The first round of the NHL playoffs was filled with unexpected drama, as the Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, and Philadelphia Flyers all advanced after a combined 25 years out of the tournament.
Goaltending Surprises
Goaltending stood out with veterans and rookies alike stepping up. Frederik Andersen posted a .955 save percentage for Carolina, Dan Vladar recorded two shutouts for the Flyers, and Jesper Wallstedt outlasted Dallas's Jake Oettinger. Other notable netminders included Carter Hart (Vegas), Lukas Dostal (Anaheim), Alex Lyon (Buffalo), and Jakub Dobes (Montreal), with Dobes facing Andrei Vasilevskiy in a Game 7.
Key Performers
Mitch Marner, often scrutinized for his playoff performance, scored twice in Game 6 as the Golden Knights eliminated Utah. Jack Eichel led the playoffs with eight assists, while Anaheim's Leo Carlsson had eight points. Defenceman Jackson LaCombe surprised with nine points.
Second-Round Matchups
Western Conference
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks - Vegas opens at home after falling behind Utah 2-1. Anaheim won all three regular-season meetings, but the most recent was in February. Joel Quenneville has instilled belief in the Ducks, while John Tortorella's late-season hiring has sparked Vegas. Prediction: Ducks in 6.
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche - Colorado swept Los Angeles and had a week off. Matt Boldy leads West scorers with six goals, but the key battle is between defencemen Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. The Wild gave up only four third-period goals in the first round. Prediction: Avalanche in 6.
Eastern Conference
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Carolina Hurricanes - Carolina swept Ottawa despite being outplayed on faceoffs, relying on Andersen's 105 saves. The Flyers have balanced scoring and strong penalty killing. Carolina's power play and Rod Brind'Amour's experience are key. Prediction: Hurricanes in 5.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Winner of Montreal-Tampa Bay - Buffalo eliminated Boston in six games. The winner of Game 7 between Montreal and Tampa Bay will face the Sabres.
