Well, the NHL Playoffs are near. So near, that there’s no longer mystery involved with all eight potential matchups in the first round. Which matchups are set, which matchups would we like to see set, and which ones are still a mystery?
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
This matchup is set in stone, and expect fireworks here as former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall suits up against his former team. That will bring some fanfare to this one, as will the fact that the ‘Canes and Devils have a long, drawn-out history of meeting in the postseason.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
We’re getting closer and closer to an all-Florida first round, and one that has seen both teams hoist the Stanley Cup in recent memory. The Lightning want to claw their way back into the Final, and they’ll have to get through their biggest rival and defending Stanley Cup Champion to turn that dream into a reality if it holds.
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
A matchup of biblical proportions, if you want an analogy. Here, you got the Great 8, someone who just set a career record in goals scored, leading his Eastern Conference-best Capitals against a young, upstart Canadiens team. This one may not have rivalry implications, but it’ll be good.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
Hey, they’re rivals, right? And as with Washington and Montreal, you got an upstart Senators team facing an established Toronto Maple Leafs group. Overall, this one will be a fine matchup, even if I would prefer Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens.
Western Conference
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
Give the Winnipeg Jets one more win and this matchup will be a lock. And the fireworks won’t end with Mikko Rantanen vs. Nathan Mackinnon. We’ll see Gabriel Landeskog back at some point, and that will be quite the draw.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
I’ve been talking about this matchup all week, and I’m still looking for something exciting to say. But it’s tough when you have a team with just 33 regulation wins at this point involved facing one of the best defensive teams in hockey. Honestly, if this thing ends up 4-1, I’ll just shrug.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
The Wild may be the No. 1 wild card team right now, and that could remain the case when the season ends. Still, they boast more ‘happy to be here’ traits than the Blues. So, like the Kings and Oilers, I’m sensing a blowout.
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Despite a two-game losing streak, playing the Blues may not be the funnest endeavor if I’m the Winnipeg Jets. If we had a playoff format in which Winnipeg could pick which opponent they wanted to play (which would be awesome), I’d think they’d go with Minnesota.