The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs continued with high-intensity action on Wednesday night as three key matchups delivered drama, clutch goals, and big-time performances. From Max Domi’s overtime heroics to Matthew Tkachuk’s electric return, here’s a breakdown of all the action from April 23.
Maple Leafs Edge Senators in OT to Take 2-0 Series Lead
Final Score (OT): Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Ottawa Senators 2
Series: Maple Leafs lead 2-0
Max Domi played the hero in overtime, scoring the game-winning goal at 3:09 to lift the Toronto Maple Leafs past the Ottawa Senators, 3-2, in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Toronto jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind goals from John Tavares and Morgan Rielly, but Ottawa battled back to tie it at 2-2 heading into overtime.
- Max Domi: 1 goal (GWG)
- John Tavares: 1 goal, 1 assist
- Morgan Rielly: 1 goal
Toronto now heads to Ottawa with a commanding 2-0 series advantage in the always-intense Battle of Ontario.
Panthers Power Past Lightning 6-2 in Dominant Game 1 Win
Final Score: Florida Panthers 6, Tampa Bay Lightning 2
Series: Panthers lead 1-0
Matthew Tkachuk made a thunderous return to the ice, scoring two power-play goals and adding an assist to lead the Florida Panthers to a dominant 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of their first-round showdown.
The Panthers capitalized on special teams and suffocated Tampa in the third period to seal the win.
- Matthew Tkachuk: 2 goals, 1 assist
- Nate Schmidt: 2 goals
- Sam Reinhart: 1 goal, 1 assist
Florida takes a 1-0 lead in this
Sunshine State Showdown, setting the tone early in the series.
Kaprizov Leads Wild to 5-2 Win Over Golden Knights, Series Tied 1-1
Final Score: Minnesota Wild 5, Vegas Golden Knights 2
Series: Tied 1-1
Kirill Kaprizov delivered a stellar three-point performance as the Minnesota Wild bounced back to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 and even up their Western Conference first-round series.
The Wild scored three goals in the opening frame and never looked back, showcasing strong defensive play and finishing ability.
- Kirill Kaprizov: 2 goals, 1 assist
- Matt Boldy: 1 goal, 1 assist
- Noah Hanifin (VGK): 1 goal
With the series tied, Game 3 promises to bring even more fireworks as the action shifts to Minnesota.
Looking Ahead in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs
As the intensity builds, expect more edge-of-your-seat moments in the coming games. Will the Maple Leafs maintain momentum? Can the Lightning bounce back? And will Kaprizov continue to carry the Wild?
