NHL: Playoffs Round #1

It has been just over a week since the 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs began.

Here is how things are shaking up:

North Division match-ups:

(#1)Toronto Maple Leafs vs (#4)Montreal Canadiens: Series Tied (1-1):

Montreal took the first game after a big mess up by Jumbo Joe on the PP. Byron then went in and scored the game winner (1-0 MTL Series Lead). But, Toronto then came out swinging in game 2 and took a controlling 5-1 win (Series Tied). The next 2 games are in Montreal.  It will be interesting to see who can take those next two crucial games.

(#2)Edmonton Oiler vs (#3)Winnipeg Jets – Jets Lead Series (2-0):

This has been the most shocking series to watch. The stacked Oilers offense has had an enormous amount of trouble trying to figure out Jets star goalie Hellebuyck. The games have been super close, so I don’t think the Oilers are out of it yet. But man… their offense needs to figure out something soon or they’ll be outta the playoffs faster than you can shake a stick.

West Division match-ups:

(#1) Colorado Avalanche vs (#4) St. Louis Blues – Avalanche Lead Series (3-0):

Aside from the Nazem Kadri head hit on Faulk and the 5 min PP that came for the Blues, after that, the momentum has been on all the Avs side. The Avalanche just have the Blues number in this series. They’ve been able to generate offense from most of their lines, and their big boys have come to play this year. MacKinnon looks unstoppable right now and it’s amazing to watch as an Avalanche fan myself. The Avs have a chance to sweep the Blues this afternoon in St. Louis.

(#2) Vegas Golden Knights vs (#3) Minnesota Wild – Golden Knights Lead Series (3-1) :

It was a rocky start for the Golden Knights in game one not being able to score, then having the Wild pop in that OT winner to take the series lead. But after that game it was all Vegas. Stone looked unstoppable and Fleury has been nothing short of amazing for the Knights. It’s been nice as a hockey fan seeing that come back story come to fruition. The Knights have a chance to take the series in 5 games tomorrow night in Vegas.

Central Division match-ups:

(#1) Carolina Hurricanes vs (#4) Nashville Predators – Hurricanes Lead Series (2-1):

The Hurricanes have looked nothing short of dominate in this series. Nashville lost the first two games and came back with a gutsy win in OT a couple nights ago to make this a series. I still think that the Hurricanes probably take this in 5 or 6. But anything can happen in the playoffs.

(#2) Florida Panthers vs (#3) Tampa Bay Lightning – Lightning Lead Series (3-1):

This has been the most fun series to watch. Though Tampa is on the verge of taking this series, I still think the Panthers can at least pull off one more W for the lads. With Kucherov and Stamkos back, this has completely changed the dynamic of the Lightning team, and for the better. It feels like anything they touch just turns to gold at this point. They are looking very similar to the team we saw win the Stanley Cup last year. I’d be scared for any team that has to play them in round 2 and going forward (if they get there).

(#1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (#4) New York Islanders – Series Tied (2-2):

This series is another one that has been really back and forth. I feel the Pittsburgh Penguins had the momentum for the first 3 games, but I feel like now its going the Islanders way. I think this series is definitely going 7 games.

(#2) Washington Capitals vs (#3) Boston Bruins – Bruins Lead Series (3-1):

Boston has played a great series so far. With that said I don’t think this series is going to be over in 5. Washington is going back home for game 5 tonight. I think having that home ice advantage might give them the momentum back. I still think Boston probably wins this in 6 or 7, but I foresee the Caps winning at least one more.

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What are your thoughts so far on the NHL playoffs?

• This topic was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by BennyCanuck.