If the NHL Playoffs started yesterday, we’d have been given an entertaining slate, so does the same hold for April 10th? Well, I can say that today’s list doesn’t fully resemble what went down in the league if you watched the games last night, so you may be surprised to see a different matchup listed below.
Which matchups changed, and are they better or worse than what we’d have seen had the season ended yesterday? Keep reading and you’ll get a fresh take on the matter.
Eastern Conference
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
This one looks like a given, unless the Canadiens make something happen throughout these final four games. But, they’re the hotter team if we’re talking about the race for the No. 1 wild card that they share with the Ottawa Senators, riding a six-game winning streak.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
Part of me wouldn’t mind seeing the Canadiens sneak up and steal that No. 1 wild card spot from Ottawa. Could you imagine the stakes and the storylines? One team that has dominated the regular season going up against one that’s taken leaps in their return to relevancy.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
Consider this the most exciting matchup in the Eastern Conference, unless what I just described above happens. Should that occur, consider Tampa vs. Florida a bonus, and then sit back and enjoy what will be a rough, tough Eastern Conference Playoff.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
If only the Hurricanes could host Whalers Night during the playoffs when they face teams from their former neck of the woods. Still, this rivalry isn’t going away regardless of what moniker the Hurricanes are playing under.
Western Conference
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
I nearly made a typo for this one and put Winning Jets. The Blues look like they’ve crashed back to reality as of late, so if this series were to occur, I’m rolling with Winnipeg. Unless the Blues get red-hot and return to their winning ways over these last few games.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
I like the Blues better here since it makes for the more exciting matchup. Should Vegas play Minnesota instead, look for a pair of short series. It would surprise me if either one lasted more than five games.
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
On the other hand, we’d still have Nathan MacKinnon vs. Mikko Rantanen to look forward to. So the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs would look entirely bland. Even if this were a short series in either direction, expect some fireworks.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Well, we just learned that the Oilers aren’t done just yet. There may be a race to see who gets home-ice advantage until the final game of the season. Should it happen, then maybe this series will get a whole lot more interesting.