2025 NHL Playoffs Daily: Previews for Wednesday’s Games

Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals

Game 2 (WSH leads 1-0) | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN

Game 1 marked another significant night for Alex Ovechkin, who became the oldest player in Stanley Cup playoff history (at 39 years, 216 days old) to be involved in all of his team`s goals (scoring two and assisting on the third) in a game where they scored at least three.

Winning Game 1 is also a positive sign for the Capitals, as teams taking the first game in a best-of-seven series historically win the series 68% of the time.

However, the close nature of the contest, which required overtime for the Capitals to secure the win, was notable. The Canadiens` top line, featuring Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, spearheaded their offense, contributing both Montreal goals. Rookie sensation Lane Hutson also shined, earning an assist on each. Could this be the emergence of a new group of young stars?

Looking ahead to Game 2 and beyond, the Capitals will be missing defenseman Martin Fehervary, who is out due to knee surgery.

Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche

Game 3 (series tied 1-1) | 9:30 p.m. ET | ESPN

After 77 minutes and 46 seconds of play, the Stars managed to tie the series against their Central Division rivals in Game 2. Game 3 now presents a crucial opportunity for either team to seize momentum. Historically, in the 363 series previously tied 1-1, the winner of Game 3 has gone on to win the series 66% of the time.

For Colorado, their first home game of the postseason raises the possibility of captain Gabriel Landeskog`s return to the lineup. He was activated from Injured Reserve on Monday but did not participate in Game 2. His last appearance in an Avalanche jersey was memorable: Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, where he celebrated by lifting the Cup after their series-clinching 2-1 victory.

The Stars also have a key player nearing a return: star defenseman Miro Heiskanen skated on Monday but did not play in Game 2. Heiskanen`s potential return would significantly bolster Dallas`s defense and power play, where he was the team`s leader in ice time this season, presenting a new challenge for Colorado.

Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings

Game 2 (LA leads 1-0) | 10 p.m. ET | TBS

If Game 1`s eleven-goal thriller is any indication, this series promises excitement!

The Kings` 6-5 victory in Game 1 was particularly noteworthy, making them just the fourth team in Stanley Cup playoff history to overcome a four-goal deficit and win in regulation. The others were the 2022 Calgary Flames and the Boston Bruins in 1978 and 1972.

Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid continue to make their mark on the Oilers` franchise records seemingly every game. Draisaitl`s 18th goal against the Kings in the playoffs tied Esa Tikkanen for the Oilers` career lead in playoff goals versus Los Angeles. McDavid`s four-point performance moved him past Paul Coffey and Glenn Anderson on the Oilers` all-time list for four-point playoff games, placing him fifth.

The Kings will aim to maintain their power play momentum; they converted twice with the man advantage in Game 1, a stark improvement from their regular-season efficiency (2-for-14) and their struggles in the 2024 playoff loss to the Oilers (0-for-12). Andrei Kuzmenko made an impressive playoff debut, scoring a goal and adding two assists. On the veteran side, Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, with 98 and 96 playoff games for L.A. respectively, each recorded one assist in Game 1.

1. Matthew Tkachuk

LW, Florida Panthers

In his return game after an injury sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off, Tkachuk delivered with two goals and an assist, helping the Panthers secure a dominant 6-2 victory in Game 1 of the highly anticipated Battle of Florida.

2. Matt Boldy, Kirill Kaprizov

LWs, Minnesota Wild

The dynamic Wild forward duo was outstanding in Game 2, collectively contributing five points as Minnesota won 5-2, evening the series 1-1 before heading home to the Twin Cities.

3. Max Domi

C, Toronto Maple Leafs

Domi was the hero for the home crowd in Toronto, scoring the overtime winner against the Senators in Game 2. This victory gave the Maple Leafs their first 2-0 playoff series lead in 23 years.

Carolina Hurricanes 3, New Jersey Devils 1
(CAR leads 2-0)

Game 2 saw a better start for the Devils compared to Game 1, with Jesper Bratt opening the scoring early and New Jersey holding the lead into the first intermission. However, the Hurricanes responded strongly in the second period with goals from Shayne Gostisbehere and Jordan Martinook to take the lead. Seth Jarvis sealed the win with an empty-net goal late in the third.

Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Ottawa Senators 2 (OT)
(TOR leads 2-0)

Toronto again got off to a quick start, netting two first-period goals courtesy of Morgan Rielly and John Tavares. This time, though, the Senators battled back, scoring two goals (one from Brady Tkachuk, one from Adam Gaudette) to force overtime. Max Domi played the role of hero, scoring the game-winner just over three minutes into the extra frame.

Florida Panthers 6, Tampa Bay Lightning 2
(FLA leads 1-0)

The Battle of Florida was the last first-round series to commence, and it proved worth the anticipation, especially for Panthers fans. Matthew Tkachuk, playing his first game since a lower-body injury, was outstanding, scoring two power-play goals and adding an assist on the final goal (scored by Nate Schmidt) in their commanding 6-2 victory.

Minnesota Wild 5, Vegas Golden Knights 2
(series tied 1-1)

After a decisive loss in Game 1, the Wild showed they are not giving up easily. Kirill Kaprizov showcased his offensive talent, assisting on Matt Boldy`s first-period goal that set the tone, scoring a skillful goal himself in the second, and securing the win with an empty-netter in the third period.