Stanley Cup playoffs: Previews for Stars-Jets, Panthers-Leafs - ESPN

The second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs is off to a ferocious start, and the Central Division series has yet to begin.

What should fans expect out of the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)? Will there be any fallout from Game 1 of Florida Panthers-Toronto Maple Leafs in the next clash Tuesday night (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)? And what should we make of the initial showdowns in the other two series that transpired Tuesday night?

Read on for game previews with statistical insights from ESPN Research, a recap of what went down in Tuesday's games and the three stars of Tuesday from Arda Öcal.

Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs
Game 2 | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN

In Stanley Cup playoff history, teams that have won Game 1 in a best-of-seven series have won the series 68% of the time, including a 6-2 mark in Round 1 this year. The Maple Leafs specifically have won a best-of-seven series 57% of the time when winning Game 1.

William Nylander's two goals in Game 1 made him the first Toronto player with consecutive multigoal games in the same postseason since Wendel Clark in 1994.

The big question looking ahead is the availability of goaltender Anthony Stolarz. The New Jersey native made eight saves on nine shots before being knocked out of the game after contact from Sam Bennett. Joseph Woll allowed three goals on 20 shots in relief.

With two assists in Game 1, Brad Marchand is up to 31 career playoff points against the Maple Leafs, tied for fourth most with Maurice Richard and Ted Lindsay.

Sergei Bobrovsky didn't have his best night in Game 1, allowing five goals on 29 shots. In four regular-season games against the Leafs, he had a 1.77 goals-against average.

Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets
Game 1 | 9:30 p.m. ET |