Thrills on Ice: Full Recap and Results of March 6, 2025, Games Across the League
he National Hockey League (NHL) delivered a high-octane night of action on Thursday, March 6, 2025, as teams clashed in a packed schedule just hours before the trade deadline on March 7 at 3:00 PM ET. With playoff races heating up and roster moves looming, fans were treated to a showcase of skill, drama, and intensity. Here’s a comprehensive rundown of all the games, complete with results and highlights.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins edged out the Toronto Maple Leafs in a nail-biting overtime thriller. Auston Matthews opened the scoring with his league-leading 45th goal, but Sidney Crosby answered with a pair of assists, setting up Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust to tie it late in regulation. In overtime, Kris Letang’s slapshot at 2:13 sealed the win for Pittsburgh, with Tristan Jarry stopping 32 of 35 shots. Toronto’s Joseph Woll made 28 saves but couldn’t halt the Penguins’ late surge. This loss snapped Toronto’s three-game win streak, while Pittsburgh bolstered their wild-card hopes in the East.
Boston Bruins vs. Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild held off the Boston Bruins in a tightly contested battle. Kirill Kaprizov’s dazzling breakaway goal in the second period proved the difference, while Marc-André Fleury turned away 29 shots, including a late flurry from David Pastrnak, who scored twice for Boston. Charlie Coyle added an assist for the Bruins, but Jeremy Swayman’s 25 saves weren’t enough to counter Minnesota’s opportunistic play. The Wild’s victory solidified their grip on a Western Conference wild-card spot, while Boston’s road woes continued.
Calgary Flames vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes overwhelmed the Calgary Flames with a relentless offensive barrage. Sebastian Aho notched a goal and two assists, while Andrei Svechnikov’s power-play tally sparked a three-goal second period. Frederik Andersen stopped 23 of 25 shots, thwarting a Flames comeback bid led by Jonathan Huberdeau’s goal and assist. Calgary’s Dustin Wolf struggled, allowing four goals on 31 shots. Carolina’s win tightened their hold on second in the Metropolitan Division, while Calgary slipped further in the Pacific race.
St. Louis Blues vs. Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars dominated the St. Louis Blues in a Central Division showdown. Jason Robertson’s two goals—one on the power play—paced Dallas, with Roope Hintz adding a third in the third period. Jake Oettinger was stellar, stopping 27 of 28 shots, while Jordan Binnington’s 24 saves couldn’t keep the Blues in it despite Jordan Kyrou’s lone tally. Fresh off their Winter Classic triumph, St. Louis couldn’t match Dallas’ speed, as the Stars cemented their status atop the Central standings.
Nashville Predators vs. New York Rangers
The New York Rangers outlasted the Nashville Predators in a shootout classic. Filip Forsberg’s two goals forced extra time, but Artemi Panarin’s slick moves and Mika Zibanejad’s shootout winner lifted the Rangers to victory. Igor Shesterkin stopped 30 shots and denied Forsberg in the shootout, while Juuse Saros made 33 saves for Nashville. The Predators earned a point but couldn’t topple New York, who pulled within two points of the Metropolitan lead in a game that showcased both teams’ playoff pedigree.
New Jersey Devils vs. Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights lit up the scoreboard against the New Jersey Devils in a wild, high-scoring affair. Jack Eichel’s hat trick—including the game-winner with 4:22 left—powered Vegas, with Mark Stone adding a goal and two assists. Jack Hughes responded with two goals and an assist for New Jersey, but Jacob Markstrom’s 26 saves couldn’t stem the tide against Adin Hill’s 22 stops. The Knights’ offensive explosion kept them atop the Pacific, while the Devils’ defensive lapses cost them a chance to climb the Eastern wild-card ladder.
League-Wide Context
March 6, 2025, was a critical night in the 2024-25 NHL season, with the trade deadline less than 24 hours away. Twelve of the league’s 32 teams took the ice, delivering six games that reflected the playoff push and trade speculation gripping the hockey world. The night’s results shifted standings and set the stage for last-minute roster tweaks, with GMs watching closely.
- Trade Deadline Drama: Eichel’s hat trick might’ve quashed rumors of a Vegas shakeup, while Nashville’s Forsberg could be a hot commodity after his two-goal effort.
- Playoff Implications: Minnesota and Pittsburgh padded their wild-card cushions, while Dallas and Carolina flexed divisional muscle. Toronto and New Jersey, meanwhile, face pressure to regroup.
- Star Performances: Matthews (45 goals) and Pastrnak (2 goals) kept their Hart Trophy bids alive, while Eichel’s three-goal night stole the show.
The NHL action continues March 7 with more games and the trade deadline’s final flurry at 3:00 PM ET. Fans can catch recaps, highlights, and updates on NHL.com, Sportsnet, and ESPN+. Stay tuned for blockbuster deals and their ripple effects on the playoff race