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Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) handles the puck during Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Knee-jerk reactions to first week of NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs

By Natalie Vaitas | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 1:36 PM ET

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are just about a week in, and so far, the sports world's most exciting postseason has not disappointed.

Some teams find themselves in 2-0 or 3-0 holes, while other series are as tight as ever. As we move into Games 3 and 4, let's take a look at some knee-jerk reactions to the first week of the NHL playoffs.

The Edmonton Oilers are done

Although there is the saying, "you aren't in trouble until you lose at home," the Oilers have had plenty of struggles in Games 1 and 2 as they return to Edmonton.

Specifically, their goaltending has been an issue; starting goaltender Stuart Skinner has a save percentage of only .810 and was pulled halfway through the third period of Game 2. Backup Calvin Pickard didn't fare much better, allowing one goal on three shots. If they don't fix their problems in net, the 2024 Stanley Cup runner-up could be eliminated.

The Florida Panthers are Cup favorites

The 2024 Stanley Cup champions came into the postseason with a tough matchup against their in-state rival, the Tampa Bay Lightning. So far, they've looked every bit like the team that won it all last season.

Star winger Matthew Tkachuk returned for his first game since February 8, scoring two goals and adding an assist in Game 1.

Did we mention how Matthew Tkachuk is BACK pic.twitter.com/GCE9t1Nat1
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 23, 2025

The Panthers will also have top defenseman Aaron Ekblad back in the lineup for Game 3 following a PED suspension. After stealing two wins on the road against the Lightning, Florida looks poised for another championship run.

Questions loom about Connor Hellebuyck in the playoffs

Despite their regular season success, the Winnipeg Jets haven't been able to get over the hump in the postseason, making it to the Conference Finals just once in the past ten years.

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is consistently the center of many questions surrounding the team's playoff ability, and there's good reason for that. Hellebuyck's career .918 save percentage dips to .908 in the playoffs, including an .870 number in 2024 and .844 this postseason. After being pulled in the Jets' 7-2 loss Thursday night, fans are wondering if Hellebuyck can get it done.

Toronto's defensive ability will lead them to a deep run

Since the start of the Maple Leafs' nine-season playoff streak, they've made it past the first round just once, in 2023. While Toronto's star forwards have taken much of the blame for their inability to advance, many of the team's issues were due to inconsistent goaltending and poor defensive play.

General manager Brad Treliving recognized those issues and addressed them both in the offseason and during the regular season. He added defenseman Chris Tanev (sixth in the league in blocked shots) as a free agent and traded for blue liner Brandon Carlo at the deadline to shore up their top four.

Additionally, he signed goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who leads the playoffs with a .926 save percentage. Toronto has allowed just two goals to Ottawa en route to a 3-0 series lead and looks to use that defensive play to make a deep run.

Natalie Vaitas

Natalie Vaitas is a sports writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She received her Sport Management degree from Aquinas College in 2021, where she was a member of the women's hockey team. She has experience covering the NHL and her hometown Detroit Red Wings; she also enjoys attending Michigan football games with her family.

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