Connor McDavid leads charge as Oilers move one step closer

It's the greatest time of the year for hockey enthusiasts Stanley Cup Playoff time. Already the 2025 NHL playoffs are filled with huge goals, nail-biting games, and upsets. Sixteen teams took to the track, and several are still running. The Florida Panthers are performing strongly once more, the Oilers are winning by sheer will, and the Capitals and Jets are fighting to stay in it. Night after night, it's war, and each goal might alter the narrative.

Connor McDavid leads Oilers over Vegas and Panthers push Leafs to limit
The top team in the East in the regular season, the Washington Capitals, just got knocked out by the Carolina Hurricanes , who swept the series. They defeated Washington in all but a few of the games, being quicker, sharper, and generally better. Three were won by two or more goals by Carolina and they were indeed a Cup contender.

Oilers' Moody Connor McDavid Defends Stuart Skinner & Reasons Stanley Cup Is Returning to Edmonton

Also, Oilers still have more to prove and revisiting the Jordan Eberle trade. https://t.co/ueQXk0bj99 pic.twitter.com/SKaCUAWBTz

— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) May 16, 2025

Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are once again proving they belong among the best. After winning the Battle of Florida in the first round, they’ve taken a 3-2 series lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthew Tkachuk and Sergei Bobrovsky have stepped up in key moments. Toronto grabbed the first two games, but Florida answered with three straight wins. Game 6 in Florida could decide it all.

Sebastian Aho and Hurricanes dominate Capitals with speed and skill

Out West, the Dallas Stars are within one victory of eliminating the Winnipeg Jets. The series has been a close one with both teams coming up big. The Jets beat Dallas 4-0 in Game 5 to remain alive, but the Stars retained the series lead 3-2. Game 6 is in Dallas and could put an end to it.


The top team in the East during the regular season, the Washington Capitals, were just beaten by the Carolina Hurricanes, who took the series. They dominated Washington in most of the games, being faster, sharper, and overall better. Three games were won by two goals or more by Carolina and they were a Cup contender for real.


Also Read: "It’s Frustrating": Connor McDavid Snaps At Reporters After Oilers’ Game 5 Win As Fans Applaud The Captain