The quest for the Stanley Cup has begun! Sixteen teams are competing to be crowned NHL champions. Canadian teams are eager to break the drought since 1993, with five teams from Canada in the playoffs this year, including the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets are the top seed in the Western Conference and had the best regular season record in the league.
Let`s take a look at the first-round matchups of the NHL Playoffs:
Western Conference First Round Matchups
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
The Jets boast the league`s best defense, largely thanks to goalie Connor Hellebuyck, a favorite for the Hart Trophy (MVP). The Blues have their own experienced goalie in Jordan Binnington, who led St. Louis to a Stanley Cup in 2019. Winnipeg won Game 1 of this series 5-3.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
The Vegas Golden Knights have been contenders since joining the NHL. Jack Eichel is coming off a career-best season, and Adin Hill has been solid in net. Vegas has a deep roster with significant playoff experience. They face the Minnesota Wild, who have been inconsistent this season. However, Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson has been playing exceptionally well recently.
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
This series is a clash of perennial playoff teams. Colorado dominated Game 1, winning 5-1. The Avalanche are powered by stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The Stars are a well-rounded team led by Matt Duchene and Jason Robertson. Both teams have strong goalies: Jake Oettinger for Dallas and Mackenzie Blackwood for Colorado.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are looking to return to the Stanley Cup Finals after losing in Game 7 last year. Connor McDavid and Edmonton face a tough first test against the Los Angeles Kings, who have one of the NHL`s best defenses. Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper has been among the stingiest in the league.
Eastern Conference First Round Matchups
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Capitals, led by Alex Ovechkin`s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky`s goal record, earned the top seed in the East. They play the Montreal Canadiens, who grabbed the final playoff spot. The Canadiens allowed the most goals among playoff teams.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
This all-Canadian matchup features the Toronto Maple Leafs, led by Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. Anthony Stolarz has been a strong presence in goal for Toronto. The Ottawa Senators have struggled to score consistently and lack high-point scorers.
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
A Florida rivalry! The Tampa Bay Lightning, Stanley Cup champions in 2020 and 2021, face the Florida Panthers, who won the title last year. The Lightning led the NHL in scoring, with Nikita Kucherov leading the league in points. Sam Reinhart is the Panthers` top scorer.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
The Carolina Hurricanes are strong both offensively and defensively. The New Jersey Devils have a good defense but have struggled to score. Key players include Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis for Carolina, and the Hughes brothers (Jack and Luke) for New Jersey.
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