The second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs is well underway, with most series having played at least four games. This period has provided crucial insights into the performance of teams and players.
What key lessons have emerged? Who has impressed or disappointed? And how do these factors shape the path forward in the postseason?
Could Dallas` Consistency Signal a Stanley Cup Path?
The outcome of the Winnipeg Jets-Dallas Stars series remains uncertain, but if Dallas advances to the Western Conference finals, it would mark their third consecutive appearance and fourth since 2020. While they haven`t lifted the Cup during this stretch, such sustained success raises the question: are they the premier team in the West? They face tough competition from recent champions like the Vegas Golden Knights (2023) and the Edmonton Oilers (2024 finalists). Historically, achieving three straight conference finals under the current format (since 1994) is rare. The Detroit Red Wings did it twice (1995-98, winning two Cups; 2007-09, winning one), and the Chicago Blackhawks achieved it (2013-15, winning two Cups). Dallas joining this group suggests their consistent elite performance could be a favorable sign.
Toronto Needs a Strategic Shift
The Toronto Maple Leafs appeared outmatched in their 2-0 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 4. Florida`s relentless offensive zone pressure overwhelmed Toronto, leading to penalties and disrupting their flow. Only exceptional goaltending from Joseph Woll prevented a wider margin. The Panthers have effectively shut down Toronto`s transition game and tightened their defense around Sergei Bobrovsky. For Toronto to advance, they must adapt. Key players need to elevate their game; Mitch Marner hasn`t registered a shot on goal since Game 2, and Auston Matthews is goalless in the second round against Florida. Coach Craig Berube has indicated that certain players must perform better. With the series now a best-of-three and home-ice advantage shifting, Toronto needs to find a counter-strategy against Florida`s aggressive, defensive style.
Hellebuyck`s Road Woes Raise Olympic Questions
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck`s struggles in playoff road games have become a significant concern, despite his status as a two-time Vezina winner and Hart Trophy finalist. While dominant in the regular season, his playoff performance, particularly away from home, has been inconsistent. In his last 20 playoff appearances, he has a 7-13 record with concerning save percentages and goals-against averages, with road losses being particularly poor. Although he wasn`t pulled in Game 3 against Dallas, he still lost and allowed questionable goals. This raises questions about his potential role as the starting goaltender for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger, by comparison, has a more stable, albeit not stellar, road playoff record and is seen as the next option for the U.S. However, Hellebuyck`s strong performance with an All-Star team at the 4 Nations Face-Off suggests he might thrive more when playing behind a stronger defensive unit.
Edmonton`s Depth vs. Vegas` Scoring Shortage
The Edmonton Oilers` success against the Vegas Golden Knights has been significantly driven by secondary scoring, contrasting sharply with Vegas` struggles beyond their top players. While Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid remain threats, much of Edmonton`s offense has come from other players. This depth was evident when Adam Henrique and Evander Kane scored crucial goals. The Golden Knights, meanwhile, have seen key offensive players like Ivan Barbashev, Tomas Hertl, Brett Howden, Jack Eichel, and Pavel Dorofeyev largely shut down. Their defensemen have also contributed minimally to the score sheet. This disparity in scoring depth appears to be a decisive factor in the series.
A Spate of Unlucky Own Goals
The second round has featured several prominent own goals, often occurring at crucial moments. Instances include the puck deflecting off Connor Hellebuyck`s stick into his own net after an official review in the Dallas-Winnipeg series, Leon Draisaitl accidentally putting the puck past Stuart Skinner late in a game against Vegas, and Morgan Rielly`s stick redirecting a puck past Joseph Woll in the Toronto-Florida series. These moments serve as a reminder that unpredictable bounces can significantly impact games, reinforcing the old adage about the importance of simply putting the puck towards the net.
Mikko Rantanen`s Dominant Playoff Run
Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer described Mikko Rantanen`s playoff performance as the best he`s witnessed from one of his players, stating he feels Rantanen is “just getting started.” Through 10 games, Rantanen has been outstanding, leading the playoffs in goals and points. He has set a record for the most three-point games through a team`s first 10 playoff contests. His production is particularly notable given the challenges of being traded twice this season and playing without his former linemate Nathan MacKinnon. Rantanen is currently a leading candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy. Despite being held scoreless in Game 2 by Winnipeg, he rebounded strongly in Game 3, demonstrating his ability to impact the series.
Veteran Stars Defying Their Age
Corey Perry, approaching 40, and Alex Ovechkin, who will also turn 40 later this year, are having remarkably effective playoff performances for players of their age. They are among a small group of players aged 39 or older participating in this postseason. Their goal-scoring output ranks among the best all-time for players in their age-39 season, nearing the record held by Jean Béliveau. Their continued contribution highlights their exceptional skill and longevity in the league.
Carolina`s Defense Silences Ovechkin at Even Strength
While Alex Ovechkin and Corey Perry are scoring overall, the Carolina Hurricanes` defense has been particularly effective in limiting Ovechkin`s impact at even strength. Defensemen Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns have played a key role in shutting down Ovechkin`s line, restricting their ability to generate chances and control the offensive zone. Despite leading the Capitals in even-strength shots, Ovechkin`s only goal in the series has come on the power play. Washington needs more offensive contributions across the board, especially at 5-on-5, which is a difficult challenge against Carolina`s structured and suffocating defensive system.
Carolina`s Identity: Defense and Control Over Flash
The Carolina Hurricanes-Washington Capitals series has been characterized by tight, low-scoring games, contrasting with other high-event playoff series. Coach Rod Brind`Amour dismisses criticism regarding the entertainment value of their style, emphasizing that their focus is solely on winning. Carolina`s approach relies on maintaining puck possession, strong defensive zone coverage, reliable goaltending, and effective penalty killing to drain the life out of opponents. They are effective at limiting opponents` shots, prioritizing control and structure over a wide-open, exciting game. This established identity is unlikely to change, making them a challenging opponent for any team focused on generating high-paced offense.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley