Stanley Cup Playoffs 2025: Can the Capitals and Jets Survive Elimination Night?

As the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs heat up, the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets face elimination. Will they force a Game 6? Get the latest insights and highlights.

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2025: Elimination Night Preview

The second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs has reached a critical juncture, with elimination games taking center stage. On Thursday night, hockey fans are in for a thrilling doubleheader as the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets fight to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Game 5 | 7 p.m. ET | TNT

The Capitals, trailing 3-1 in the series, are hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. According to ESPN BET, the Hurricanes are heavy favorites at -4000 to win the series, while the Capitals are long shots at +1300. The Hurricanes have a strong historical record in such scenarios, having won all eight best-of-seven series where they held a 3-1 lead.

Key players to watch include Frederik Andersen, who has been stellar in goal for the Hurricanes, and Alex Ovechkin, who continues to climb the all-time playoff goal-scoring list.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars

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

The Jets, also down 3-1, are hosting the Dallas Stars. The Stars have shifted to -1200 to win the series, while the Jets are at +600. Dallas has a dominant history in this position, having won 13 of 14 best-of-seven series when leading 3-1.

Mikko Rantanen of the Stars has been a standout performer, leading the playoffs in points and goals. For the Jets, Kyle Connor is just one goal shy of tying Paul Stastny for second on the franchise's single-postseason goal-scoring leaderboard.

Wednesday's Highlights

Florida Panthers 6, Toronto Maple Leafs 1

The Panthers took a commanding 3-2 series lead with a dominant performance. Defensemen Aaron Ekblad, Dmitry Kulikov, and Niko Mikkola all scored, tying a franchise record.

Edmonton Oilers 1, Vegas Golden Knights 0 (OT)

The Oilers advanced to the Western Conference finals after Kasperi Kapanen scored the series-clinching goal in overtime. Edmonton will face the winner of the Stars-Jets series.

Three Stars of Wednesday

  1. Panthers Defensemen: Scored three goals, tying a franchise record.
  2. Kasperi Kapanen (RW, Edmonton Oilers): Scored the series-clinching OT goal.
  3. Florida Panthers: 14 players recorded at least one point, a franchise record.

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs continue to deliver thrilling hockey action.

What to Read Next

NHL Offseason Overhaul: Teams That Transformed Their Rosters for 2025-26
NHL

NHL Offseason Overhaul: Teams That Transformed Their Rosters for 2025-26

Explore how NHL teams reshaped their rosters this offseason, with key additions and losses that could define the 2025-26 season.

2025-26 NHL Fantasy Hockey Rankings: Top Players to Watch and Draft Strategies
NHL

2025-26 NHL Fantasy Hockey Rankings: Top Players to Watch and Draft Strategies

Get ahead in your 2025-26 NHL fantasy hockey league with expert rankings, top player insights, and draft strategies to dominate your season.

Colorado Avalanche Bolsters Coaching Staff with Former Seattle Kraken Head Coach Dave Hakstol
NHL

Colorado Avalanche Bolsters Coaching Staff with Former Seattle Kraken Head Coach Dave Hakstol

The Colorado Avalanche have added former Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol to their coaching staff to enhance their power-play performance.

NHL Offseason Report Card 2025: Team Grades and Key Moves
NHL

NHL Offseason Report Card 2025: Team Grades and Key Moves

Explore the comprehensive report card for all 32 NHL teams' offseason moves, including trades, free agency signings, and overall team grades for 2025.

From New York to Michigan: Dive into Week 2 of SportsCenter's 50-in-50 State Sports Trivia Challenge
NHL

From New York to Michigan: Dive into Week 2 of SportsCenter's 50-in-50 State Sports Trivia Challenge

Join SportsCenter's 50-in-50 journey as we explore state-specific sports trivia, from New York's hot dog eating contest to Michigan's pickleball tournament.

2025 NHL Free Agency: Key Trends and Lessons from the First Wave
NHL

2025 NHL Free Agency: Key Trends and Lessons from the First Wave

Explore the major trends and lessons from the 2025 NHL free agency first wave, including the impact of the rising salary cap and why many players chose to re-sign with their current teams.

Philadelphia Flyers Secure Dan Vladar with a 2-Year Deal to Strengthen Goaltending
NHL

Philadelphia Flyers Secure Dan Vladar with a 2-Year Deal to Strengthen Goaltending

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed goaltender Dan Vladar to a two-year contract, aiming to bolster their goaltending duo for the upcoming NHL seasons.

Detroit Red Wings Bolster Offense with James van Riemsdyk Signing
NHL

Detroit Red Wings Bolster Offense with James van Riemsdyk Signing

The Detroit Red Wings have signed veteran forward James van Riemsdyk to a one-year deal, aiming to strengthen their offense and end a nine-year playoff drought.

Brock Boeser Secures Future with Vancouver Canucks: A New Seven-Year Deal
NHL

Brock Boeser Secures Future with Vancouver Canucks: A New Seven-Year Deal

Brock Boeser and the Vancouver Canucks finalize a seven-year contract, securing his role as a key player in the team's future.

NHL 2025 Free Agency and Trade Tracker: Key Signings and Big Moves Analyzed
NHL

NHL 2025 Free Agency and Trade Tracker: Key Signings and Big Moves Analyzed

Stay updated with the latest NHL 2025 free agency signings and trades. Detailed analysis on key player movements and team strategies.

Ultimate Guide to Watching NHL Free Agent Frenzy 2025 on ESPN+ and Disney+
NHL

Ultimate Guide to Watching NHL Free Agent Frenzy 2025 on ESPN+ and Disney+

Discover how to watch the NHL Free Agent Frenzy 2025 on ESPN+ and Disney+, featuring live coverage, key player signings, and exclusive insights.

NHL Free Agency 2025: Strategies for Each Team to Achieve an A+ Offseason
NHL

NHL Free Agency 2025: Strategies for Each Team to Achieve an A+ Offseason

Explore how each NHL team can maximize their offseason moves to strengthen their roster and aim for the Stanley Cup in 2025.

2025 NHL Free Agency: Analyzing Aaron Ekblad's Contract Extension with the Florida Panthers
NHL

2025 NHL Free Agency: Analyzing Aaron Ekblad's Contract Extension with the Florida Panthers

Explore the details and implications of Aaron Ekblad's contract extension with the Florida Panthers during the 2025 NHL Free Agency period.

Morgan Geekie Secures $33 Million Deal with Boston Bruins After Stellar Season
NHL

Morgan Geekie Secures $33 Million Deal with Boston Bruins After Stellar Season

Boston Bruins' Morgan Geekie signs a six-year, $33 million contract following a standout season with career-high goals and points.

Glen Gulutzan Returns as Dallas Stars Head Coach: A New Era Begins
NHL

Glen Gulutzan Returns as Dallas Stars Head Coach: A New Era Begins

Glen Gulutzan returns as the Dallas Stars head coach after 12 years, aiming to lead the team to the Stanley Cup with a talented roster.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.