The NHL playoffs are underway, and several teams are looking to gain an edge in the race for the Stanley Cup.
In the Western Conference, the Edmonton Oilers face a familiar foe in the Los Angeles Kings. Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft expects no surprises from the Kings, who they have a lot of recent experience playing against.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, meanwhile, will try to bounce back from a Game 1 loss to the Boston Bruins. The Leafs are coming off a 5-1 whipping at TD Garden and will need to find a way to slow down the Bruins’ top line.
In the other Western Conference matchup, the Dallas Stars will host the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. The Stars finished first overall in the regular season and will be looking to take an early lead in the series.
The Carolina Hurricanes will look to extend their lead against the New York Islanders in the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes won Game 1 on the road and will be looking to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
Here are some other notable storylines from around the NHL playoffs:
– Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet is emphasizing the importance of embracing pain for playoff success.
– Evander Kane’s status is uncertain for the Oilers’ playoff opener against the Kings.
– Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice was impressed with the goaltending in his team’s Game 1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
– Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk had a strong performance in his first playoff game, scoring two goals and adding an assist.
– Jets forward Mark Scheifele scored his 20th career playoff goal in Winnipeg’s Game 1 win over the Colorado Avalanche.
