal differential (Edmonton scored 11, Vegas 10). This indicates a very even matchup, reflected in ESPN BET odds placing both teams at -110 to win the series.
These two clubs met once before in the postseason, in the second round of the 2023 playoffs. The Golden Knights won that series in six games en route to claiming the Stanley Cup.
The top picks from the 2015 NHL draft lead the charge for each team: No. 1 overall Connor McDavid for Edmonton, and No. 2 overall Jack Eichel for Vegas (originally drafted by Buffalo).
Connor McDavid (eight times) and Leon Draisaitl (six times) are the only active players to have recorded 10 or more points in a single postseason series six or more times. Other NHL legends with this accomplishment include Wayne Gretzky (21 times), Mark Messier (eight), Denis Savard (seven), and Mario Lemieux (six).
The Oilers allowed 24 goals in the first round, which is the third-highest total allowed in a winning playoff series in franchise history, behind 27 in 1984 (against Calgary) and 25 in 1985 (against Chicago).
Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Brayden McNabb, and Ivan Barbashev were held pointless in Games 1-3 of the first round. However, these four players combined for four goals and 10 assists in Games 4-6.
Similarly, Adin Hill elevated his performance in the latter half of the first round: he had a 1-2 record with an .825 save percentage and 3.78 goals-against average in Games 1-3, but went 3-0 with a .918 save percentage and 2.08 goals-against average in Games 4-6.
Öcal`s Three Stars from Monday
1. William Nylander
RW, Toronto Maple Leafs
Nylander became the second player in Maple Leafs history to record three points in the first period of a playoff game during their series opener.
2. Matthew Knies
LW, Toronto Maple Leafs
`Mos Knies-ley Cantina` scored a crucial breakaway goal in the third period while the Panthers were pressing, adding an insurance marker the Leafs ultimately needed.
3. Morgan Rielly
D, Toronto Maple Leafs
Rielly netted his 14th career playoff goal, breaking a tie with Ian Turnbull for the most playoff goals by a defenseman in Maple Leafs history.
Monday`s Recap
Toronto Maple Leafs 5, Florida Panthers 4
TOR leads series 1-0 | Game 2 Wednesday
These two Atlantic Division rivals, who know each other well, saw the home team strike first. William Nylander kicked off the scoring early (33 seconds into the game) and added another goal later in the first period. Florida`s Seth Jones and Toronto`s Morgan Rielly then exchanged goals, leaving the Leafs with a 3-1 lead after the first frame.
After Chris Tanev extended Toronto`s lead to 4-1 in the second, the Panthers began their comeback attempt in the third period with goals from Eetu Luostarinen and Uvis Balinskis, narrowing the deficit to one. Matthew Knies scored an insurance goal with six minutes remaining, and although the Panthers managed one more tally from Sam Bennett, they fell short by a single goal.
