Here's a look at the top highlights from Thursday, as well as what to expect as Round 1 action continues. Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, 9:30 p.m. ET (DAL leads 3-2) Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, 10 p.m. ET (EDM leads 3-2)

The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers took their first step toward a repeat bid Wednesday by advancing to the second round. They'll face the Toronto Maple Leafs, who beat the Ottawa Senators on Thursday to win a playoff series for the second time since 2004.

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs begin on April 19. The Winnipeg Jets are the NHL's top overall seed, having finished the regular season with the most points in the standings, and the Washington Capitals earned the No. 1 seed in the East.