Stanley Cup playoffs have begun with 16 teams looking to be the last one standing after four grueling rounds of playoff hockey action. The Florida Panthers return to defend their championship and are off to the second round after a win Wednesday night against their cross-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning to clinch their series.

SUNRISE, Fla. - The Florida Panthers and National Hockey League announced today that the Panthers have advanced to the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-3 in Game 5 of the First Round. This is the fourth consecutive year the Panthers have advanced to the Second Round.

Toronto Maple Leafs: 1st in Atlantic Division, 108 points, def. OTT in Round 1 (4-2) Florida Panthers: 3rd in Atlantic Division, 98 points, def. TB in Round 1 (4-1) TBD It was nothing less than dramatic as always,