The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are heating up as the first round nears its conclusion. Two teams are on the brink of elimination, with the Ottawa Senators facing a 3-1 deficit against the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the New Jersey Devils trail the Carolina Hurricanes by the same margin. The Senators avoided a sweep with an overtime win in Game 4, thanks to Jake Sanderson's first career playoff goal. Meanwhile, the Devils have outscored the Hurricanes at even strength but struggled on special teams, raising questions about their playoff viability.

In the Western Conference, both series are tied 2-2, setting the stage for pivotal Game 5s. The Vegas Golden Knights aim to break their OT playoff curse against the Minnesota Wild, while the Los Angeles Kings host the Edmonton Oilers, where both teams are jockeying for a crucial edge. Standout performances from stars like Leon Draisaitl and Adrian Kempe could dictate the outcomes in these tight matchups.