The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway, with 16 teams competing through four intense rounds to claim the championship. The defending champion Florida Panthers have advanced to the second round after defeating their in-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, on Wednesday night.
Florida currently holds the best odds to win the Eastern Conference, just ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes were the first to move on to the second round after a dramatic double-overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.
The Washington Capitals eliminated the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday and are set to face the Hurricanes next. Veteran star Alex Ovechkin scored four goals in the opening round.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, aiming to end the longest title drought in NHL history, secured their spot in the next round with a Game 6 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. They’ll now face the Panthers.
In the Western Conference, both the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers have already punched their tickets to the second round.
Two series remain undecided: the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets are knotted at 3-3, with Game 7 scheduled for Sunday night. The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are also tied, with their decisive Game 7 taking place Saturday.
Additional information includes top Conn Smythe Trophy favorites and updated odds for each team to win their series and the Stanley Cup.
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