Featured Image: Goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Arturs Silovs (#37) makes a save on Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny (11) with Ryan Shea (5) defending. (Photo Credit / Emilee Chinn/Getty Images).
The first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs is approaching it’s end, with three teams advancing to the second round. However, some series still await a conclusion, and it is anyone’s game.
The Philadelphia Flyers have defeated their rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. The Flyers had a 3-0 lead over the Pens, and the Pens impressed the world by nearly coming back in the series. Game Six went to overtime, and Philly defenseman, Cam York broke the hearts of Penguins fans everywhere with a game winner.
The Flyers will face off against the dominant Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. The Hurricanes swept the Ottawa Senators in a dramatic fashion, with the Sens failing to get a lead throughout the series. Many speculated that the Senators would put up more of a fight, but captain Brady Tkachuk has not even registered a point in any of the four games. Goaltender Linus Ullmark was elite for the Senators with a .932 save percentage in the series.
In the west, the President Trophy winning Colorado Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings, which comes as a surprise to no one. Nathan MacKinnon recorded two goals and two assists in the four games. This will be the last time we see Kings legend Anze Kopitar in the postseason, as he will retire this season.
The Minnesota Wild currently hold a 3-2 series lead over the Dallas Stars. Quinn Hughes of the Wild has racked up several apples, with five assists in the series so far. Jesper Wallstedt has been phenomenal in between the pipes for the Wild, with a save percentage of .926% and a GAA of 2.05.
The Montreal Canadiens look to close their series with the Tampa Bay Lightning, which has been absolute mayhem. The first three games of the series have required overtime. Defenseman for Montreal, Lane Hutson has picked up two goals and three assists in the series. Star forward, Nikita Kucherov for the Lightning has 1 goal and five assists.
The Edmonton Oilers have made it to back to back Cup finals in the last two years, and currently they are fighting to avoid a first round exit form the Anaheim Ducks currently holding a 3-2 lead. Connor McDavid’s Stanley Cup dreams could end in April instead of June this year.
In the Utah Mammoth’s first playoff series, they have to worry about an elimination by the Vegas Golden Knights, who hold a 3-2 lead.
The Buffalo Sabres are looking to win their first playoff series in 20 years as they hold a 3-2 series lead over the Boston Bruins. Forward for the Sabres, Tage Thompson, has two goals and three assists.
The next few days will prove to be very interesting with several teams looking to advance to the second round. Hearts will be broken, and celebrations will be held. Only one team can win the cup.
