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 Blues got the first goal of the period from rookie Jimmy Snuggerud, tying the score 2-2. But Demelo and Namestnikov answered with back-to-back goals, part of a period in which the Jets directed 33 shots at the net compared to just seven for the Blues. — Jeremy Rutherford

Multiple seasons were on the line Wednesday in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Washington Capitals had an opportunity to close out their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 after winning three of the first four,