2017 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS OPENING NIGHT
The 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs open tonight with a five-game slate.
Art Ross Trophy winner Connor McDavid and the Oilers (47-26-9, 103 points), who qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2006, host one of last year’s Stanley Cup finalists when they welcome the Sharks (46-29-7, 99 points) to Rogers Place. This marks the second playoff meeting between these clubs (2006 CSF: EDM 4-2); Edmonton held a 3-1-1 edge in their regular-season series (SJS: 2-3-0).
The Atlantic Division-winning Canadiens (47-26-9, 103 points) face the Rangers (48-28-6, 102 points) in an Original Six showdown at Bell Centre featuring two star goaltenders: Montreal’s Carey Price (37-20-5, 2.23 GAA, .923 SV%, 3 SO) and New York’s Henrik Lundqvist (31-20-4, 2.74 GAA, .910 SV%, 2 SO). This marks the 16th postseason meeting between these teams (NYR: 8, MTL: 7); the Canadiens swept their three-game, regular-season series (NYR: 0-2-1).
The defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins (50-21-11, 111 points), led by reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sidney Crosby, host the Blue Jackets (50-24-8, 108 points), who set franchise records for wins and points this season, at PPG Paints Arena. This marks the second all-time playoff meeting between these clubs (2014 FR: PIT 4-2); each went 2-1-1 during their regular-season series.
Atlantic Division rivals collide when the Senators (44-28-10, 98 points) play host to the Bruins (44-31-7, 95 points) at Canadian Tire Centre in their first playoff meeting. Ottawa is led by captain Erik Karlsson (17-54—71 in 2016-17), while Boston is powered by forward Brad Marchand (39-46—85). The Senators swept the regular-season series between these clubs for the first time in franchise history (4 GP).
The Wild (49-25-8, 106 points), who set franchise records for wins and points in a season, face the Blues (46-29-7, 99 points) at Xcel Energy Center. This marks the second postseason meeting between these teams (2015 FR: MIN 4-2); the Blues held a 3-2-0 edge in their regular-season series (MIN: 2-2-1).
WEDNESDAY’S NHL SCHEDULE
All Times Eastern
NY Rangers @ Montreal, Game 1, 7 p.m.
Boston @ Ottawa, Game 1, 7 p.m.
Columbus @ Pittsburgh, Game 1, 7:30 p.m.
St. Louis @ Minnesota, Game 1, 9:30 p.m.
San Jose @ Edmonton, Game 1, 10 p.m.
THURSDAY’S NHL ACTION
All Times Eastern
Toronto @ Washington, Game 1, 7 p.m.
Nashville @ Chicago, Game 1, 8 p.m.
Calgary @ Anaheim, Game 1, 10:30 p.m.