Predators’ Keys for Playoff Success
The Nashville Predators entered the 2018-19 season as one of the favorites to make a deep playoff run and were among the handful of teams viewed as a serious Stanley…
2019 NHL Playoffs
The Lightning’s Greatest Foe? Discipline
Throughout the 2018-19 regular season, the Tampa Bay Lightning consistently dominated the NHL. While there were a number of factors contributing to their historic 62-win season, arguably the most important…
Penguins Nearly at Full Strength as Islanders Loom
Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan spent a significant portion of his team’s choppy season in search of healthy bodies. Ten players — including stars Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang and goaltender Matt Murray — missed at least 10 games, a spate of i…
Rivalries, Repeats, Slumps & Droughts – The 2019 NHL Playoffs
From rivalries to repeats, there’ll be a lot on the line when the NHL playoffs begin on Wednesday.
Here’s a look at some of the storylines to watch for:
LIGHTING STRIKES
After a historic season, the Tampa Bay Lightning (62-16-4) are the fav…
First Look at the First Round of the NHL Playoffs
With the NHL playoffs set to begin Wednesday, The Canadian Press takes a look at all eight first-round series.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
ATLANTIC DIVISION
(1) Tampa Bay Lightning versus (WC2) Columbus Blue Jackets
The class of the NHL during …
Sharks Road From Leading Contender to Longshot
It happened quickly. The San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames were battling for first place in the Western Conference with less than a month to go in the season. The…
Capitals to Open Cup Defense vs. ‘Bunch of Jerks’ From Carolina
With nothing left to play for on the last night of the NHL regular season with the Metropolitan Division already clinched, the Washington Capitals rested regulars Nick Backstrom, John Carlson…
Bruins Must Be Consistent & Complete for the Playoffs
The Boston Bruins are in the playoffs once again. They have clinched home ice for their first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Bruins had a topsy-turvy road to…
Leafs vs. Bruins: Rivalry Renewed
This season seems like last season in at least one aspect, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins will meet again in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.…
Evaluating the Lightning’s 1st-Round Matchups
Throughout the regular season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have had few issues dispatching their opponents each night. With 60 wins and the Presidents’ Trophy already to their name, they’ve consistently…
Penguins in Good Shape as Playoffs Near
While they struggled through the first three and a half months of the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins remained close enough in the postseason race that it wasn’t too late once…
Handicapping Flames Potential Playoff Opponents
For the third time in five seasons under general manager Brad Treliving, the Calgary Flames are headed to the Stanley Cup playoffs. But for a team that has escaped the…