2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Game 1 Previews and Results
The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs kicked off with a thrilling opening night, featuring two games. As the playoffs continue on Sunday, a trio of Game 1 matchups promises to heighten the excitement:
- New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
- Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs
- Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights
As these teams strive for the early advantage, let’s take a closer look at each matchup and highlight key players to watch.
Matchup Analysis
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Game Details: 3 p.m. ET, ESPN
The regular-season series between these two clubs ended in a split, with both teams claiming two victories. However, the Devils will be without star player Jack Hughes, who is sidelined due to a season-ending injury. Leading the Hurricanes in scoring this season was Sebastian Aho, contributing 29 goals and 45 assists. Jesper Bratt topped the Devils’ scoring charts with 21 goals and 67 assists. The Hurricanes emerged victorious when these teams last met in the playoffs, winning their 2023 matchup 4-1.
Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Game Details: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
This matchup marks the Senators’ first postseason appearance since 2017, an important milestone for their captain, Brady Tkachuk. The Maple Leafs, making their ninth straight playoff entry, hope to shake off past struggles in postseason play where they have secured only one series win. Despite being viewed as the favorites, the Senators have triumphed in all three regular-season encounters against Toronto.
Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Game Details: 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
In this evening duel, the Wild, coming off a wild-card berth, face the well-rounded Golden Knights. Newly signed defenseman Zeev Buium, who recently competed in the NCAA Frozen Four, will be a player to watch as he might have a role in this series. The Knights, who swept the regular-season series with the Wild by a total score of 12-4, are led by center Jack Eichel, a contender for the Hart Trophy.
Highlights from Saturday’s Games
The playoffs commenced with two exciting matchups on Saturday, setting the stage for an electrifying postseason.
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Final Score: Jets 5, Blues 3 (Jets lead series 1-0)
The game was marked by a fast-paced first period where both teams exchanged goals. Although the Blues took a 3-2 lead into the third, the Jets surged in the final period, completing a comeback with three goals, culminating in a game-winning shot from Kyle Connor.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars
Final Score: Avalanche 5, Stars 2 (Avs lead series 1-0)
In a more subdued first period, the Avalanche took charge in the subsequent periods, highlighted by a unique goal from Artturi Lehkonen and multiple scoring contributions, including a solid performance from Nathan MacKinnon that helped the Avalanche establish control of the game.
Standout Performers: Arda’s Three Stars
- Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets): With a goal and two assists, Connor played a pivotal role in securing the Jets’ victory, illustrating his leadership on the ice.
- Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche): Renowned for his clutch performances, MacKinnon scored two crucial goals, showcasing his offensive prowess.
- Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg Jets): Supporting Connor effectively, Scheifele also registered three points, highlighting the strong chemistry between him and Connor.