NHL Playoffs 2025: Knights Face Elimination, Panthers-Leafs in Pivotal Game 5

Following a single game on Tuesday night, the NHL Playoffs return with two crucial matchups on Wednesday. The Vegas Golden Knights are on the verge of elimination, while the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs battle in a decisive Game 5.

Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Game 5 | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN

With the series tied 2-2, the Panthers are slight favorites to advance. According to ESPN BET, Florida is at -210 to win the series, compared to +170 for the Leafs. Historically, the winner of Game 5 in a tied series has gone on to win the series 79% of the time.

• Carter Verhaeghe continues to lead the Panthers in playoff goals, now at 30, extending his franchise record.
• Brad Marchand, acquired from Boston, boasts a 4-0 record against Toronto in playoff series.
• William Nylander leads the Leafs with six postseason goals, climbing the team's career playoff goal-scoring leaderboard.

Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights

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

The Oilers hold a commanding 3-1 series lead, with ESPN BET favoring Edmonton at -1000 to win the series. Vegas, facing elimination, has never rallied from a 3-1 deficit.

• Connor McDavid extends his assist streak to eight games, tying Wayne Gretzky's 1983 record.
• Mark Stone is tied for the Knights' franchise playoff record with 36 goals.
• Jack Eichel leads the Knights in shots on goal but has struggled with a 3.7% shooting percentage.

Tuesday's Recap

Dallas Stars 3, Winnipeg Jets 1 DAL leads 3-1 | Game 5 Thursday

Mikael Granlund's first career hat trick led the Stars to a 3-1 victory. Jake Oettinger's stellar performance in goal, stopping 31 of 32 shots, helped Dallas secure a 3-1 series lead. Full recap.

Öcal's Three Stars from Tuesday

1. Mikael Granlund, C, Dallas Stars
2. Jake Oettinger, G, Dallas Stars
3. Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the NHL Playoffs 2025 continue to deliver thrilling action.