The NHL Playoffs recently started and the first few games of each series have been played. Let’s see where teams are stacking up after the first week of action.
Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings: The Avalanche were the best team in hockey this year, winning 55 games, five more than any other team. This is largely in part to MVP-favorite center Nathan Mackinnon. Mackinnon led the league in goals scored this year with 53. He was also the third highest points earner during the regular season, placing him only behind center Connor McDavid and right winger Nikita Kucherov. Because of this, it should be no surprise that the Avalanche have won their first two games against the Kings, both by a score of 2-1.
Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild: The second and third seeds in the Western Conference have been battling thus far. The Wild blew out Dallas in game one by a total score of 6-1. The Stars have continued to fight back, winning the past two matchups. This included a double overtime victory on April 22. Game four will take place April 25 in Minnesota.
Vegas Knights vs Utah Mammoth: Making the playoffs in only your second year of existence is an incredible feat. This is why it is so impressive that the Mammoth is competing in this series. Through two games the series is split at one win a piece and look to play next on Friday, April 24.
Edmonton Oilers vs Anaheim Ducks: Connor McDavid is the biggest reason that the Oilers have made it into the playoffs. He was the league’s leading goal scorer and showed everyone why he is a three-time MVP. In this series, however, he seems to have disappeared, as he has not earned a point in either game played. The Oilers managed to win the first game of the series without their star playing to the best of his abilities. However, Anaheim won the second matchup and will look to build off that victory in the coming days.
Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins: The Bruins were up by two goals early on in the third period before they fell apart, allowing the Sabres to score four consecutive goals which ultimately sealed a victory for Buffalo in the first game. Boston rallied in the second game and won 4-2. The series will be heading back to Boston for game three on April 23.
Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning: This has been the tightest series we have seen in this year’s playoffs. Both games have gone to overtime with each team earning a victory. Game three will head to Montreal on April 24 with the Canadiens looking to earn a victory on their home ice.
Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes: As the top seed in the Eastern Conference, everyone in the east is trying to compete with the ‘Canes. So far, it is not working. Carolina has won both of the first two games against Ottawa and they look to keep the streak rolling.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins: This inter-state matchup has been extremely ugly for Penguins fans. The Flyers have dominated this whole series, outscoring Pittsburgh by a total score of 11-4 through three games. The Flyers will look to complete the sweep this coming Saturday.
