WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada – The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars clash in the semifinals of the NHL Playoffs on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This highly anticipated matchup will take place at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, with the puck dropping at 9:30 p.m. Eastern (8:30 p.m. Central). Fans can catch the game live on ESPN, as well as through various streaming services offering free trials.
After a thrilling first round, both teams are eager to advance further in the playoffs. The Jets, who won the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history, faced a grueling battle against the St. Louis Blues. Despite their struggles, the Jets managed to clinch their first series victory in four years, thanks to a dramatic Game 7 win where Cole Perfetti scored a game-tying goal with just 1.6 seconds remaining, followed by a double overtime goal from Adam Lowry.
Perfetti’s heroics were pivotal as the Jets overcame multiple two-goal deficits to secure their place in the semifinals. Kyle Connor has been a standout player, accumulating 12 points this postseason, including four goals and eight assists, with two of those being game-winners. Connor Hellebuyck, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, has had a rollercoaster playoff run, posting a record of 4-3 with a 3.85 goals against average and a .830 save percentage. At home, however, he has been stellar, going 4-0 with a 2.20 GAA and .885 save percentage. The question remains: which Hellebuyck will show up tonight?
On the other hand, the Dallas Stars are riding high after a hard-fought series against the Colorado Avalanche, where they completed a miraculous comeback in Game 7, scoring four unanswered goals in the third period. Mikko Rantanen, a key acquisition at the trade deadline, has been a force to be reckoned with, scoring a hat trick in that decisive game. He leads the Stars with 12 points this postseason, including five goals and seven assists. Matt Duchene, who had a remarkable season with 82 points, has yet to find the net in this playoff run, tallying only three assists so far.
Both teams boast impressive special teams statistics. The Jets’ power play has been effective, with a 22.7% success rate, while their penalty kill ranks seventh in the postseason, successfully defending against 76.7% of opponents’ attempts. The Stars, meanwhile, have a dynamic power play that ranks fourth in the playoffs at 30.4% and an impressive penalty kill at 86.4%.
Historically, the Jets have had the upper hand over the Stars, winning four out of their last five meetings, including three victories by three goals or more. The Stars, however, own the all-time regular season record against the Jets with a 33-25-2 advantage. The stakes are high as these two Central Division rivals face off for the first time in the playoffs.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the goaltenders. Hellebuyck and Dallas’ Jake Oettinger are set to deliver a thrilling goaltending duel. Oettinger has a playoff record of 4-3 with a 2.85 GAA and a .911 save percentage, while backup Casey DeSmith has made a notable appearance, saving 13 of 14 shots in his limited action.
Fans tuning in will be treated to expert commentary from John Buccigross and analyst Cassie Campbell, with Leah Hextall reporting rinkside. The excitement is palpable, and the atmosphere in Winnipeg is sure to be electric as both teams vie for a crucial win.
With the moneyline set at WPG: (-105) and DAL: (-115), the game promises to be closely contested. The puck spread is WPG: +1.5 and DAL: -1.5, with an over/under of 5.5, indicating a potentially high-scoring affair.
As the Jets and Stars gear up for this historic playoff battle, fans are left wondering who will emerge victorious. Will the Jets continue their home dominance, or will the Stars capitalize on their recent momentum? One thing is for sure: this matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling chapter in the NHL playoffs.
