By definition “the most wonderful time of the year” describes the holidays of winter, but for hockey fans that statement is more applicable to springtime.
With an eventful 2023-2024 season coming to a close, playoffs are nigh. 16 teams will go head-to-head in a best-of-seven series and play for the ultimate goal; The Stanley Cup. This year’s bracket is jampacked with rivalries, underdogs, and season-long dominators. Each series has something to offer, so this article will get you set up to watch Round One of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
The Sunshine State will be experiencing some stormy weather this round, as the Tampa Bay Lightning loom over the Florida Panthers. Everybody loves a rivalry, and after a Panthers win over the Toronto Maple Leafs and an Ottawa Senators win over the Boston Bruins on April 16th, this series was set in stone with the Panthers clinching the top spot in the Atlantic division, meaning they would face the Lightning who held the top Wild Card spot. As the Panthers look to return to the Stanley Cup Final for the second season in a row, and the Lightning look to defend their successful playoff reputation, the battle of Florida is going to be cutthroat. The current favorite is the Florida Panthers led by Matthew Tkachuk who plays a fast and physical game, oftentimes being the clutch performer in their lineup. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who wields a .931% save percentage has also been a significant factor in the Panthers’ regular season success. But, don’t count the Lightning out just yet. Despite their lesser record, this team is still loaded with talent. Art Ross Trophy winner and the 5th player in NHL history to put up 100 assists in a season, Nikita Kucherov, combined with the likes of Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point will make for an even more eventful series.
Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Another rivalry is set to take the ice, but a historical one as it’ll be between two Original Six teams. There’s no doubt that this series is a must-watch. The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs are iconic foes in the NHL and have faced each other in the playoffs only 4 times in the past 11 years. The Maple Leafs have famously struggled in the post-season, only making it past the first round once in the last 20 years. The Bruins, usually quite successful in the playoffs, are coming off of a disappointing 2023 first-round exit. These two teams are going to want to prove themselves, especially in a center-stage rivalry series. The Bruins’ biggest strength lies between the pipes where Linus Ullmark, a Vezina Trophy winner, and Jeremey Swayman, who boasts a .916% save percentage handle goaltending. But, the Bruins are not without goalscorers. David Pastrnak, a player who thrives in a playoff atmosphere, leads the pack, finishing the season with 110 points and 47 goals. It goes without saying that Toronto’s source of strength comes from the top goal scorer in the league, Auston Matthews. He finished the regular season with 69 goals. The last player to achieve this feat was Mario Lemieux in the 1995-96 season.
New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes
The rivalries don’t end with the Bruins vs Leafs series, as another storm is brewing on Long Island. More specifically, a hurricane. The New York Islanders have had experience with the Carolina Hurricanes in playoffs, once in 2019 and another in 2023, but neither ended the way they had hoped. In this matchup, the Isles will look to get revenge and the Canes will look to add to their successful record against the island. The Carolina Hurricanes have had a season of steady achievement, but on the island, it’s been a roller coaster of emotion. From win streaks to losing streaks, and climbs in the standings to falls, the road to clinching a playoff berth hasn’t been a smooth one. But, the New York team ended the season stronger than they started it, sitting in 3rd place in the Metropolitan division right behind Carolina.
Both teams play a grinding style of hockey, led by hard-working players. Both teams are also benefitting from new additions, one on the bench, and the other behind it. After the firing of head coach Barry Trotz, assistant coach Lane Lambert led the Islanders. Due to the team’s regular season unsuccess under him, he was replaced with goaltending legend Patrick Roy mid-season. Roy’s impact has caused exponential growth in energy, offensive generation, and overall chemistry for the team. One of the most improved players under him has been Mathew Barzal who has had a career-high record of 80 points in 80 games and is defined by his fast style of play and skilled skating. On Carolina’s bench, former Pittsburgh Penguin acquired prior to the trade deadline, Jake Guentzel, has fit in with the Hurricanes flawlessly. With 25 points in 17 games, he’s earned his spot on the top line alongside Sebastian Aho with 21 points in the same amount of games.
New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals
Will the Capitals be able to put the city that never sleeps to rest? Only time will tell, as this matchup is sure to be a tough one for Washington. The New York Rangers have had an eminent season, ending it with a President’s Trophy victory. They clinched their playoff spot early, but for the Capitals, it came down to the wire. In a Metropolitan Wild Card race, the Caps clinched their berth at the very last game of the season, triumphing over the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. Both teams have exemplary offense and are led by some of the best goal scorers in the league. For the Rangers, it’s Artemi Panarin who’s had the best season of his career with 120 points and 49 goals. For Washington, it’s Alexander Ovechkin who is looking to surpass Wayne Gretzky in the record of the NHL’s all-time scoring leader. He only needs to light the lamp 54 more times to pass The Great One, currently having 853 goals, 31 of them from this season. The Rangers’ playing style is dangerously superior this year, characterized by physicality and offensive generation. Backed by goaltenders Igor Shesterkin with a .913% save percentage, and three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Quick, there are few troubles in Manhattan. However, an aspect the Capitals should look to take advantage of is their struggles with 5-on-5 play. The Rangers thrive on special teams, with exceptional power play and penalty kill numbers, but not as much with 5-on-5 hockey where their numbers are average.
Western Conference
Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights
The revenge theme continues as we head west, where the Dallas Stars seek to end the reign of the Vegas Golden Knights who they fell to in the conference final last season. Stars and Knights fans alike are preparing for some deja vu with this matchup. Dallas, of course, looks to have a different outcome. The Stars have dominated the Western Conference this season, ending with the number one spot and the Knights trailing in the second Wild Card spot. Despite Dallas outshining Vegas in the regular season, this series will be no easy feat for the Stars. The Golden Knights have notable talents on their roster such as Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault. Both of which have been offensive weapons, leading their group in points. The acquired talent is also worth mentioning considering the fact that the Knights were one of the biggest winners at this year’s trade deadline. The addition of wingers Anthony Mantha and Tomas Hertl has brought versatility to the lineup in areas such as puck possession and overall skill in puck handling. The acquisition of defenseman Noah Hanifin added some youth to their pairings. For Dallas, all eyes are on Jason Robertson who leads them in scoring for the second straight season and brings a dynamic playing style. Goaltender Jake Oettinger, despite his early-season struggles, has also been a major factor in Dallas’ game. This rematch is going to be one you are not going to want to miss.
Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators
Dust off your cowboy boots, the Predators are on the prowl. Nashville are the underdogs–rather under”cats”–in this matchup, with the Vancouver Canucks ending the season at the top spot in the Pacific. Led by captain Quinn Hughes, the Canucks have had a notable regular season finishing with a 50-23-9 record and sitting 5th out of 32 teams. Hughes has been a significant factor in the team’s success. As one of the most dominant defensemen in the NHL, Hughes put up 92 points in 82 games and benefitted Vancouver’s puck possession, forecheck, and overall creation of offensive opportunities. Another extremely valuable player for the Canucks lies in the crease. 2024 Vezina Trophy candidate Thatcher Demko looked ready to go for the post-season following injury in a 39-save game in a win over the Calgary Flames. That being said, the Predators are not without reliability when it comes to their lineup. Forward Filip Forsberg has had the best offensive season of his career, lighting the lamp 48 times. Both of these teams missed playoffs last year, so consistency is key considering their lack of recent post-season experience. Carrying regular season success into the playoffs is tough, and not cracking under pressure is going to be the biggest challenge for these groups. The Canucks and Predators both play an exciting game of hockey, so seeing what they can do in a playoff atmosphere should make for a series worth watching.
Colorado Avalanche vs Winnipeg Jets
Another rivalry is set to take the stage with these two Central Divison teams facing off for the first time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With several meetings in the regular season, these teams are well-acquainted with each other. But, the post-season is a whole new ordeal and lets matchups have a clean slate. The Winnipeg Jets have qualified for playoffs six times out of the last seven seasons, so they are not without experience. The same goes for the Avalanche who have qualified for seven straight seasons and won the Stanley Cup in 2022. Both teams have had rough patches towards the end of the season, but thanks to their impressive record prior, it did not compromise their ability to qualify–the Jets sitting 2nd in the division and the Avalanche sitting 3rd. This familiarity and similarity in seasons is going to make for a tight matchup. Winnipeg has some valuable offensive contributors like Mark Scheifele, a player with an extremely consistent career, and Kyle Connor who thrives on the power play. Between the pipes sits 2024 Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck who had a .922% save percentage. For the Avalanche, their MVP is undoubtedly Nathan MacKinnon who has had yet another record season, reaching 50 goals for the first time in his career and putting up 140 points. Colorado has some of the most dangerous offensive play in the league, so the Jets’ defense will have to do their best to hold them off.
Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings
The City of Angels has had a not-so-angelic record against the Edmonton Oilers in the post-season, being eliminated by them in the past two seasons. Despite a rocky regular season record against the Oilers, and playoff history, the Los Angeles Kings are ready to turn the page on their past with Edmonton and utilize the blank slate that is the 2024 playoffs. Captain Anze Kopitar stated, “You’re always playoff ready, it’s the best time of the year so you’re going in, it’s a blank page and we start writing on it.” Kopitar is the beating heart of the Kings, being consistently valuable throughout his career with them. This season has been no different as he put up 70 points in 81 games. The two-time Stanley Cup Champion is well-versed in victory and knows what it takes to lead his team to it. Kings 2020 No. 2 NHL Draft pick Quinton Byfield, defined by his fast skating and strength, has had a breakout season with 55 points. In Edmonton, one of, if not the most accomplished player in the NHL, Connor McDavid, continues his quest to bring home a Stanley Cup. The five-time Art Ross winner and three-time Hart Trophy winner has had yet another flawless season with 132 points. McDavid is the league’s most dynamic skill with versatility few have ever had. New acquisition Corey Perry brings post-season experience to the team and has fit into the third line with 13 points in 38 games.