Round 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs is hitting the nitty-gritty stage, as elimination games will be coming from all corners of North America this week.
The storylines are many, from goaltenders being pulled and trying to regain their form to heavy hits stirring emotions even more than they already were.
ESPN reporters Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski identified their top takeaways as all 16 teams remain alive -- at least for the time being.
Read more:
Full schedule
Intel on all 16 teams
Top 50 players
Wyshynski's bracket
Contender flaws
Are Connor Hellebuyck and the Jets in trouble .