Alright, playoffs are right around the corner. Finally. If you haven’t had the time to check in on what’s happening in the hockey world, we’ve got the article for you.

Learning each and every little caveat that occurred this season would take far too much studying. Instead, we’ll just give you the “SparkNotes” version of what’s happened this season, and what to expect for each NHL series.

SparkNotes, similar to its predecessor Coles Notes, boils down entire books, plays, or other academic pursuits to the bare minimum. It’s a tool often used by procrastinating students rushing to learn Macbeth in a couple hours.

 

Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins

  • High likeliness this could become a bloodbath.
  • Two teams that have had some epic battles throughout the year, just watch Garnet Hathaway hit Jarred Tinordi.
  • Possibly the most exciting first round series if you look past the historical element of Leafs vs. Habs.

 

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders

  • Isles playing with that familiar chip on their shoulder.
  • Isles swept the Pens in 2019.
  • Isles also had historical win in 1975 (came down from 3-0 to beat the Pens in 7), and in 1993 (eliminated the reigning back-to-back Pens).
  • Pens core is getting older. Is the window closing?

 

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens

  • Haven’t played each other in playoffs since 1979.
  • Two original six teams, which always adds intrigue.
  • Can Toronto finally get the monkey off their back and win a playoff series? They haven’t since 2004.
  • Can Carey Price take over a series? He did last year, posting a playoff-best 1.78 GAA.
  • Joe Thornton, Jason Spezza vs. Corey Perry in the battle of old NHLers.

 

Edmonton Oilers vs. Winnipeg Jets

  • The Jets are limping into playoffs. They have won just two of their last 11 games.
  • Probably the most complete Oilers team in the Connor McDavid era.
  • Jets need Connor Hellebuyck to put on a show, and even then it will be tough.
  • Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s level of dominance likely dictates this series.
  • Oilers have dominated season series, going 7-2 against the Jets.

 

Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues

  • Haven’t played each other in playoffs since 2001.
  • Blues just two years removed from Stanley Cup victory.
  • Avs won season series 5-3, including an 8-0 win in the second game of the season.

 

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild

  • Minnesota Wild have been sneaky good this year.
  • Wild have the best record against the Knights than any other team (11-2-3, according to Michael Russo), including 5-2-1 this season.
  • Knights biggest strength comparatively is goaltending. Cam Talbot has been good this year, but you could say Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner are better.
  • Kirill Kaprizov’s first NHL playoffs. Can he continue his thrilling rookie campaign into the Wild’s postseason?

 

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators

  • Two teams that have exploded in popularity in their markets in recent years (Smashville vs. a Bunch of Jerks).
  • Preds goalie Jusse Saros will have to put on a show. ‘Canes have three capable goalies.
  • Hurricanes were 6-0 against the Preds this year until Nashville won the final two games of the year.

 

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers

  • Battle of Florida happens for the first time EVER in playoffs.
  • Usually compete in the Atlantic Division against each other.
  • Finished the season playing a back-to-back set against each other.
  • They had split the season series 3-3 until Florida won the final two games of the season.
  • Carter Verhaeghe won the Cup with Tampa bay last season.