The playoff drama has boiled down to four remaining teams, showcasing a mix of talent and resilience. The Toronto Maple Leafs' disheartening exit after a 6-1 defeat to the Florida Panthers raised concerns about their fight and leadership, with only Max Domi showing significant effort. Auston Matthews noted the absence of urgency and initiative within the team.

Meanwhile, the Panthers have emerged as contenders, bolstered by successful trades that brought Brad Marchand and Seth Jones, significantly impacting their performance. Sergei Bobrovsky’s elite play continues to solidify his Hall of Fame candidacy. In the West, Dallas is exploiting Mikko Rantanen's prowess, elevating their chances against Edmonton. The Stars are set to harness their depth by double shifting Rantanen alongside other key players.