The Stanley Cup chase is heating up, and NHL fans everywhere are eager to follow the evolving 2025 NHL playoff bracket. With intense matchups, key upsets, and dramatic moments, this year's Stanley Cup playoffs promise excitement from the first round to the crowning of the champion. In this guide, we'll break down the updated bracket, highlight top games, and share the latest schedule details.

Image: NHL playoff bracket graphic for the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs

The Latest 2025 NHL Playoff Bracket

The 2025 NHL playoff bracket has seen several thrilling series so far. In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Maple Leafs advanced after a hard-fought battle with the Ottawa Senators, thanks to a late goal by Max Pacioretty. The Florida Panthers also moved forward by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning, setting up a must-see showdown.

The Western Conference remains fiercely competitive. The Vegas Golden Knights eliminated the Minnesota Wild, with Mark Stone's heroics making the difference. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche forced a Game 7 against the Dallas Stars, and the Edmonton Oilers knocked out the Los Angeles Kings yet again.

To view a full, regularly updated bracket and relive the drama of each round, check out Bleacher Report's detailed summary and highlights of the current NHL playoff bracket.

Schedule: Key Dates and Upcoming Games

Second-round action is just around the corner. According to the official announcement on NHL.com, the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begins Monday, May 5. The Florida Panthers will face the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1 at 8 p.m. ET in Toronto. The following day, the Carolina Hurricanes take on the Washington Capitals in Washington.

Game 7 of the first round between the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets will decide the last spot for the second round. That critical matchup takes place on Sunday, May 4.

To get the specific start times and broadcast information for each game, visit USA TODAY's schedule breakdown. Stay tuned for updates as brackets and times finalize.

Top Highlights from the First Round

The first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs delivered high-intensity moments and standout performances. Some highlights include:

• Toronto's late-game heroics and William Nylander's clutch scoring
• The Golden Knights' disciplined power play and Mark Stone's game-winner
• Colorado's comeback led by Valeri Nichushkin against Dallas
• The Oilers' offensive surge, led by Connor Brown, to eliminate the Kings

For a game-by-game breakdown and video highlights, refer to Bleacher Report's playoff coverage.

What to Expect Moving Forward

As the 2025 NHL playoff bracket shifts into the second round, fans can anticipate tightly contested matchups and potential surprises. The defending champion Florida Panthers and the surging Maple Leafs are early favorites, but teams like the Golden Knights and Oilers are ready to make deep runs.

Check for official updates as the NHL playoff schedule is finalized and brackets are filled in. Whether you're rooting for your team or enjoying the drama league-wide, the NHL playoffs are the perfect showcase of hockey at its finest.

Stay updated by following major outlets such as NHL.com and USA TODAY, so you never miss a puck drop or a surprise playoff moment!