The 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Live Thread

The Stanley Cup Playoffs have begun!

First Round Match Ups:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers

Toronto Maple Leafs vs – Tampa Bay Lightning

Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders

New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken

Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild

Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets

Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings

What a wild and unpredictable First Round. The Florida Panthers knocked a Bruins team that had one of the greatest regular season in NHL history. In only their second season, The upstart Kraken were unleashed upon Colorado and decimated the defending champions. The Toronto Maple Leafs beat Tampa Bay(No, seriously) to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in years. The Devils took out a Rangers team that many were predicting to go far into the playoffs. The Oilers once again scrubbed out LA in the first round. Like most people, I don’t care about the Dallas Stars either

So anyway he we go with the Quarterfinals match ups:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers

Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Dallas Stars vs Seattle Kraken

Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers

What is going on with the playoffs this year? There’s no way I would’ve ever predicted these four teams would be in the Conference Finals. So many questions, so few answers. The Hurricanes ran over the Devils. The Florida Panthers made compost with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Apparently, the Dallas Stars are a real team and they’re really good after knocking off the youngling Kraken. And, of course, Vegas showed little mercy in putting down the Oilers.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers

Game 1 (at CAR): Thu., May 18: 8 ET
Game 2 (at CAR): Sat., May 20: 8 ET
Game 3 (at FLA): Mon., May 22: 8 ET
Game 4 (at FLA): Wed., May 24: 8 ET
Game 5* (at CAR): Fri., May 26: 8 ET
Game 6* (at FLA): Sun., May 28: 8 ET
Game 7* (at CAR): Tue., May 30: 8 ET

*if necessary

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

Vegas Golden vs. Dallas Stars

Game 1 (at VGK): Fri., May 19: 8:30 ET
Game 2 (at VGK): Sun., May 21: 3 ET
Game 3 (at DAL): Tue., May 23: 8 ET
Game 4 (at DAL): Thu., May 25: 8 ET
Game 5* (at VGK): Sat., May 27: 8 ET
Game 6* (at DAL): Mon., May 29: 8 ET
Game 7* (at VGK): Wed., May 31: 9 ET

*if necessary