The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs continue on Thursday as the top seeds in each conference aim to stave off elimination on their home ice. The Washington Capitals, the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, will host the Carolina Hurricanes at Capital One Arena for Game 5 of their series, while the Winnipeg Jets, winners of the Presidents’ Trophy, will welcome the Dallas Stars at Canada Life Centre, also for their fifth matchup. Both the Capitals and Jets are facing a 3-1 deficit in their series.
The Capitals fell to the Hurricanes after splitting the first two games at home and were outscored 9-2 in the subsequent games at Raleigh, North Carolina. In a decisive Game 4, the Hurricanes surged with a three-goal third period, highlighted by strong performances from Taylor Hall and Sean Walker, leading to a 5-2 victory.
Similarly, the Jets split their opening games at home before losing two in Dallas. In Game 4, Mikko Rantanen continued his impressive playoff run, with teammate Mikael Granlund contributing with a goal in each period, resulting in a 3-1 win for the Stars.
Dallas aims to reach the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive year, while Carolina is on the hunt for their second Eastern Conference Final appearance in three seasons. The Edmonton Oilers, last season’s conference final victors against the Stars, await the outcome of the Winnipeg-Dallas series. Carolina could also have a chance to seek revenge against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, who currently lead the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in their second-round series.
As the playoffs heat up, several players stand out for their potential contributions in Game 5. Shayne Gostisbehere of the Hurricanes, who has recorded seven points in nine postseason games, looks to continue his scoring streak. Miro Heiskanen of the Stars returns from injury and made a significant impact in his playoff debut, poised to add to his assist tally. Winnipeg’s Josh Morrissey has been consistent with assists and aims to continue his performance against Dallas. Finally, Mikko Rantanen, leading the NHL with 19 points, is expected to rise to the occasion as Dallas tries to finalize the series.
Overall, the mood is tense as both home teams fight to extend their playoff lives, with exciting matchups anticipated ahead.