The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are heating up as three exciting matchups are set for Sunday. After a thrilling opening night that featured intense action, teams will aim to seize an early advantage in their respective series.

New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Game 1 | 3 PM ET, ESPN

The New Jersey Devils will visit the Carolina Hurricanes to kick off their series. The regular-season record between these teams stands at two wins apiece. Notably, all encounters occurred before the Devils’ key player, Jack Hughes, sustained a season-ending injury. Carolina’s Sebastian Aho, who posted an impressive 29 goals and 45 assists this season, will be a focal point for the Hurricanes. In contrast, the Devils’ scoring was spearheaded by Jesper Bratt, who achieved 21 goals and 67 assists. Their last playoff encounter in 2023 saw Carolina triumph 4-1.

Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Game 1 | 7 PM ET, ESPN2

This matchup marks the Senators’ first playoff appearance since 2017, led by their captain, Brady Tkachuk. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are making their ninth consecutive playoff appearance, despite having only one series win to show for it. With Mitch Marner netting 27 goals and 75 assists this season, Toronto will seek to break free from their previous postseason struggles. Interestingly, Ottawa holds the edge in their regular-season meetings, winning all three games against Toronto.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild

Game 1 | 10 PM ET, ESPN

In the final game of the night, the Minnesota Wild will face off against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Wild, led by new defenseman Zeev Buium, who impressed during his NCAA tenure, are eager to leave a mark. The Golden Knights, buoyed by star center Jack Eichel, who was recognized as a finalist for the Heart Trophy, hope to build on a strong regular-season performance where they outscored the Wild 12-4 across three meetings.

Top Performers

The first playoff night produced remarkable performances:

• Connor (Winnipeg Jets): Scored a goal and provided two assists, leading his team to victory against the St. Louis Blues.
• Nathan McKinnon (Colorado Avalanche): Contributed with three points in a commanding win over the Dallas Stars.
• Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg Jets): Showcased chemistry with Connor, finishing with three points as well.

Winnipeg Jets 5, St. Louis Blues 3

The Jets clinched a narrow victory, showcasing an explosive start. After being tied at the end of the second period, Winnipeg surged ahead in the third with crucial goals from Alex Iafallo and Kyle Connor.

Colorado Avalanche 5, Dallas Stars 2

The Avalanche dominated the matchup, capitalizing on their opportunities after a scoreless first period. Significant contributions included a unique goal from Artturi Lehkonen and a strong performance by Nathan McKinnon, who sealed the game with an empty-netter.