The Oilers hope to clean up their defense as they remain without defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Troy Stecher. Also of note: Game 1 marked the first playoff appearance for NHL veteran Jeff Skinner, whose career includes stretches with the Carolina Hurricanes and the Buffalo Sabres. Skinner picked up one assist.

The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up, and Wednesday night brings a trio of pivotal matchups as several teams look to bounce back and even their series. With momentum swings, revenge spots, and value-packed odds,

Here at Last Word on Hockey, we will preview and review all of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. In every series, we try to give at least three articles throughout the series’ lifespan.