The 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals have begun. How does your bracket look after two rounds? Still intact?
With the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals underway, it’s time to look back and see just how the bracket has shaken out. And what that means for those who aren’t in the picture anymore.
Eastern Conference
Ottawa Senators v. New York Rangers
In the Eastern Conference, Erik Karlsson and Jean-Gabriel Pageau dispatched the New York Rangers after a six-game affair. Sure the Rangers were a wild-card team, but they still had a 102 point season in a ridiculously strong Metropolitan Division.
So now the question turns to the Rangers window, more specifically that of Henrik Lundqvist. At 36-year-old have we seen the best of the “King” or can he prolong this continued Rangers playoff appearance well into the twilight of his career?
Washington Capitals v. Pittsburgh Penguins
It’s the curse that can’t be broken. The Washington Capitals just can’t get past Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since Ovechkin joined in 2005, the Caps have faced the Pens three times, and never prevailing once.
Thanks to the efforts of backup goaltender and two-time Stanley Cup champion Marc-Andre Fleury the Penguins continue their quest to be the first repeat Stanley Cup Champions since Detroit did it in 1998.
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Western Conference
Anaheim Ducks v. Edmonton Oilers
Say it isn’t so? The McDavid dream died in the second round. Although McDavid lead the team in the regular season with his Herculean 100 point campaign, it was Leon Drasaitl who stole the show in the playoffs. There are good things, finally brewing in Edmonton. Let’s see what next year brings. Maybe Jordan Eberle and his underwhelming two points in the playoffs will be on the way out.
Can Anaheim finally get to the finals after all those failed attempts? How smug is Randy Carlyle going to be to anyone that crosses his path from the hockey media? Is that even measurable? I for one can’t wait for the Carlyle post-cup victory presser where he laughs maniacally like a Bond villain.
St Louis Blues v. Nashville Predators
If there’s one thing the Blues learned from the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs is that Jake Allen isn’t broken. His .915 SV% and 2.42 GAA in the regular season wasn’t great. But something changed int he playoffs, where he posted a ridiculous .935 SV% and 1.96 GAA, and they’re still out!
Smashville is woke and taking names. They swept the Blackhawks in embarrassing fashion. They tossed aside the Blues and their insanely hot goaltender thanks to the efforts of their own insanely hot goaltender. In these playoffs, Pekka Rinne has a .951 SV% and 1.37GAA. Good luck Anaheim.
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How does your 2017 Stanley Cup Playoff bracket look? Do you still have the Ottawa Senators as the representative from the Atlantic Division? How about the Predators? Think they’d get past the Blackhawks and start writing franchise history?