The Ice Gets Hotter: NHL Playoffs Heat Up With Surprises and Stars Shining

The NHL playoffs are in full swing and the second round has delivered some exciting matchups! Here’s a quick breakdown of the current series and what’s to come:

Dominant Starts:

• Florida Panthers vs. Boston Bruins: The high-powered Panthers lead the series 3-1, with a strong offensive showing. In game 4, Aleksander Barkov scored the game-winner to lead Florida to a 3-2 victory and a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series. Can the Bruins, led by the ever-reliable Brad Marchand, claw their way back into the series?

• New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Brady Skjei’s power-play goal broke a tie late in the third period and the Carolina Hurricanes avoided elimination with a 4-3 win against the New York Rangers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Second Round at PNC Arena on Saturday.

Close Battles:

• Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche: This series stands at a tense 2-1 in favor of the Stars. Star’s Captain, Jamie Benn, has recorded points in three consecutive games to start the Second Round series against the Avalanche. Benn ranks fourth among Stars skaters with seven points in the 2024 postseason. Forward Logan Stankoven posted two goals in Game 3 against Colorado, becoming the fifth rookie in Dallas Stars history (1993-present) to post a multi-goal game in the playoffs.

• Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers: Arturs Silovs made a career-high 42 saves — including 21 in the third period — and the visiting Vancouver Canucks hung on to beat the Edmonton Oilers, 4-3, in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Looking Ahead:

Games 5 of this series are scheduled for May 14th and the tension is building. One thing’s for sure – the remaining NHL playoff games promise to be packed with thrilling action and incredible displays of skill. Who will rise to the top and claim the Stanley Cup? Stay tuned to find out!