Capitals, Panthers Advance; Jets Pull Ahead in NHL Playoffs as Game 6 Matchups Loom

The Capitals and Panthers Advance, Jets Take Series Lead

Washington Capitals 4, Montreal Canadiens 1

The Washington Capitals clinched their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens with a 4–1 victory in Game 5 totaling a 4-1 series standing. Alex Ovechkin opened the scoring with a power-play goal, tying Mario Lemieux for 12th on the all-time playoff goals list with his 76th. Jakob Chychrun and Tom Wilson added goals, while Brandon Duhaime sealed the win with an empty-netter. Goaltender Logan Thompson made 28 saves, securing the Capitals' advancement to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round.

Florida Panthers 6, Tampa Bay Lightning 3

The Florida Panthers eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning with a commanding 6–3 win in Game 5 also settling their series at 4-1. Eetu Luostarinen led the Panthers with a goal and three assists, showcasing their offensive depth. Florida progresses to the second round where they await the winner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators series.

Winnipeg Jets 5, St. Louis Blues 3

The Winnipeg Jets took a 3–2 series lead over the St. Louis Blues with a 5–3 victory in Game 5. Kyle Connor contributed a goal and two assists, while Vladislav Namestnikov scored the game-winning goal. The series now shifts to St. Louis for Game 6, where the Blues will aim to defend their home ice and force a decisive NHL Playoff Game 7. 

Tonight's NHL Playoff Matchups – May 1, 2025

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Ottawa Senators – 4:00 PM PT

The Toronto Maple Leafs lead the series 3–2 against the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa, facing elimination, will rely on their home crowd to extend the series to a Game 7. 

Vegas Golden Knights @ Minnesota Wild – 4:30 PM PT

The Vegas Golden Knights hold a 3–2 series lead over the Minnesota Wild. Minnesota looks to capitalize on home-ice advantage to force a Game 7, while Vegas seeks to maintain their momentum from Game 4 and Game 5 wins to clinch the series tonight.​

Dallas Stars @ Colorado Avalanche – 6:30 PM PT

The Dallas Stars lead their series 3–2 against the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado, hosting Game 6, aims to even and extend the series, with Dallas looking to secure a series win and move on to the winner of the Jets vs Blues.​

Los Angeles Kings @ Edmonton Oilers – 7:00 PM PT

The Edmonton Oilers have a 3–2 series lead over the Los Angeles Kings. Edmonton looks to push their win streak to 4 in a row and close out the series at home, while the Kings look to get back to Game 1 and 2 form to force a Game 7 back in Los Angeles.​

Pregame Sports Bar Crawl: Las Vegas Edition

Experience the playoffs like never before with our Pregame Sports pub crawl in Las Vegas! Join fellow hockey fans for exclusive drink specials at some of the best sports bars around. It's the ultimate way to gear up for game night. Stay tuned for upcoming events coming soon!