by Aleena Khan

Eastern Conference Playoffs: Round 1 Recap 

Round one of the NHL playoffs have quickly come to an end with shocking results. In the Eastern conference, the Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Panthers, and Devils advanced to the next round. In the Western conference, the Golden Knights, Stars, Oilers, and Kraken have moved on to the next round.

The New York Islanders lost the series to the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2. The Hurricanes had a terrific first 2 games winning both, 2-1 and 4-3. The Islanders, however, redeemed themselves by winning the third game 5-1. The last 3 games of this series were highly contested games, and the Hurricanes ultimately won the series 4-2. With this result, the islanders were bounced from the playoffs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning similarly had a six game series. Tampa Bay had a great start to the series winning the first game 7-3. However, Toronto bounced back by winning the next three games by scores of 7-2, 4-3, and 5-4. Tampa won game 5 Tampa 4-2 but Toronto won game 6 in overtime 2-1 to clinch the series. 

The Boston Bruins were considered favorites to win the Stanley Cup. They won their first game against the Florida Panthers 3-1 and looked to be in good shape. The Bruins took a 3-1 lead in the series, but the Panthers beat them the last 3 games including a Game 7 overtime victory. The Panthers won the series 4-3 and are now advancing to round two of the playoffs. 

For local hockey fans, the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers series was highly anticipated. The Rangers beat the Devils on the road in the first two games winning both games by a score of 5-1. The Devils and Rangers rivalry led to many penalties during the first two games and many big hits. Unfortunately, the Devils won the next three games, 2-1, 3-1, and 4-0. However, the Rangers won game 6 which allowed for a final game 7. Game 7 was a disappointing game for Rangers fans. The Devils once again shut out the Rangers 4-0 and won the series. After reaching the conference finals last year, the Rangers were ousted in the first round this spring.

The first round of the NHL playoffs was absolutely crazy. The Rangers and Islanders unfortunately made quick exits. Best of luck to the New Jersey Devils in the next round.