Oh, it’s April 13th, and we’re just a few days out of the NHL Playoffs. And yep, I’m heaving a sigh of relief thanks to the fact that we finally got here. And better yet, we also have quite a few matchups that are done deals, another sign that we’re closer to the postseason.
Expect more confirmations as the next few days wear on, and you may even see another one or two occur tonight. Anyway, let’s check out who’s playing who, and who’s likely to play who.
Set matchups
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
This one, we’ve known about for a while and it’ll feature two historical rivals in the Metropolitan Division. It’s a rivalry that boasts quite the history, and one that’ll see another chapter or entire story added to it in a few days.
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
We got it. It’s ready to roll and official. Mikko Rantanen vs. Nathan MacKinnon. Whether or not you follow the Stars or Avalanche, it’s irrelevant. This will be one highly-anticipated matchup.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Well, we got a great defensive team going up against a group that can be high-octane when they feel like it. Could be that classic great defense vs. great offense matchup.
If the NHL Playoffs started today…
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
This matchup is all but a done deal unless the Canadiens collapse and the Blue Jackets keep surging. Still, if I were Washington, I’d be worried about this upstart Canadiens group looking to prove a point or two.
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
The Blues look like they’re slipping just as the Jets look like they’re peaking. Just days ago, I’d have thought differently about this matchup. Now, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Jets swept the Blues should it hold.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
The Golden Knights should cruise into the second round should this matchup become a reality. There’s no other ‘happy to be there team’ heading into the postseason more than the Minnesota Wild.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
Another one boasting a great offense vs. a great defense. The more I think about a potential matchup between the Maple Leafs and Senators, the more excited I get. Still, it’s tough to deny that the Leafs could have the most well-rounded lineup heading into the postseason.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
Florida looks like the fastest-growing state in the NHL, and it’s starting to prove you don’t need to be in a traditional hockey market to boast a pair of popular NHL teams. Next to the Rantanen-MacKinnon matchup, this is the one I want to see more than anything.