Stanley Cup Playoffs 2025: Elimination Night Preview

The second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs has reached a critical juncture, with elimination games taking center stage. On Thursday night, hockey fans are in for a thrilling doubleheader as the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets fight to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Game 5 | 7 p.m. ET | TNT

The Capitals, trailing 3-1 in the series, are hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. According to ESPN BET, the Hurricanes are heavy favorites at -4000 to win the series, while the Capitals are long shots at +1300. The Hurricanes have a strong historical record in such scenarios, having won all eight best-of-seven series where they held a 3-1 lead.

Key players to watch include Frederik Andersen, who has been stellar in goal for the Hurricanes, and Alex Ovechkin, who continues to climb the all-time playoff goal-scoring list.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars

Game 5 | 9:30 p.m. ET | TNT

The Jets, also down 3-1, are hosting the Dallas Stars. The Stars have shifted to -1200 to win the series, while the Jets are at +600. Dallas has a dominant history in this position, having won 13 of 14 best-of-seven series when leading 3-1.

Mikko Rantanen of the Stars has been a standout performer, leading the playoffs in points and goals. For the Jets, Kyle Connor is just one goal shy of tying Paul Stastny for second on the franchise's single-postseason goal-scoring leaderboard.

Wednesday's Highlights

Florida Panthers 6, Toronto Maple Leafs 1

The Panthers took a commanding 3-2 series lead with a dominant performance. Defensemen Aaron Ekblad, Dmitry Kulikov, and Niko Mikkola all scored, tying a franchise record.

Edmonton Oilers 1, Vegas Golden Knights 0 (OT)

The Oilers advanced to the Western Conference finals after Kasperi Kapanen scored the series-clinching goal in overtime. Edmonton will face the winner of the Stars-Jets series.

Three Stars of Wednesday

1. Panthers Defensemen: Scored three goals, tying a franchise record.
2. Kasperi Kapanen (RW, Edmonton Oilers): Scored the series-clinching OT goal.
3. Florida Panthers: 14 players recorded at least one point, a franchise record.

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs continue to deliver thrilling hockey action.