The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs has concluded in the Eastern Conference, while the Western Conference still has an ongoing series.In the East, the Toronto Maple Leafs advanced by defeating the Ottawa Senators 4–2 in the series. Max Pacioretty, returning from injury, scored the game-winning goal in Game 6, and William Nylander contributed two goals and an assist on his 29th birthday. The Maple Leafs will face the Florida Panthers in the second round, who eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games. Eetu Luostarinen led the Panthers with a goal and three assists in the decisive Game 5.Also read: Toronto Maple Leafs outclass Ottawa SenatorsFor the Washington Capitals, they secured their first playoff series win since 2018 by defeating the Montreal Canadiens 4–1. Alex Ovechkin scored his 76th career playoff goal, tying Mario Lemieux for 12th all-time. The Capitals will meet the Carolina Hurricanes in the next round, who overcame the New Jersey Devils in five games, highlighted by a double-overtime victory in Game 5.In the Western Conference, the Vegas Golden Knights advanced by defeating the Minnesota Wild 4–2 in the series. Jack Eichel scored his first goal of the series in Game 6, and goaltender Adin Hill made 29 saves to secure the win. The Golden Knights will face the winner of the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings series, which is currently led 3–2 by the Oilers.The Winnipeg Jets lead the St. Louis Blues 3–2, with Game 6 scheduled in St. Louis. Kyle Connor had a goal and two assists in Game 5, but the Jets may be without star center Mark Scheifele, who was injured in the first period and did not return.The Dallas Stars hold a 3–2 advantage over the Colorado Avalanche. In Game 5, the Stars dominated with a 6–2 victory, but the series remains competitive as it returns to Colorado for Game 6.With some teams moving on and as the ice narrows, the race for the Cup is heating up. The best and hardest hockey is still to come.