Panthers, Hurricanes, Devils Launch Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Florida Panthers are set to begin the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs in a repeat bid against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with most of their core players from last year's championship run returning, including their top six goal scorers. Historically, the Panthers and Lightning have dominated Eastern Conference representation in the Stanley Cup Final over the past five years. Tampa Bay's goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has a strong playoff record against the Panthers, though his performance dipped in their most recent series. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils are preparing to start their first-round series after both teams used the end of the regular season to rest key players. The Devils are aiming to recapture the success of their last playoff series win, but will need reliable veteran goaltending to overcome the Hurricanes this time. Both series highlight the importance of returning experience and statistical performance in determining playoff outcomes.