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Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018: 3 potential first-round upsets

By Brett Innis

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 07: The Philadelphia Flyers celebrate a 5-0 victory over the New York Rangers at the Wells Fargo Center on April 7, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers shut out the Rangers 5-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 07: The Philadelphia Flyers celebrate a 5-0 victory over the New York Rangers at the Wells Fargo Center on April 7, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers shut out the Rangers 5-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Which upsets could fans see in the first-round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018?

There’s nothing more exciting than the Stanley Cup Playoffs. One of the most exciting things about the NHL postseason is how any team can beat anyone on any given night. Last season, the Nashville Predators swept the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks in the first-round. Could that happen again in the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018?

This season, with several strong low-ranked teams, there could be several surprises. Which potential upsets could fans see in the first-round?

Philadelphia Flyers over the Pittsburgh Penguins

Claude Giroux vs. Sidney Crosby. Fans all wanted to see this play out on Saturday when the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Rangers and now it’s happened. The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking for their third straight Stanley Cup but have many question marks coming in.

Related Story: 3 Reasons The Flyers Can Upset The Penguins

Meanwhile, Giroux hit the 100-point mark and goaltender Brian Elliot looked impressive in a 5-0 win against New York. The Flyers will have to take at least one game on the road to have a shot at defeating the defending Stanley Cup Champions. With Penguins goalie Matt Murray struggling mightily this season, Philly has a shot as underdogs.

Columbus Blue Jackets over the Washington Capitals

Early April means skepticism with Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. Is this the year they finally get over the second round hump? Or do we see the Caps crash and burn while adding more scar tissue to their heavily inflicted wounds?

Role players Tom Wilson and Lars Eller have to step up and their big guns have to be loud to get out of the first round. The Capitals will be going with Philipp Grubauer in goal instead of Braden Holtby. This is either going to a brilliant decision or one of the last ones head coach Barry Trotz will make with the team. 

Related Story: Blue Jackets Loaded For Cup Run

The Blue Jackets are surging going into the postseason. They have their own postseason demons to exorcise. But the Blue Jackets have a pretty good chance of sending the Capitals home one round earlier than usual.

Los Angeles Kings Over Vegas Golden Knights

Say what you will about the Vegas Golden Knights. An impressive inaugural campaign has the expansion franchise with the top seed in the Pacific Division and home ice against the Los Angeles Kings. However, the Kings are a savvy club with Stanley Cup champions and a well-played system in place.

Next: Power Ranking the Stanley Cup Playoff Teams

With the Knights doing so well play many different clubs in the regular season, it will be interesting to see if Gerard Gallant’s club will be able to adapt to a Kings team that has played multiple playoff series together. It’s also worth noting LA got the best of Vegas this season.

For more Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018 coverage, check out our hub page.

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