From the grind of First Round back-to-backs in four cities to the front row of hockey history, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan has seen it all this NHL season. With more than 2,000 miles logged in just four days to kick off the Playoffs, Kaplan’s year on the ice has been a whirlwind — capped by covering Alex Ovechkin’s historic chase to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. As the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs heat up, the National Hockey writer reflects on unforgettable moments, behind-the-scenes emotion, and the thrill of chronicling a postseason full of surprises.
Her most unforgettable moment? The electric Bell Centre during the Four Nations tournament, where USA and Canada set the tone with three fights to start the game. “It was the perfect display of passion, emotion and intensity — it opened a lot of eyes to what hockey is all about.”
One of the season’s most powerful stories came from Columbus, where the Blue Jackets endured unimaginable loss ahead of the season. “They honored the Gaudreau family’s memory by giving it everything they had. They were the true embodiment of team — selfless, gritty, passionate.”
Kaplan’s rinkside seat gives her unique insight into what fans don’t always see: the quiet grind behind every shift. “The best do it again and again,” she said, pointing to Pittsburgh Penguins Right Wing, Bryan Rust, still laying out to block shots in a “meaningless” Game 82.
Covering Ovechkin’s record-breaking moment was a career highlight. From D.C. to Long Island, she was there as he made history. “There was an aura around him. He embraced the pressure and had fun with it. No one was having more fun than Ovi.”
Now, with the Playoffs wide open, Kaplan is excited to spotlight rising stars and underrepresented storylines — especially the Canadian teams carrying a nation’s hopes and the American players leading them. And as for her Cup pick? “I said Vegas — but they’re already behind. It just proves the Stanley Cup Playoffs are the most exciting and unpredictable in sports.”
