By: Chris Nosek

Round 2 of the playoffs is underway! Let’s see how they all started.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers

Wow, what a game! I did not expect the Maple Leafs to come out as strong as they did. If one game were going to change your opinion on an entire series, this might be the game to accomplish that. Toronto took the early need they needed and held their composure despite the antics of Sam Bennett and the Panthers. When they started to get off track after Anthony Stolarz left the game, Craig Berube used his timeout and reset the team. Joseph Woll has the net until Stolarz is ready to return, and that might only raise the ceiling for the Leafs. Florida knocking out Stolarz seems like it could be a galvanizing moment for Toronto. After originally feeling like the Panthers would win in five games, I’m going to say that the series goes the full seven and Toronto is making me begin to believe they could win it. I need to see another really solid game to sway to Toronto winning, but they certainly made it clear the series will go all seven games.

Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes

This type of low scoring game is what I felt could happen between these two teams. The Hurricanes know how to shut down their opponent and they did that here. They limited Washington to 14 shots on goal all game, but what’s even better for them was how good Frederik Andersen looked as he returned to play. There was some luck on Carolina’s side in order for them to take this first game. The question is, can they shut down an offense led by Alex Ovechkin again? I wouldn’t be surprised to see a solid response game from Washington for game two.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers

This game completely surprised me. It appears the Oilers have gotten more healthy has the playoffs have continued. They were very lucky to get past their first round matchup against the Kings, but they managed to limit the Vegas offense to only 17 shots on goals. The Golden Knights will look to come out in game two and dominate offensively, but Pickard has been playing well since taking over for Stuart Skinner. If any game in the series turns into a shoot out, the Oilers can’t be counted out because they have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Defense should be heavy in this series, but both sides have the offense. I still think Vegas will take this series because their defense is stronger and goaltending is much better. That said, Edmonton showed that they will be able to drag it out, and possibly push it to seven games.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars

A great way to start this series. Their win in the first round against the Blues definitely gave the Jets a big boost in confidence, especially Connor Hellebuyck. The Jets were the better team over the regular season, but the Stars had more injuries to key players. My initial thoughts for this series was that the Jets were going to be able to squeeze out the victory ever so slightly. What has me second guessing that is that despite giving up the first goal, Stars were still able to come back and take the victory on the road in the first game. Mikko Rantenen is playing at a Conn Smythe level and the Stars are still missing Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskenen. While I’m willing to say the Stars should be able to take the series, I still think it’ll be a decent series and go six games.