With the abysmal collapse of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday evening came the end of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Even though the game between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals finished just minutes after it, the Rangers held that game at 5-0 for most of the time, finishing it long before the third period ever even started. But now that eight teams have been sent home and eight teams remain, who will make it out of Round 2 with their season still alive?
After a crushing defeat against the Montreal Canadiens in Round 1, the Ottawa Senators will move on to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in Round 2. Ottawa has never looked hotter, and has many of their injured players back on the bench. Pittsburgh on the other hand, is having trouble in the net, and that’s enough to lose you a playoffs series.
After Boston’s overtime victory against the Leafs on Monday night, they’ll start hosting the New York Rangers on Thursday for Round 2. Both of these teams went to a gruelling Game 7 in Round 1, but Boston is far more injured and tired.
Starting the round in the West will be the San Jose Sharks against the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night. Both teams had phenomenal first rounds and this is a pick ’em series that could go either way, which will make it a great start to Round 2 in the West!
The Detroit Red Wings knocked out the Anaheim Ducks in Round 1 and will now face off against the Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago has had an outstanding season, but you can never discount a team that’s got what it takes to knock out the Ducks.
Did your team make it past Round 1? Who do you think will win Round 2, and who will take the upcoming conference title?