2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Key Matchups and Player Highlights
As the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs approach critical matchups, teams find themselves in a battle for survival on the ice. With the postseason heating up, several teams face elimination in pivotal Game 5s that could determine their fate.
Crucial Game Previews
Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs
Game Details: Game 5, Toronto leads series 3-1 | 7 p.m. ET on ESPN
The Senators strive to stay alive as they head to Toronto. The previous three games of this series have all required overtime, marking the 11th occurrence in the last two decades. Noteworthy performances include Jake Sanderson, who netted a game-winning goal in overtime—his first career playoff goal—and David Perron, scoring for the Senators in the playoffs for the first time with his fourth team.
New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
Game Details: Game 5, Carolina leads 3-1 | 7:30 p.m. ET on TBS
Despite outscoring the Hurricanes at even strength (7-5), the Devils lag behind on special teams and in close circumstances. Goaltender Frederik Andersen’s status remains uncertain after his exit in Game 4, yet he holds the best goals-against average this postseason at 1.59. Andrei Svechnikov shone in Game 4 with his second career playoff hat trick, making history as the first player in franchise history to achieve this feat.
Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights
Game Details: Game 5, series tied 2-2 | 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
After breaking a three-game losing streak in playoff overtime, the Golden Knights will lean on Ivan Barbashev, who scored the crucial goal in Game 4. The Wild’s goaltender, Filip Gustavsson, achieved a milestone with 42 saves, showing his prowess in the crease. Both teams are looking to gain a decisive edge in this evenly matched series.
Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings
Game Details: Game 5, series tied 2-2 | 10 p.m. ET on TBS
The Kings and Oilers are locked in a high-scoring contest, with Evan Bouchard recently joining an elite group of defensemen who have recorded back-to-back multi-goal playoff games. Leon Draisaitl’s recent performance also highlights his playoff experience, as he notched an overtime game-winner in the previous match. The outcome of this showdown is crucial for both teams to maneuver their path in the playoffs.
Player Highlights from Monday Night
Several players stood out in the recent games:
- Wyatt Johnston (Dallas Stars): Scored just nine seconds into the game against Colorado, marking the fastest goal in Stars playoff history.
- Mikko Rantanen (Colorado Avalanche): Scored while trying to close the gap, but the effort fell short.
- Aaron Ekblad (Florida Panthers): Not only delivered a major hit but also contributed significantly to the Panthers’ win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Upcoming Matchups
With intense playoff action continuing, focus remains on the next round of games that could see teams advance or be pushed to the brink of elimination. Captivating performances and strategic gameplay will be vital as every team aims for the Stanley Cup.
