The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs have just begun, but for five teams, the situation already looks rough. Falling behind 2-0 in a series is never easy, and the pressure is on to find a way back. Some teams still have hope, while others might be preparing for an early summer. Let’s take a closer look at each team and see if they have what it takes to bounce back.
Edmonton Oilers
Can They Come Back? No
The Oilers’ offense isn’t the problem — they’ve scored seven goals in two games against the Los Angeles Kings. The real trouble is their defense, which has allowed a whopping 12 goals, the highest of any team so far.
Goalie Stuart Skinner has struggled badly and was even pulled from Game 2. Backup Calvin Pickard isn’t the answer either. Missing top defenseman Mattias Ekholm due to injury has made it even worse.
Even though stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been producing points, it won’t be enough to stop the Kings’ balanced attack. Sadly for Edmonton fans, a first-round exit looks very likely.
Montreal Canadiens
Can They Come Back? Yes
The Canadiens may be down 2-0 to the Washington Capitals, but they have shown real fight. They lost Game 1 in overtime and stayed competitive in Game 2, losing 3-1.
Montreal’s offense needs work, but their defense has kept things close. Goalie Sam Montembeault has been solid with a .921 save percentage. If the Canadiens can find a way to break through Washington’s goalie Logan Thompson, especially at home, they can even this series and possibly pull off an upset.
New Jersey Devils
Can They Come Back? No
The Devils have looked outmatched against the Carolina Hurricanes. In Game 1, Carolina built a 3-0 lead early and cruised to victory. Game 2 might have ended 3-1, but New Jersey didn’t score again after the opening few minutes.
Carolina’s speed, depth, and defense are just too much for the Devils. Even though the Hurricanes haven’t been great on the road, New Jersey hasn’t been very strong at home either. Unless something dramatic changes, the Devils are heading for an early playoff exit.
Ottawa Senators
Can They Come Back? No
The Senators fought hard against the Maple Leafs but still lost both opening games. It’s tough when you dominate stretches but still come up short.
Ottawa’s goaltending has been a big problem. Linus Ullmark’s numbers (4.39 GAA, .800 SP) are way behind Toronto’s Anthony Stolarz (1.95 GAA, .934 SP). Toronto’s defense has also been sharper, keeping Ottawa from capitalizing on chances. Unless the Leafs have injury trouble, the Senators’ season is likely coming to a quick end.
St. Louis Blues
Can They Come Back? Yes
Don’t count out the Blues just yet. They lost Game 1 and Game 2 to Winnipeg, but both games were very close. Game 1 was tied until late, and Game 2 was even until early in the third period.
Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck has not been at his best, with an .897 save percentage. If the Blues can keep applying pressure, win at home, and exploit the Jets’ past playoff struggles, they have a real shot at making this a long and tough series.
Being down 2-0 is never easy, but not all teams are in the same boat. While teams like Edmonton, Ottawa, and New Jersey are staring down a likely first-round exit, the Canadiens and Blues still have a fighting chance. If they can rally at home, turn momentum their way, and tighten up their games, we might see some exciting comebacks this playoff season. Keep an eye on these series — the real drama could just be getting started!
