The first-round Stanley Cup playoffs was filled with major upsets and thrills, providing a much different look than last season.
For the first time ever, all four division winners were eliminated, this also includes all four of the teams from last season’s conference finals that are also eliminated.
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals were eliminated in 7 games to Carolina Hurricanes,whom are in the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Nothing may be more surprising then the 62-win Tampa Bay Lightning being swept by Columbus Blue Jackets.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks
The Vegas Golden Knights blew a 3-1 lead, including a 3-0 Game 7 lead against the San Jose Sharks.
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Winnipeg Jets were beaten by St. Louis Blues, a team that was previously in last place back in January.
But, if one thing is certain, it’s that the second-round is going to be exciting, full of twists and turns building off the first-round.
Current Bracket
Game: New York Islanders (2) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (WC1)
The Islanders carry momentum after sweeping the Penguins, Hurricanes are coming off a 7-game series with little rest.
Islanders have one of the best defenses out of the remaining teams and have control over home ice.
Prediction—New York Islanders in 7
Game: Boston Bruins (2) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (WC2)
The Jackets seem to be peaking at the perfect time of the season, sweeping the Lightning and having no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
As the Jackets play very similarly to the Bruins, I do think this will be a tight-contested series, but the Jackets seem to have more depth to their roster.
Prediction—Columbus Blue Jackets in 6
Game: St. Louis Blues (3) vs. Dallas Stars (WC1)
The Stars have one of the best first lines left in the playoffs, but this series is going to come down to the goalies.
Blues Jordan Binnington has been the leader of the team since January, although Dallas’ Ben Bishop had a .945 save percentage, with 1.90 goals-against in the first round.
Prediction—Dallas Stars in 7
Game: San Jose Sharks (2) vs. Colorado Avalanche (WC2)
After the come from behind win in Game 7 against the Golden Knights, the Sharks have a special kind of power going into Round 2.
The Sharks have won three in a row and are seemingly the more complete team seeing their experience in the playoffs.
Prediction—San Jose Sharks in 6
