Panthers and Maple Leafs Set for Game 1 in Stanley Cup Playoffs

NEW YORK — The National Hockey League announced today that the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round will begin on Monday, May 5, at 8 p.m. ET. The Florida Panthers will face the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto.

In Canada, the game will be televised on Sportsnet, CBC, and TVA Sports, while ESPN will broadcast it in the United States.

Furthermore, the NHL confirmed that Game 1 of the series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals will take place on Tuesday, May 6, in Washington. Game time has not yet been announced, but it will also be shown on ESPN in the U.S.

The Panthers advanced to this stage after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, clinching the series with a 4-1 victory. This marks the second consecutive postseason where the Panthers have made it to the second round.

Florida aims to continue their title defense against the Atlantic Division’s top-seeded Leafs, who won their first-round series against the wild-card in six games, moving closer to ending their championship drought.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets will determine their playoff fate in a decisive Game 7 scheduled for Sunday, May 4, at 7 p.m. ET in Winnipeg. The winner will advance to face the top-seeded team in the conference.

The complete schedule for the second round will be released once all matchups are finalized.