The second round of the 2025 NHL playoffs sees the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets facing off. Having started their series slightly later than others, they are the last teams to play their respective Game 3, scheduled for Sunday afternoon (4:30 p.m. ET, TBS).
This will be followed by another crucial matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers at the standard time of 7:30 p.m. ET (TBS).
Which team will gain the advantage in the Jets-Stars series, currently tied 1-1? And following the Panthers` victory in Game 3, can they even the series against the Maple Leafs in Game 4?
This article provides previews for Sunday`s games, including statistical insights. It also summarizes Saturday`s playoff action and highlights the Three Stars.
Matchup Notes
Winnipeg Jets at Dallas Stars
Game 3 | 4:30 p.m. ET | TBS
The series between Winnipeg and Dallas is tied 1-1 heading into Game 3 in Dallas. The Stars are favored to win the series (-170), while the Jets are listed at +140. Dallas has the second-best odds to win the Stanley Cup (+400), and Winnipeg has the third-longest odds (+900).
Winnipeg`s Connor Hellebuyck recorded his fourth career postseason shutout in Game 2, stopping 22 shots. He is the sixth goaltender in NHL history to achieve the first four playoff shutouts for a single franchise.
Nikolaj Ehlers has had inconsistent playoff scoring for the Jets. His two goals in Game 2 marked his second career multi-goal playoff game. Before this, he had gone 14 playoff games without scoring.
Game 2 was the second time the Stars have been shut out this postseason. The first occurred in Game 4 against Colorado in the first round. In the subsequent game after that shutout, they scored six goals at home.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers
Game 4 | 7:30 p.m. ET | TBS
After the Panthers` thrilling win in Game 3, the Maple Leafs are slightly favored to win the series at -125, with the Panthers at +105. In terms of Stanley Cup futures, the Panthers are listed at +550 and Toronto at +600, placing both teams in the middle tier of contenders.
Brad Marchand of the Panthers scored the overtime winner in Game 3, extending his NHL record for consecutive postseasons with a game-winning goal (dating back to 2017). His four career playoff overtime goals rank seventh all-time.
There`s debate about whether Sergei Bobrovsky is performing at his peak “Playoff Bob” level. Among the eight goalies who reached the second round, his 2.94 goals-against average and .875 save percentage rank sixth. These numbers are lower than his 2.33 GAA and .906 SV% during the Panthers` run last year.
Maple Leafs center John Tavares scored two goals in Game 3, marking his fourth career multi-goal playoff performance and second against the Panthers. His previous multi-goal game versus Florida was in 2016 with the New York Islanders.
Morgan Rielly continues to extend his franchise record for playoff goals by a defenseman with each goal he scores. He now has 15 career playoff goals, surpassing Ian Turnbull, who had 13.
Saturday`s Three Stars (Selected by Arda Öcal)
1. The Final Seconds
Saturday night reminded us that anything can happen in a Stanley Cup playoff game, even a last-second own goal by Leon Draisaitl that decided a game otherwise headed for overtime.
2. Reilly Smith, RW, Vegas Golden Knights
Smith scored two goals, including the game-winner that deflected off Draisaitl`s stick, in Vegas` 4-3 victory. He and Nicolas Roy scored 54 seconds apart in the first period to erase a 2-0 deficit and tie the game 2-2, the fastest Vegas has overcome a multi-goal deficit in franchise playoff history.
3. Jack Roslovic, C, Carolina Hurricanes
Roslovic contributed two points, including his third career postseason goal, as the Hurricanes defeated the Capitals 4-0 to take a 2-1 series lead.
Saturday`s Recaps
Carolina Hurricanes 4, Washington Capitals 0
CAR leads 2-1 | Game 4 Monday
After a scoreless first period featuring scoring chances for both teams, Carolina took control in the second with goals from Andrei Svechnikov and Jack Roslovic. Their relentless defensive pressure stifled the Capitals in the third. Eric Robinson added a goal that eluded Logan Thompson, and Jackson Blake scored on the power play. The night`s highlight was Frederik Andersen earning his fourth career shutout and first with the Hurricanes.
Golden Knights 4, Oilers 3
EDM leads 2-1 | Game 4 Monday
The Golden Knights secured a stunning victory in Edmonton, decided in the final second. Corey Perry scored twice in the first period to give the Oilers a 2-0 lead. Vegas responded quickly with two goals from Reilly Smith and Nicolas Roy within 54 seconds to tie it. William Karlsson put Vegas ahead 3-2 in the second. Connor McDavid tied the game at 3 with under three minutes left in the third. However, in the closing second of regulation, Reilly Smith`s shot deflected off Oilers center Leon Draisaitl and into the net for the Vegas win.
