The road to the Stanley Cup is heating up as teams battle for supremacy in the NHL bracket 2025. Fans are eager to see who will take the crown this season, with thrilling series, underdog stories, and star performances shaping the playoff picture. In this article, you'll find the latest updates on the NHL playoff bracket, the key matchups to watch, and insights on teams advancing to the next round.

Key Matchups in the NHL Bracket 2025

The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have delivered plenty of drama during the first round. Tense Game 6 and Game 7 battles have left fans on the edge of their seats. According to Bleacher Report's latest bracket update, the Toronto Maple Leafs secured their spot in the second round with a late-game goal by Max Pacioretty against the Ottawa Senators. The Vegas Golden Knights also advanced after defeating the Minnesota Wild, marking their return to the second round for the first time since their 2023 championship run.

Elsewhere in the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars continue to fight in a back-and-forth series, each aiming to punch their ticket to the next stage. Edmonton Oilers fans are celebrating too, as their team topped the Los Angeles Kings for the fourth year in a row.

Second Round Schedule Announced

Excitement is building as the second round of the NHL bracket 2025 officially kicks off on Monday, May 5. As announced by the official NHL site, Game 1 will see the Florida Panthers visiting the Toronto Maple Leafs. This high-stakes matchup promises fast-paced hockey and electrifying atmospheres in Toronto. Hockey fans in the U.S. can tune in on ESPN, while Canadian audiences have access through Sportsnet, CBC, and TVA Sports.

The Carolina Hurricanes will meet the Washington Capitals for their Game 1 on Tuesday, May 6, in Washington. Details on game times and broadcasts will be updated as the schedule develops. The Vegas Golden Knights are set to face the Edmonton Oilers in another highly anticipated series, while the outcome of the Avalanche–Stars and Blues–Jets series will decide the remaining spots.

For more details and official announcements, see USA Today's playoff coverage, which outlines division champions and timing for upcoming games.

Playoff Highlights and Standout Performances

Several players have made headlines during the 2025 playoffs. Auston Matthews continues to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs with clutch goals and stellar leadership. On the Vegas Golden Knights, Mark Stone's dramatic, midair game-winner helped eliminate the Wild and secure Vegas’s momentum.

The Colorado Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin played a pivotal role in forcing a Game 7 by scoring critical goals against the Dallas Stars. Edmonton's Trent Frederic and Connor Brown sealed another series victory for the Oilers with late goals and persistent offensive pressure.

Fans can follow each game's standout moments and updated brackets on Bleacher Report's playoff tracker, ensuring they never miss a highlight.

What’s Next in the NHL Bracket 2025?

With the second round underway, the NHL bracket 2025 promises even more intense matchups and unforgettable moments. Fans should keep an eye on breakthrough performances and rising underdogs as the race for the Stanley Cup intensifies. Will a division favorite dominate, or will we see a Cinderella run to the Finals?

To stay ahead of all updates, schedules, and team progress, follow trusted sources like NHL.com, USA Today, and Bleacher Report.

Conclusion

The excitement of the NHL bracket 2025 isn’t slowing down as the league’s top teams push for a shot at the Stanley Cup. With new rivalries forming and legends being made each night, now is the time to tune in and catch every moment of the action. Be sure to check official broadcasts and stay updated with the latest highlights as the playoff race continues.