NHL Playoffs 2025: McDavid, Eichel Lead 3 Stars After OT Thriller

The NHL playoffs continue to deliver edge-of-your-seat drama, with Thursday night’s games showcasing why playoff hockey is in a league of its own.

Connor McDavid proved yet again why he’s the best player on the planet, delivering a jaw-dropping overtime assist that gave the Edmonton Oilers a 2-0 series lead over Vegas.

The play was vintage McDavid. With just five minutes left in OT, he turned on the afterburners in the neutral zone, embarrassed Jack Eichel with some nasty stick work, and set up Leon Draisaitl for an easy game-winner.

That’s McDavid’s 14th point of these playoffs – second-best in the league.

But Eichel wasn’t exactly having a quiet night before that moment. The Vegas star was absolutely everywhere, setting up his team’s first three goals and looking dangerous every time he touched the puck.

His best play? A ridiculous cross-ice pass to Victor Olofsson during a third-period power play that showed why he posted a career-high 66 assists this season.

Meanwhile in Washington, Tom Wilson did what Tom Wilson does – for better or worse.

The Caps’ power forward was a one-man wrecking crew against Carolina, throwing his weight around while also showing some surprising finesse. His no-look pass to John Carlson for the game-winner helped Washington even their series at 1-1.

“That’s the kind of playoff hockey we need,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said. “Physical but smart, and making plays when it counts.”

Wilson sealed the deal with an empty-netter, giving the Hurricanes something to think about as the series heads to Carolina.

But the night belonged to McDavid. Just when it looked like Vegas had found a way to contain him – for 75 minutes, no less – he reminded everyone why that’s basically impossible.

The series now shifts back to Edmonton, where the Oilers will look to take a commanding 3-0 lead on Saturday night.