NHL playoffs: Bolts, Avs take Game 1

The GIST: The puck officially dropped on the second round of the NHL playoffs last night. From state and provincial rivals to familiar playoff battles, Round 2 is already proving to be something special.

Last night’s games: The Tampa Bay Lightning started their best-of-seven series strong with a 4–1 win over the regular-season’s best Florida Panthers. Nikita Kucherov was the biggest standout of the game for the Lightning as he struck once himself and notched an assist. The Florida foes will face off in a key Game 2 tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET.

• Over in the West, the Colorado Avalanche defeated their Central Division rival St. Louis Blues 3–2 thanks to a beauty game-winner from Josh Manson in overtime. Can they sweep again?

Tonight’s Game 1’s: The NY Rangers take on the former Rangers Carolina Hurricanes at 7 p.m. ET. This under-the-radar matchup could end up being a gritty one, as Carolina will likely still be without their number one goalie, Frederik Andersen, and NY will be facing controversial ex-Ranger Tony DeAngelo. The intrigue.

• Finally, the Battle of Alberta between Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau and the Calgary Flames vs. Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers begins at 9:30 p.m. ET. Both teams are in uncharted second-round territory and are hoping to crush their competition.