Vegas Golden Knights are the first team to reach the second round
The GIST: An undrafted rookie pushing the defending champs to the brink of elimination and Will Ferrell rocking face paint rinkside — the first round of the NHL Playoffs has had it all. Here’s where things stand as squads start to book their tickets to round two.
Who clinched: The Vegas Golden Knights jumped out to an early first period lead and never looked back, becoming the first team to reach the second round with last night’s 4–1 Game 5 win over the Winnipeg Jets.
Who couldn’t finish the job: Toronto Maple Leafs fans will have to wait another day to see their 19-year curse (maybe) reversed. Up 3-1 in the series, the Buds lost 4–2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Toronto’s home ice, setting up another close out Game 6 in Florida tomorrow.
Who’s on the brink: Despite having home-ice advantage, the Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins (up 3-2) couldn’t close out their matchups vs. the NY Islanders and Florida Panthers earlier this week. They’ll have another crack at it on the road tonight at 7 and 7:30 p.m. ET, respectively.
- But wait, there are four more elimination games where that came from. The one you can’t miss? Game 6 between the Edmonton Oilers (up 3-2) and LA Kings tomorrow, in a series that’s already featured three overtime battles. *bites nails*
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