The Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up, and the ice is getting even colder! Two thrilling series are on the brink, with the Carolina Hurricanes dominating their opponent and the Winnipeg Jets staging an incredible comeback to force a Game 6. Who will punch their ticket to the next round? We break down the latest scores, the updated bracket, and give you the full schedule for the NHL’s most exciting time of year. Buckle up, hockey fans, because the race for Lord Stanley’s Cup is reaching fever pitch!
NHL Playoff Bracket and Scores
Updated Bracket: Hurricanes Advance to Eastern Conference Finals
Scores and Recaps of Every Game in the 2025 Playoffs
- Round 2 (1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (3) Florida Panthers
- Round 2 (1) Washington Capitals vs. (2) Carolina Hurricanes
- Round 2 (1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (2) Dallas Stars
- Round 1 Game 1: Maple Leafs 6, Senators 2 | Recap
- Round 1 Game 2: Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT) | Recap
- Round 1 Game 3: Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT) | Recap
- Round 1 Game 4: Senators 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT) | Recap
- Round 1 Game 5: Senators 4, Maple Leafs 0 | Recap
- Round 1 Game 6: Maple Leafs 4, Senators 2 | Recap
Analysis and Implications
3 Stars of the Night: Svechnikov, Hellebuyck, and Ehlers Shine
Analysis of their performances and impact on their teams
Implications for their teams’ chances in the playoffs
Andrei Svechnikov | RW | Hurricanes
Svechnikov continued to carry the offensive load for the Hurricanes when it mattered the most. Svechnikov ended up scoring the go-ahead goal, and helped lead the Hurricanes to a 3-1 series-clinching win.
In doing so, Svechnikov became just the fourth Hurricanes (or Hartford Whalers) player to score a game-winning goal in the final two minutes of regulation in a playoff game.
Connor Hellebuyck | G | Jets
Hellebuyck ended up stopping all 22 shots he faced as he helped Winnipeg keep its season alive on Thursday. Hellebuyck had a bevy of high-octane saves that kept the Stars from flexing their offensive muscles.
In the opening minute of the second period, Stars forward Matt Duchene set up defenseman Thomas Harley in front on backhanded shot attempt, but Hellebuyck flashed the leather with a sensational glove save.
Nikolaj Ehlers | LW | Jets
Ehlers registered two goals on five shots and added an assist as he helped lead the Jets to a 4-0 win over the Stars in Game 5.
After missing all but two games in the opening round, Ehlers is showing just how vital he is to Winnipeg’s offensive attack.
What’s Next for the Remaining Teams in the Playoffs
Analysis of the remaining teams’ strengths and weaknesses
Implications for the rest of the playoffs
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Florida Panthers
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Washington Capitals
- Winnipeg Jets
- Dallas Stars
Conclusion
As the 2025 NHL Playoffs continue to unfold, one thing is clear: this postseason has been nothing short of electrifying. The Carolina Hurricanes’ advancement to the next round, coupled with the Winnipeg Jets’ forced Game 6 showdown, has left fans on the edge of their seats. The article from CBS Sports provides an in-depth look at the latest developments, including the Stanley Cup schedule, bracket, and scores.
The significance of this playoff run cannot be overstated. For the Hurricanes, a deep playoff run would mark their first Stanley Cup appearance since 2006, while the Jets’ resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to their growing reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. As the playoffs progress, fans can expect even more thrilling matchups, with the potential for upsets and Cinderella stories to unfold.