The NHL schedule for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs is delivering intense second-round action, with pivotal games like the Dallas Stars vs. Winnipeg Jets series stealing the spotlight. As of May 16, 2025, the NHL schedule sees teams like the Stars, one win from the Western Conference Final, and the Florida Panthers, edging closer to eliminating Toronto, dominating headlines.
This article breaks down the latest NHL schedule updates, key matchups, and what fans can expect next, offering a detailed guide to the playoff frenzy.
Background: The 2025 Playoff Landscape
The NHL schedule for the 2025 playoffs kicked off with a thrilling first round, eliminating big markets like New York, Boston, and Chicago, per Yahoo Sports. The second round, underway since May 6, features smaller-market teams like the Stars, Jets, Panthers, and Hurricanes. The NHL schedule has been relentless, with elimination games every night, as noted by ESPN, testing teams’ depth and resilience.
A major focus has been the Stars-Jets series, which is the first postseason encounter between these Central Division rivals. On May 15, Dallas defeated the Jets 4-0 in Game 5, taking a 3-2 lead. The high stakes of the NHL calendar are highlighted by Edmonton’s series-winning victory over Vegas and the Panthers’ 3-2 lead over Toronto.
Key Matchups and Game Highlights
The NHL schedule for May 15 featured critical games, with Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck stealing the show in the Stars-Jets Game 5. Hellebuyck’s 22-save shutout, backed by goals from Nikolaj Ehlers (two), Mark Scheifele, and Vladislav Namestnikov, kept the Jets alive, per NHL.com.
Dallas, despite Mikko Rantanen’s 19 playoff points, couldn’t solve Hellebuyck, who rebounded from a 6.65 GAA on the road. The NHL schedule now shifts to Dallas for Game 6 on May 17, where the Stars aim to close out the series at home, where they average 4.00 goals per game.
Elsewhere, the NHL schedule saw Edmonton eliminate Vegas in Game 5 on May 14, with Kasperi Kapanen’s overtime goal sealing a 3-2 win, per ESPN.
According to The Athletic, after the Panthers crushed Toronto 5-2 in Game 5, Leafs supporters threw an Auston Matthews jersey onto the ice. On May 16, Carolina will play Washington in a crucial Game 6 after falling behind 3-2. According to USA Today, these games highlight the NHL schedule’s intensity and show how important home-ice advantage is—Winnipeg and Toronto have relied significantly on their fan bases.
Standout Performers and Trends
Goaltending’s importance in the playoffs is highlighted by Hellebuyck’s heroics in Game 5 of the Stars-Jets series. In Game 6, Jake Oettinger of Dallas, who has a.929 save percentage, is under pressure to match Hellebuyck. According to CBS Sports, Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, who has 40 shots in 10 games, propelled the Oilers’ advance, while Florida’s Dmitry Kulikov and Toronto’s William Nylander are leading their series with a combined 27 playoff points.
The NHL schedule also reveals trends: power-play efficiency (Winnipeg’s 28.6% in the Stars series) and penalty-kill struggles (Dallas’s 88.6% faltered in Game 5) are proving decisive.
What’s Next on the NHL Schedule?
The NHL schedule for May 17 includes Stars-Jets Game 6 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Dallas favored to advance, per Covers.com. Carolina-Washington Game 6 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT is a do-or-die for the Hurricanes. If necessary, Game 7s are slated for May 19, with Stars-Jets in Winnipeg and Panthers-Leafs in Toronto.
The NHL schedule ensures no letup, with the conference finals looming. Fans can stream games on Fubo or Max’s Bleacher Report add-on, per Yahoo Sports, making every moment accessible.
Why the NHL Schedule Matters in 2025
The NHL schedule for the 2025 playoffs is a rollercoaster of drama, from Hellebuyck’s shutout to Kapanen’s OT heroics. For hockey fans, these games offer edge-of-your-seat action, showcasing stars like Rantanen and McDavid while testing team depth. As the NHL schedule unfolds, the race to the Stanley Cup intensifies, making every game a must-watch event.
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