Stanley Cup Playoffs: Sunday Game 1s Preview and Reactions
Hockey fans, brace yourselves! The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are in full swing, and after an exciting two-game opening night, we’re gearing up for a thrilling Sunday with three Game 1 matchups. The stakes are high, and the ice is ready to be set ablaze with action. So, let’s dive into the matchups and see which teams might gain the early edge in their series. Plus, we’ll spotlight the key players to watch and recap the standout performances from Saturday’s games.
Sunday’s Game 1 Matchups
- New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes (3 p.m. ET, ESPN)
- Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
- Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights (10 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Each of these matchups brings its own unique storyline and set of challenges. Let’s break them down one by one.
New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
The Devils and Hurricanes split their regular-season series with two wins each. However, all four games were played before the Devils’ star, Jack Hughes, sustained a season-ending injury. This could be a significant factor as the Devils look to overcome the Hurricanes, who are led by the talented Sebastian Aho (29 goals, 45 assists). On the Devils’ side, Jesper Bratt has been a standout with 21 goals and 67 assists. The last time these two teams met in the postseason was in 2023, with the Hurricanes emerging victorious 4-1. Will history repeat itself, or can the Devils turn the tide?
Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs
The Battle of Ontario is back, and it’s a big moment for the Ottawa Senators, who are making their first postseason appearance since 2017. It’s also the first playoff experience for their captain, Brady Tkachuk. On the other hand, the Toronto Maple Leafs are entering their ninth consecutive playoff appearance, but with only one series win to show for it. Toronto’s scoring has often faltered in past postseasons, so they’ll be relying heavily on their leading scorer, Mitch Marner (27 goals, 75 assists), to change that narrative. Despite being the favorites, the Leafs lost all three regular-season games against the Senators. Can they finally break the curse?
Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights
The nightcap features the wild-card Minnesota Wild against the formidable Vegas Golden Knights. The Wild have a new addition in defenseman Zeev Buium, fresh from the NCAA Frozen Four final with the University of Denver. His role in this series could be pivotal. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights, led by Jack Eichel, who earned Hart Trophy votes, are a force to be reckoned with. Vegas dominated the regular-season meetings, winning all three games with a combined score of 12-4. Will the Wild find a way to counter the Knights’ relentless attack?
Saturday’s Standout Performances
Before we get too far ahead, let’s take a moment to appreciate the standout performances from Saturday’s games. Arda Öcal’s Three Stars of the Night highlighted some incredible talent:
- Kyle Connor, LW, Winnipeg Jets – Connor was instrumental in the Jets’ 5-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues, contributing a goal and two assists, including a crucial third-period comeback.
- Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche – MacKinnon shone with three points, including the game-winning goal, as the Avalanche defeated the Dallas Stars 5-2.
- Mark Scheifele, C, Winnipeg Jets – Scheifele’s chemistry with Connor was evident as he also finished with three points, playing a key role in the Jets’ win.
Saturday’s Game Recaps
In the first game, the Winnipeg Jets overcame the St. Louis Blues 5-3. The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams scoring twice in the first period. The Blues led 3-2 after the second, thanks to a goal from Jordan Kyrou. However, the Jets dominated the third period, with goals from Alex Iafallo, Kyle Connor, and an empty-netter from Adam Lowry.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche made easy work of the Dallas Stars, winning 5-2. After a scoreless first period, the Avalanche took control in the second, with goals from Artturi Lehkonen and Nathan MacKinnon. Despite a power-play goal from Roope Hintz, the Avalanche sealed the win with goals from Devon Toews, another from MacKinnon, and a final tally from Charlie Coyle.
As we look forward to Sunday’s games, the excitement is palpable. Which teams will seize the early advantage in their series? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are off to a thrilling start!
Originally Written by: ESPN staff
