Seven out of the eight first-round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are already underway, with the eighth series starting on Tuesday. This features the “Battle of Florida” between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers, set to begin at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN.
This game is the third of four scheduled throughout the day across the ESPN networks. The action starts with New Jersey facing Carolina at 6:00 PM ET on ESPN, followed by Ottawa against Toronto at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2. The night concludes with Minnesota taking on Vegas at 11:00 PM ET on ESPN.
What are the key storylines and players to watch heading into Tuesday`s matchups? Read on for detailed previews and insights from ESPN Research. You`ll also find a recap of Monday night`s games and Arda Öcal`s selections for the Three Stars of Monday Night.
Matchup Notes
New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
Game 2 (Carolina leads 1-0) | 6:00 PM ET | ESPN
Game 1 certainly didn`t unfold as planned for the Devils. Securing a win in Carolina`s famously loud arena would have been a challenge, but losing Brenden Dillon, Cody Glass, and Luke Hughes to injury was an even bigger blow. They will aim to regroup on Tuesday before the series shifts to Newark. Improving the shot differential would help, as the Hurricanes, known for their possession game, held a significant 45-24 edge in shots on goal in Game 1.
For years, the critique against Carolina was the absence of a clutch goal-scorer to propel them deeper into the playoffs. Many believed the acquisition of Mikko Rantanen in January addressed this need. Ironically, it was Logan Stankoven, the player Carolina received in the subsequent trade of Rantanen to Dallas, who scored two goals in Game 1. Can he contribute again in Game 2? Historically, the Devils have come back to win a series after losing Game 1 in 11 out of 26 instances (42%); that success rate drops to 20% if they fall behind 0-2. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have won six of their last seven series after winning Game 1.
Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs
Game 2 (Toronto leads 1-0) | 7:30 PM ET | ESPN2
The atmosphere for Game 1 was intense, and the Maple Leafs` “Core Four” led the charge: Mitch Marner (one goal, two assists), William Nylander (one goal, one assist), John Tavares (one goal, one assist), and Auston Matthews (two assists) all made significant contributions. Continued offensive output from this group would greatly assist Toronto in overpowering their provincial rivals.
According to Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk, slowing down the Maple Leafs hinges on discipline. “We took too many penalties, they scored on them, and that`s the game,” Tkachuk commented after Game 1, acknowledging it was on their team to be more disciplined. The Senators also need to capitalize on their scoring chances. According to Stathletes, Ottawa generated five high-danger scoring opportunities in Game 1 but converted only two goals.
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Game 1 | 8:30 PM ET | ESPN
This marks the fourth time these two Sunshine State franchises have met in the postseason, with all four encounters occurring since 2021. In every previous instance, the winner of the series has gone on to reach the Stanley Cup Final – Tampa Bay in 2021 and 2022, and Florida in 2024. Notably, the 2021 Lightning and 2024 Panthers both ended up winning the Stanley Cup.
Unsurprisingly, Nikita Kucherov stands as Tampa Bay`s leading scorer against Florida in the playoffs, with 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) in 15 games. For the Panthers, Aleksander Barkov is their top scorer against the Lightning, recording 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 15 games. The two teams split their four regular season meetings, with Tampa Bay winning the most recent one by a score of 5-1 on April 15.
Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights
Game 2 (Vegas leads 1-0) | 11:00 PM ET | ESPN
The underdog Wild established a physical tone in Game 1, outhitting the Golden Knights 54-29, though the hosts in Vegas ultimately secured a 4-2 victory. Goals for Vegas came from Tomas Hertl, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Brett Howden (twice). Matt Boldy was responsible for both of Minnesota`s goals. Howden, who scored a career-high 23 goals this season, received praise from coach Bruce Cassidy after Game 1. Cassidy noted that Howden “didn`t change his game,” highlighting his physicality, role on the penalty kill, and overall versatility which makes him a frequent choice in key situations. Game 1 also featured the NHL debut of 2024 first-round draft pick Zeev Buium, who played 13 minutes and 37 seconds and registered one shot on goal.
Arda`s Three Stars from Monday Night
1. Alex Ovechkin
LW, Washington Capitals
The greatest goal scorer in NHL history continues to find the back of the net. He scored two goals, including the overtime winner, as the Capitals defeated Montreal 3-2 despite a strong third-period push from the Canadiens.
2. Kyle Connor
LW, Winnipeg Jets
Connor netted the game-winning goal in the third period for the second consecutive game, helping Winnipeg take both home games and establish a 2-0 series lead over the Blues.
3. Connor McDavid
C, Edmonton Oilers
Further demonstrating that the Oilers are never out of a game, McDavid contributed a goal and three assists to help erase a 4-0 deficit. However, his efforts were ultimately in vain after a late goal gave the Kings a thrilling 6-5 win in Game 1.
Monday`s Scores
Washington Capitals 3, Montreal Canadiens 2 (OT)
Washington leads series 1-0.
Much of the regular season focused on Alex Ovechkin`s chase for the all-time goal-scoring record. In Game 1, he embraced the spotlight, opening the scoring and bookending it with his first career playoff overtime winner, securing the win for the Capitals after Nick Suzuki tied the game late in the third period.
Winnipeg Jets 2, St. Louis Blues 1
Winnipeg leads series 2-0.
While Game 1 was tight until Winnipeg pulled away in the third, Game 2 followed a similar pattern. With the score tied 1-1 entering the third period, Kyle Connor scored the game-winner early. His linemate Mark Scheifele assisted on the goal and also scored earlier, giving him a league-leading five points this postseason.
Dallas Stars 4, Colorado Avalanche 3 (OT)
Series tied 1-1.
The series widely expected to be the closest in the first round didn`t look that way in Game 1, when Colorado dominated 5-1. Game 2, however, met expectations, requiring overtime to decide the winner between these two Western Conference powers. Colin Blackwell was the hero for Dallas, scoring with just over two minutes remaining in overtime.
Los Angeles Kings 6, Edmonton Oilers 5
Los Angeles leads series 1-0.
Monday`s late game was a treat for offensive hockey fans. The Kings built a four-goal lead late in the second period before Edmonton began a fierce comeback. The teams traded goals early in the third before the Oilers scored three straight, capped by Connor McDavid`s goal to tie it late. But Kings fans celebrated after Phillip Danault responded with the game-winner just 42 seconds later.
Rupert Hartwell