The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs have reached the point where every night could end in season-ending heartbreak for a team. On Wednesday, it happened for two teams, the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning. On Thursday, that could happen for four teams.
Thursday night begins with the Ottawa Senators, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings facing a 3-2 deficit. On the flip side, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers could all punch their tickets to the second round by earning one more victory.