NHL Playoffs 2025: Highlights, Upsets, and Canada’s Last Hope

The NHL playoffs never fail to deliver excitement, and the 2025 postseason is no exception. From shocking eliminations to underdog triumphs, fans have been treated to unforgettable moments and fierce competition on the ice. As the Stanley Cup draws closer, let’s break down the biggest storylines and what Canadian hockey fans can look forward to as the drama unfolds.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Another Heartbreaking Exit

Few teams spark as much debate during the NHL playoffs as the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite a strong regular season, the Leafs faced a tough second-round exit after being eliminated by the Florida Panthers. Their struggles at home and lack of key forward production proved costly, especially in pivotal moments of the series. In their final two games in Toronto, the Maple Leafs were outscored 12-2, with star forwards Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner combining for just two goals against the Panthers.

Game 7 was especially painful for Leafs fans, marking Toronto’s seventh consecutive Game 7 loss since 2004. You can dive deeper into why the Maple Leafs were eliminated, and what this means for their future, in this detailed analysis from NHL.com.

Edmonton Oilers Carry Canada’s Hopes

As the dust settles, only one Canadian team remains in the hunt for the Cup: the Edmonton Oilers. After the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets, and the Maple Leafs saw their seasons end, the Oilers now stand as Canada’s final representative in the 2025 NHL playoffs. Their path to the Western Conference Final came with big wins, and now all eyes are on whether they can end Canada’s three-decade-long Stanley Cup drought.

Fans across the country find themselves rallying behind the Oilers, even as rivalries are set aside for a chance at national pride. Are you backing Edmonton as Canada’s team, or hoping for a different outcome? Share your perspective and join the discussion in The Globe and Mail’s reader callout about Canada’s quest for Stanley Cup glory.

Key Moments and What’s Next

The NHL playoffs are defined by momentum shifts, upsets, and standout performances. This year, dramatic overtime finishes, clutch saves, and power-play prowess have all contributed to the unpredictable path toward the Stanley Cup. Each game feels like a new season, as teams adjust strategies and players dig deep for postseason success.

As the Oilers prepare for another Western Conference clash, hockey fans eagerly anticipate which team will rise to the occasion. Will we witness a long-awaited Cup return to Canada, or another chapter written by tough American competitors?

Conclusion

The 2025 NHL playoffs have already produced iconic moments and unforgettable drama. With Canadian hopes on the shoulders of the Edmonton Oilers and the heartbreak fresh for Maple Leafs supporters, the road to the Stanley Cup promises even more suspense. Stay tuned for more action, join the conversation, and keep up with the latest playoff coverage as hockey’s biggest prize draws near.