In a thrilling double-overtime showdown, Sebastian Aho's overtime goal propelled the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-4 victory over the New Jersey Devils, clinching their first-round playoff series in five games. Aho's decisive shot, set up by Shayne Gostisbehere during a power play, marked his second goal of the night, capping a remarkable comeback from a 3-0 deficit. Taylor Hall, Jackson Blake, and Andrei Svechnikov also scored for the Hurricanes, who demonstrated resilience by leveling the game after a chaotic second period.

Despite the Devils' early dominance, Carolina's relentless offense led to an impressive 34-12 shot advantage after the second period, forcing Devils' goalie Jacob Markstrom to make a staggering 48 saves. With this victory, the Hurricanes advance to the second round, awaiting the winner of the Montreal-Washington series, in which the Capitals currently lead 3-1.

In a pivotal Game 4 matchup, the Washington Capitals overcame the Montreal Canadiens with a 5-2 victory, largely influenced by Tom Wilson's heavy hit on Alexandre Carrier. The hit, which took place in the third period, led to a momentum shift. Despite some members of the Canadiens suggesting it was a turning point, captain Nick Suzuki disagreed, asserting they had the upper hand until a few unfortunate bounces altered the game's trajectory.

Wilson's check directly preceded Brandon Duhaime’s game-tying goal, sparking a Capitals rally that resulted in three consecutive goals, including two empty-netters. The Canadiens, who had initially held a 2-1 lead entering the final period, failed to recover from the sudden shift in momentum. This loss puts them in a precarious position, forcing them to respond swiftly in Game 5 if they hope to stay alive in the series.

Simon Nemec clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory for the New Jersey Devils over the Carolina Hurricanes during Game 3 of their playoff series, scoring just 2:36 into the second overtime. The win marks an important rebound for the Devils, who had lost the first two games of the series. Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer contributed with goals during regulation, while Jacob Markstrom made 25 saves, showcasing his steadfast presence in the net. For the Hurricanes, goals from Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho kept them competitive, but they ultimately fell short in a gripping overtime.

New Jersey's victory also highlighted their offensive resilience, as Mercer’s third-period goal had initially extended their lead to 2-0. However, the Hurricanes rallied with power-play goals from Jarvis and Aho to tie the game, showcasing their ability to respond under pressure. With Game 4 looming, the playoff intensity is only expected to escalate.

As the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs kick off, the spotlight shines on the artistic flair of goaltenders and their mask designs. Each goalie uses their helmet as a canvas, showcasing creativity while aligning with team colors. The likes of Logan Thompson from the Washington Capitals pay homage to pop culture with a Nicolas Cage tribute, while Jacob Markstrom's vibrant devil depiction reflects the New Jersey Devils' persona. Goaltenders like Pyotr Kochetkov of the Carolina Hurricanes and Mackenzie Blackwood of the Colorado Avalanche present their distinct styles, with themes ranging from hometown symbols to playful mascots.

This year's playoffs feature several eye-catching designs. For instance, Jake Oettinger's mask includes whimsical otters, and Sergei Bobrovsky brings an edgy brick pattern. Masks aren't merely decorative; they create a connection between the players and fans, reflecting individual personalities. Unique designs, such as those worn by Darcy Kuemper and David Rittich, catch the eye and stir conversations among fans and analysts alike, adding an extra layer of excitement to the postseason.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off with 16 teams vying for the most coveted trophy in sports, featuring a blend of elite talent and exciting matchups. Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning stands out as a key player, having led the league in points this season. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews is crucial for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with the team aiming to overcome a historical playoff drought. The Florida Panthers, facing depth issues, acquired Brad Marchand to bolster their lineup. Iconic scorer Alex Ovechkin, even at 39, remains a formidable presence for the Washington Capitals. The Carolina Hurricanes will rely on Sebastian Aho, while the New Jersey Devils' hopes hinge on goalie Jacob Markstrom following Jack Hughes' injury. Players like Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators and Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens could also play vital roles as the tournament unfolds.