The second round of the 2025 NHL playoffs features crucial Game 3 and Game 4 matchups. The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets continue their series after splitting the first two games, while the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Florida Panthers. This article provides previews for these upcoming games, along with statistical insights. Additionally, you`ll find a summary of Saturday`s results and the standout players.
Matchup Previews
Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars (Game 3)
After splitting the first two games in Winnipeg, the series shifts to Dallas. The Stars are favored to win the series, while the Jets are considered underdogs based on current odds.
Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck recorded his fourth career postseason shutout in Game 2, becoming the sixth goalie in NHL history to achieve the first four playoff shutouts for a single franchise.
Nikolaj Ehlers had a multigoal game (two goals) in Game 2. This was his second career playoff game with multiple goals; he had gone 14 playoff games without a goal between such performances.
Mikko Rantanen recorded one shot on goal and a minus-1 rating for Dallas in Game 2. He remains one of the leading playoff scorers overall.
Game 2 was the second time the Stars have been shut out this postseason. The previous shutout occurred in Game 4 of the first round, after which they responded with a six-goal home win in the following game.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers (Game 4)
Following the Panthers` overtime victory in Game 3, the Maple Leafs hold a series lead, with the Panthers closely trailing in series odds.
Florida`s Brad Marchand scored the overtime winner in Game 3, extending his NHL record for consecutive postseasons with a game-winning goal. He now has four career playoff overtime goals.
Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky`s performance statistics this postseason (goals-against average and save percentage) have been below his numbers during last year`s Stanley Cup Final run.
Maple Leafs center John Tavares scored two goals in Game 3. This marked his fourth career multigoal game in the playoffs.
Each goal scored by Morgan Rielly extends his franchise record for playoff goals by a defenseman. He currently has 15 career playoff goals.
Saturday`s Three Stars
Looking back at Saturday`s playoff action, here are three notable moments or performances:
1. Dramatic Finishes
Saturday night highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Games can be decided in unexpected ways, even in the final second, such as an own goal that occurred.
2. Reilly Smith, RW, Vegas Golden Knights
Smith netted two goals in Vegas` thrilling 4-3 win, including the game-winner that deflected off an opponent. His goal, alongside Nicolas Roy`s goal 54 seconds earlier, allowed Vegas to overcome a multigoal deficit faster than in any previous playoff game.
3. Jack Roslovic, C, Carolina Hurricanes
Roslovic contributed two points, including a goal, helping the Hurricanes secure a decisive 4-0 victory and take a 2-1 series lead.
Saturday`s Game Summaries
Carolina Hurricanes 4, Washington Capitals 0 (Carolina leads series 2-1)
After a scoreless opening period, Carolina took control in the second with goals from Andrei Svechnikov and Jack Roslovic. Their persistent defensive pressure effectively shut down Washington`s offense. Additional goals from Eric Robinson and Jackson Blake sealed the 4-0 shutout win. Frederik Andersen earned his fourth career playoff shutout.
Vegas Golden Knights 4, Edmonton Oilers 3 (Edmonton leads series 2-1)
Vegas secured a dramatic last-second victory in Edmonton. Corey Perry scored twice early to give the Oilers a 2-0 lead, but Vegas quickly responded to tie the game. William Karlsson put the Golden Knights ahead in the second period. Connor McDavid tied the game for Edmonton late in the third, but Reilly Smith`s shot deflected off Leon Draisaitl and into the net with just one second remaining, giving Vegas the 4-3 win.
Rupert Hartwell