4/27/16
At 7p EST (NBCSN, CBC, TVAS) the Eastern Conference will go into the next round of the playoffs. The Islanders, who disposed of the Panthers 4-2, travel to the Lightning, who beat the Red Wings 4-1.
And then at 10pm (NBCSN, TVAS, SN, FS-W, FS-TN), it’s game seven and the last game of the first round in the Western Conference as the Ducks host the Predators with the series at 3-3.
4/25/16
After three teams booked their tickets to the next round, there’s just two series that are still waiting for a conclusion, and both could be decided tonight.
The Anaheim Ducks are leading the Nashville Predators 3-2 after coming back from 0-2 down. Tonight at 8pm EST the Preds are hosting, and trying to stay alive in the series. In the latter game of the night, it’s Game Seven time. The St. Louis Blues are hosting the Chicago Blackhawks with that series tied at 3-3. The Blues led 3-1 but failed to put away the defending champions twice, and that series comes to a conclusion tonight.
Yesterday, the Flyers, Wild and Panthers were all eliminated. The top-seeded Washington Capitals advanced to the next round in a pretty unconvincing manner, struggling to eliminate Philly, who were arguably the weakest side in the playoffs. Former Sabres goalie Michal Neuvirth will be disappointed though, after standing on his head in three straight games for the Flyers.
Minnesota fought gamely, including a crazy four-goal third period, but the Lindy Ruff-led Dallas Stars knocked them out 4-2. The last game of the night also sealed a series at 4-2, but it was the New York Islanders who upset the higher-seeded Panthers. Florida were hoping to ride Roberto Luongo all the way, but it was the Islanders who showed some steel in their back end to win the series.
We’ll have a round one recap once all the series are settled, as well as a recap of how your mangled playoff brackets are looking in the next couple of days.