By In arenas across North America, the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are advancing to the second round, with fresh intensity and unexpected storylines. What’s happening is a continuation of a familiar playoff trend—underdogs outperforming expectations. Since other top contenders such as the Florida Panthers (champions last season) and Winnipeg Jets (first overall seed) still have a claim, most of the interest is in teams such as the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Carolina Hurricanes disrupting early predictions. With eight teams left, fans and commentators are keen to see how grit, effort, and late-game heroics are altering the championship race.
Edmonton Oilers: Surging Beyond Expectation
For Edmonton, adversity is familiar territory. Trailing the Los Angeles Kings 2-0 in Round 1 seemed destined to end their season early, but Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl sparked an astonishing resurgence. These superstars combined for an astounding 21 points across four consecutive victories, propelling the Oilers past Los Angeles. Their relentless offensive pressure became too much for the Kings, averaging a remarkable 4.5 goals per game. Goalie Calvin Pickard, thrust into a pivotal role mid-series, steadied Edmonton’s net.
Although historically fragile between the pipes, the Oilers’ unexpected stability may be their secret weapon against the favored Vegas Golden Knights. According to FanDuel sportsbook’s odds, Edmonton enters the matchup as a slight underdog, but the team’s newfound confidence, fueled by its dynamic duo, now threatens to upset Vegas—a series widely considered a toss-up.
Dallas Stars: Unyielding Resilience Defines Comeback
The Dallas Stars showed strong playoff determination during a season of swings. In their series against the Colorado Avalanche, they faced a tough challenge in Game 7, trailing 2-0. Then Mikko Rantanen delivered a dominant performance, leading the charge with multiple goals and assists over two standout games. His impact helped Dallas exceed expectations.
This momentum pushes Dallas into Round 2 against the Jets. The Jets’ shaky goaltending raises doubts about their chances at a title. With Robertson likely to return, Dallas looks stronger than ever. Rantanen’s late-series dominance shows their first-round win was more than just survival. It was a clear statement of their strength.
Carolina Hurricanes: Quietly Emerging as Eastern Contenders
While many focus on flashier teams, the Carolina Hurricanes quietly proved they are real contenders in the East. They face a tough second round against the top-seeded Washington Capitals. Carolina’s standout defense and disciplined play set the tone. Their scoring is balanced, led by Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho. Goalie Frederik Andersen, coming back from injury, gives them added confidence. They allowed only 2.0 goals per game in Round 1, the fewest in the league. This shows their focus on defense.
Washington relies heavily on Alex Ovechkin. Despite good individual efforts, their overall scoring can be weak beyond him. Experts say Carolina’s balanced approach may give them the edge. If their defense stays solid, the Hurricanes could reach the conference finals. Their steady play keeps them as strong contenders.
Florida Panthers: Champions Remaining Defiant
Though reigning Stanley Cup champions rarely qualify as underdogs, the Panthers entered these playoffs with tempered expectations, overshadowed by challengers such as the Toronto Maple Leafs. Yet Florida responded fiercely in Round 1, dismantling the Tampa Bay Lightning in just five games. Star forward Matthew Tkachuk’s return proved transformative, reigniting the Panthers’ lethal offensive chemistry. Complemented by Aleksander Barkov’s comprehensive two-way play and Sergei Bobrovsky’s elite postseason goaltending (2.21 goals-against-average), Florida reasserted championship-caliber performance.
Current NHL betting data and trends reflect this resurgence, with Florida gaining traction among oddsmakers despite earlier doubts. Now, facing Toronto’s potent offensive quartet—Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares—the Panthers must maintain defensive vigilance. Their proven ability to neutralize star opponents, as demonstrated by shutting down Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov, positions Florida strongly. Despite modest preseason predictions, Florida’s unyielding playoff tenacity might carry them to repeat glory.
Winnipeg Jets: Top Seed Facing Stark Realities
Surprisingly, one underdog story involves a heavily favored team. The Winnipeg Jets, despite securing the Presidents’ Trophy, appeared vulnerable against the St. Louis Blues. Star goalie Connor Hellebuyck struggled dramatically, posting an alarming 3.85 goals-against-average and dismal .830 save percentage. Remarkably, Winnipeg survived—barely—advancing in a thrilling Game 7 overtime. Yet, their path grows increasingly perilous against Dallas’s explosive offense, boosted by Rantanen’s historic performance.
Compounding Winnipeg’s woes, injuries have left pivotal players Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey questionable. Though technically favored, the Jets ironically resemble underdogs themselves, forced to defy recent struggles and rediscover top form immediately. Hellebuyck’s improvement is imperative; anything less may leave Winnipeg vulnerable to early elimination—once an unthinkable scenario.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Quest to Rewrite History
Toronto, perpetually under pressure, faces daunting stakes against the champion Panthers. Historically haunted by playoff failures, the Maple Leafs navigated Round 1 cautiously, defeating Ottawa in six games. Mitch Marner, rejuvenated by recent personal milestones, emerged prominently, tallying points in five contests. Nonetheless, replicating this success against Florida necessitates significantly enhanced offensive consistency. The Leafs’ Core Four must surpass previous outputs to offset Florida’s defensive strength.
Ironically, Toronto’s previous playoff elimination—by Florida in 2023—adds narrative urgency. While capable of offensive brilliance, the Maple Leafs confront substantial odds. Florida’s defensive resolve, coupled with Bobrovsky’s standout play, forms an imposing barrier. Toronto’s quest remains noble, but its challenge monumental, underscoring their underdog narrative.
Vegas Golden Knights: Battling Doubts Despite Triumph
Though Vegas dispatched Minnesota efficiently, questions persist. Adin Hill’s inconsistent goaltending raised concerns; surrendering 3.17 goals per game exposed troubling defensive lapses. Vegas relies heavily on stars Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl, who displayed timely brilliance late in Round 1. However, facing Edmonton’s powerful offense magnifies existing vulnerabilities. Eichel’s continued production is critical, but defensive leaders Alex Pietrangelo and Noah Hanifin must stabilize to withstand Edmonton’s assault.
Ironically, despite marginal favoritism by sportsbooks, Vegas battles skepticism regarding defensive consistency. Their ultimate test now emerges clearly: neutralizing McDavid and Draisaitl. If defensive stability falters again, Vegas risks becoming another victim of Edmonton’s high-powered offense, positioning them precariously close to an upset narrative.
Rising from the Ice: Underdogs Rewrite the Playoffs Script
In playoff hockey, predictability fades quickly. While favorites inevitably emerge, underdogs continually author the NHL’s most compelling stories. The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs have already seen remarkable resilience, unexpected heroes, and dramatic turnarounds. Edmonton, Dallas, Carolina, and Florida embody these ideals, reshaping narratives through passion, grit, and timely heroics.
Conversely, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Vegas confront their own challenges, ironically adopting the very underdog narratives their standings initially opposed. As Round 2 progresses, one truth stands clear: expect the unexpected. The ice never discriminates—it rewards determination, resolve, and a refusal to concede, paving paths for teams courageous enough to seize their moments.
