Well all good things must come to an end but remember when one door closes another one opens. The NHL’s regular season is about to come to an end. This season has been full of its ups and downs. But now it’s time to focus on the playoffs as 16 hockey teams will make a run for the Stanley Cup.
Here’s a look at the first round playoff match-ups in the Eastern Conference:
Away Team vs. Home Team – Season Series
#8 Ottawa Senators vs. #1 New York Rangers – Ottawa 3-1
#7 Washington Capitals vs. #2 Boston Bruins – Washington 3-1
#6 New Jersey Devils vs. #3 Florida Panthers – Tied 2-2
#5 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #4 Pittsburgh Penguins – Philadelphia 4-2
Even teams with no chance at making the playoffs put on a good show tonight for their fans. Steven Stamkos becomes the first player to score 60 goals since Alexander Ovechkin in 2007-08. The Montreal Canadiens won their final game of the season by beating their rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1. The Winnipeg Jets got a standing ovation from in front of their hometown crowd despite their 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Evgeni Malkin managed to score his 50th goal of the season so he finishes the regular season with 109 points. Those are just some of the highlights from the last day in the regular season. I am looking forward to next season already!
The Western Conference still hasn’t been finalized as the Vancouver Canucks are pushing for a win tonight to secure the Presidents Trophy. The Los Angeles Kings are facing off against the San Jose Sharks to see who will be in 7th and who will be in 8th. The Phoenix Coyotes are on their way to locking up 3rd place in the West with a win over the Minnesota Wild. Once all of the remaining games have finished I will update you on all the first round match-ups in the Western Conference.
UPDATE:
With the regular season officially over, it’s the Vancouver Canucks that have won the Presidents’ Trophy for their 2nd straight year. The San Jose Sharks beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 in overtime to secure the 7th spot. The Phoenix Coyotes locked up 3rd place in the West by beating Minnesota 4-1 and the St. Louis Blues ended their regular season with a 3-2 win over the already eliminated Dallas Stars. It was a great night for hockey all around the league!
Here’s a look at the first round match-ups in the Western Conference:
Away Team vs. Home Team – Season Series
#8 Los Angeles Kings vs. #1 Vancouver Canucks – Tied 2-2
#7 San Jose Sharks vs. #2 St. Louis Blues – St. Louis 4-0
#6 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #3 Phoenix Coyotes – Phoenix 3-1
#5 Detroit Red Wings vs. #4 Nashville Predators – Tied 3-3
Well there it is! Your complete list of first round match-ups!! LET THE PLAYOFFS BEGIN!!!
