Vegas Golden Knights vs. LA Kings

The Golden Knights continued to make history in their inaugural season by becoming the first team to sweep the first round in its first year.  Vegas goalie Marc-Andre Fleury allowed a total of three goals in four games. The second game of the four between the two teams went into double overtime, with the game lasting for over 95 minutes.  Los Angeles went without their Norris Trophy-nominated defenseman Drew Doughty for game two, after Doughty was suspended for one game for an illegal check to the head on Vegas’ William Carrier in game one.  Vegas swept the round on Los Angeles’ ice on Tuesday, April 17 with a score of 1-0 from Brayden McNabb in the second period. Vegas will face off against the San Jose Sharks in the second round beginning April 26 at 10 p.m. EST.

San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks

The Sharks also swept the first round, defeating the Ducks in four games.  The Sharks scored 16 goals in those four games, in contrast to the Ducks’ 4 goals, to advance to the second round.  San Jose had 8 different players score in their third game, beating the Ducks 8-1. San Jose will go up against Vegas in the second round beginning on April 26 at 10 p.m. EST.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Defending Stanley Cup champions, the Penguins, were able to pull off an 8-5 win against the Philadelphia Flyers in game six of their series to take the first round.  The Penguins’ Jake Guentzel scored four goals in the final game to propel his team to victory. In those six games, Pittsburgh scored 28 goals, compared to Philadelphia’s 15.  Looking for a three-peat, the Penguins will continue on to the second round in their series against the Washington Capitals, beginning on April 26 at 7 p.m. EST.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Washington Capitals

After four out of six games went into overtime, the Capitals won four games in a row to beat the Blue Jackets in their series.  The Capitals scored a total of 24 goals in those six games, while the Blue Jackets, after winning the first two games in OT, scored 18 goals.  Zach Werenski of the Blue Jackets, a Grosse Pointe native, scored one goal and had two assists during the series. For the third year in a row, the Capitals will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round beginning April 26 at 7 p.m. EST.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Minnesota Wild

The Winnipeg Jets had never won a playoff game in franchise history, but the team has advanced to the second round after winning their series against the Minnesota Wild 4-1.  The Jets scored a total of 16 goals in five games. Winnipeg will face Nashville in the second round of the playoffs beginning April 27 at 8 p.m. EST.

Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche grabbed the final first round playoff spot of this season, but were unable to advance to the second round in their series against the Nashville Predators.  Nashville won 5-0 in game six of the series on Avalanche ice. The Predators scored a total of 22 goals in the series, while the Avalanche scored 15 total. Nashville will go up against Winnipeg in the second round beginning April 27 at 8 p.m. EST.

New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

After an unbelievable regular season, the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New Jersey Devils 4-1 in their series.  Tampa Bay scored a total of 18 goals in five games. New Jersey beat the Lightning 5-2 at home in game three of the series, but were unable to catch up.  Tampa Bay will face the Boston Bruins next in round two beginning April 28 at 3 p.m. EST.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins

After being the only series to go to seven games in the first round, the Boston Bruins won the series between two Original Six teams.  11 goals were scored in the last game, with the Bruins scoring 28 goals total compared to Toronto’s 20 in the series. Boston will go on to the second round against Tampa Bay beginning April 28 at 3 p.m. EST.