2025 Stanley Cup playoffs – Takeaways as Round 1 heats up

As the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs intensifies, elimination games are becoming frequent across North America. Numerous compelling narratives are emerging, including goalies struggling to regain form after being pulled and physical play heightening emotions. ESPN reporters provide their key observations.

Are Connor Hellebuyck and the Jets in trouble … again?

The Winnipeg Jets are tied 2-2 in their series against the St. Louis Blues, but concerns are rising around goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He was pulled in both Game 3 and Game 4, continuing a pattern of playoff difficulties. Despite two Vezina Trophies, Hellebuyck has struggled in recent postseasons, often failing to rebound after early losses, a stark contrast to his dominant regular season performance. Blues fans have even taunted him.

While some goals were due to defensive breakdowns like screens, Hellebuyck, expected to be elite, hasn`t delivered his best. Coach Scott Arniel remains publicly confident but acknowledges both the team and Hellebuyck need to improve. The disparity between Hellebuyck`s regular season and playoff performance raises questions about his legacy.

Ottawa has life — until Toronto proves it can close

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their playoff struggles, with a concerning 1-12 record in elimination games since 2017. Their failure to close out the Ottawa Senators in Game 4 highlights the common challenge of securing the final win. Despite opportunities, including an overtime power play, Toronto`s special teams faltered, even allowing a shorthanded goal.

Credit is due to Ottawa for their resilience, overcoming blown leads and successfully killing a crucial penalty before Jake Sanderson scored the overtime winner. The Senators now play with less pressure, while the Leafs face the weight of past failures and high expectations for this supposedly different roster. Can Toronto prevent this single loss from snowballing?

Maybe don`t challenge, coaches?

Coach`s challenges, successful over half the time in the regular season, have proven costly in the 2025 playoffs. Unsuccessful challenges have resulted in delay of game penalties that teams have capitalized on. Edmonton`s challenge on a delay of game call failed, adding another penalty.

Tampa Bay`s goalie interference challenge led to a power-play goal against, effectively ending their Game 1 hopes. Most notably, the Kings` challenge on an Evander Kane goal bafflingly gave the Oilers a power play, which directly led to the game-winning goal. As coach Jim Hiller admitted, the risk hasn`t paid off, and the consequences in the postseason are severe.

Are the Golden Knights about to turn the corner?

The Vegas Golden Knights, looking to add a second Stanley Cup, demonstrated their reliance on team depth in a critical Game 4 overtime victory that tied their series. Players who had been quiet offensively, like Shea Theodore, Nicolas Roy, and Ivan Barbashev (who scored the winner), stepped up. Goalie Adin Hill also showed improvement.

While top players like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone haven`t registered points, their increased offensive activity suggests they are close to contributing on the scoreboard. This depth could be the key to Vegas advancing.

No love lost in the Battle of Florida

The heated “Battle of Florida” series between the Panthers and Lightning is marked by physicality, often initiated by Florida`s Matthew Tkachuk. After scoring three goals early, Tkachuk delivered a major hit on Tampa Bay`s Jake Guentzel in Game 3, resulting in a game misconduct. While Tkachuk avoided suspension, the incident clearly increased tensions.

Tampa Bay responded with a dominant Game 4 victory, scoring five unanswered goals. The bad blood is expected to continue. Discipline is crucial for the Lightning, particularly given the Panthers` strong power play. The hit on Guentzel seems to have further galvanized the Tampa Bay squad, adding intensity to the remainder of the series.

Everyone loves Tom Wilson (except those that hate him)

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson is a polarizing figure, widely loved by teammates for his physical presence and leadership, but often reviled by opponents and fans for his history of controversial hits. Goalie Logan Thompson praised Wilson as the team`s “heart and soul.” In Game 3, Wilson engaged in a brawl and taunted opponents, escalating tensions.

However, in Game 4, he avoided penalties and made a significant impact with a forceful hit on Alexandre Carrier just before the Capitals scored a tying goal. Wilson acknowledged the physical nature of the series and the timing of his hit. Having experienced playoff highs (2018 Cup) and lows, Wilson notes the Capitals` resilience and belief in their group identity, finding joy in the competitive atmosphere.

More to Landeskog`s Game 4 performance than just his goal

Gabriel Landeskog`s return to the Colorado Avalanche after a nearly three-year absence has been impactful, highlighted by his performance in the 4-0 Game 4 win against the Dallas Stars. His goal and assist showcased the leadership and scoring ability he brought to the 2022 Stanley Cup team.

Landeskog`s effectiveness stems from his strong positioning, whether winning puck battles in corners or getting to the net front. A prime example was his screening of the goalie on Samuel Girard`s goal, earning a secondary assist. Landeskog`s presence is proving vital, helping the Avs tie the series and potentially providing the edge they need to advance further in the playoffs.

Can the Oilers beat the curse of the Western Conference?

There`s a recent trend (perhaps not a “curse”) of Western Conference champions facing difficulties the following season. The 2020 finalists missed the next playoffs. The 2022 Cup winners exited in the first round the next year, as did the 2023 champions in 2024.

The Edmonton Oilers, facing the Los Angeles Kings for the fourth consecutive first round, are in a bizarre series marked by high scores and unpredictable outcomes (6-5, 6-2 losses, 7-4 win). It remains to be seen if the Oilers will continue this pattern for Western Conference champions or break the trend.