OK...Here we Go! The NHL's 2018 Playoff Match-Ups for the Stanley Cup!!!

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

OK...let's change gears.

Enclosed below is the NHL's 2018 playoff match-ups for the Stanley Cup!!!

"Here are the first-round playoff match-ups, based on today's standings. The top three teams in each division earn berths in the playoffs. The next two teams in terms of total points in the conference, regardless of division, earn the wild-card spots. This provides a total of eight teams from each conference.

The top seed in each division plays one of the wild-card teams in its conference. The division leader with the most points plays the wild-card team with the fewest points. The second and third seeds in each division face each other in the first round".

Eastern Conference

Current Match-Ups
Tampa Bay Lighting (54-23-5, 113 points)

New Jersey Devils (44-29-9, 97 points)

Regular season series (Devils lead 3-0-0)
Oct 17, 2017 Tampa Bay 4, New Jersey 5 (SO)
Feb 17, 2018 New Jersey 4, Tampa Bay 3
Mar 24, 2018 Tampa Bay 1, New Jersey 2

Current Match-Ups
Boston Bruins (50-19-12, 112 points)
Games remaining regular season: 1 (tonight vs. Florida)

Toronto Maple Leafs (49-26-7, 105 points)

Regular season series (Maple Leafs lead 3-1-0)
Nov 10, 2017 Boston 2, Toronto 3 (OT)
Nov 11, 2017 Toronto 4, Boston 1
Feb 3, 2018 Toronto 1, Boston 4
Feb 24, 2018 Boston 3, Toronto 4

Current Match-Ups
Washington Capitals (49-26-7, 105 points)

Columbus Blue Jackets (45-30-7, 97 points)

Regular season series (Capitals lead 3-1-0)
Dec 2, 2017 Columbus 3, Washington 4
Feb 6, 2018 Washington 3, Columbus 2
Feb 9, 2018 Columbus 2, Washington 4
Feb 26, 2018 Washington 1, Columbus 5

Current Match-Ups
Pittsburgh Penguins (47-29-6, 100 points)

Philadelphia (42-26-14, 98 points)

Regular season series (Penguins lead 4-0-0)
Nov 27, 2017 Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 5 (OT)
Jan 2, 2018 Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 1
Mar 7, 2018 Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 2
Mar 25, 2018 Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 5 (OT)

Western Conference

Current Match-Ups
Vegas (51-24-7, 109 points) [wouldn't it be nice if the expansion

win the Cup because I'm 'rooting for 'em'...
Vegas Strong!

Los Angeles (45-29-8, 98 points)

Regular season series (Series tied 2-1-1)
Nov 19, 2017 Los Angeles 2, Vegas 4
Dec 28, 2017 Vegas 3, Los Angeles 2 (OT)
Feb 26, 2018 Vegas 2, Los Angeles 3 (OT)
Feb 27, 2018 Los Angeles 4, Vegas 1

Current Match-Ups
Anaheim (44-25-13, 101 points)

San Jose (45-27-10, 100 points)

Regular season series (Sharks lead 3-0-1)
Nov 4, 2017 Anaheim 1, San Jose 2 (SO)
Nov 20, 2017 Anaheim 3, San Jose 2 (SO)
Jan 21, 2018 San Jose 6, Anaheim 2
Feb 11, 2018 San Jose 3, Anaheim 2 (SO)

Current Match-Ups
Nashville (53-18-11, 117 points...this years Presidents' Trophy Winner,)

Colorado (43-30-9, 95 points)

Regular season series (Predators lead 4-0-0)
Oct 17, 2017 Colorado 1, Nashville 4
Nov 18, 2017 Colorado 2, Nashville 5
Mar 4, 2018 Nashville 4, Colorado 3 (OT)
Mar 16, 2018 Nashville 4, Colorado 2

Current Match-Ups
Winnipeg (52-20-10, 114 points)

Minnesota (45-26-11, 101 points)

Regular season series (Jets lead 3-1-0)
Oct 20, 2017 Minnesota 3, Winnipeg 4
Oct 31, 2017 Winnipeg 2, Minnesota 1
Nov 27, 2017 Minnesota 2, Winnipeg 7
Jan 13, 2018 Winnipeg 1, Minnesota 4

Works Cited: 2018 NHL Playoff Match-Ups

“Hockey...The Coolest Game on Earth (Because It’s the Cup)”!! NHL Official Slogan

 

[deoxy4]

If the Bruins win their game tonight against the Panthers tonight the Bruins will play the Devils and Tampa Bay will play Toronto.

 

[Graybeard57]

It looks as though the Pens just need to keep the Flyers under 5 goals.

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

"NHL playoffs 2018: Bracket, first-round schedule, dates, TV times".

(All times Eastern; * If necessary)

Eastern Conference

Tampa Bay Lightning (A1) vs. New Jersey Devils (WC2)

Game 1: April 12 at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m., NHL Network

Game 2: April 14 at Tampa Bay, 3 p.m., NBC, CNBC

Game 3: April 16 at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m., CNBC

Game 4: April 18 at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m., GOLF

*Game 5: April 21 at Tampa Bay, TBD

*Game 6: April 23 at New Jersey, TBD

*Game 7: April 25 at Tampa Bay, TBD

Boston Bruins (A2) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (A3)

Game 1: April 12 at Boston, 7 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

Game 2: April 14 at Boston, 8 p.m., NBC, CBC

Game 3: April 16 at Toronto, 7 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

Game 4: April 19 at Toronto, 7 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

*Game 5: April 21 at Boston, TBD, CBC

*Game 6: April 23 at Toronto, TBD, CBC

*Game 7: April 25 at Boston, TBD, CBC

Washington Capitals (M1) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (WC1)

Game 1: April 12 at Washington, 7:30 p.m., USA

Game 2: April 15 at Washington, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN

Game 3: April 17 at Columbus, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN

Game 4: April 19 at Columbus, 7:30 p.m., USA

*Game 5: April 21 at Washington, TBD

*Game 6: April 23 at Columbus, TBD

*Game 7: April 25 at Washington, TBD

Pittsburgh Penguins (M2) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (M3)

Game 1: April 11 at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

Game 2: April 13 at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

Game 3: April 15 at Philadelphia, 3 p.m., NBC, CBC

Game 4: April 18 at Philadelphia, 7 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

*Game 5: April 20 at Pittsburgh, TBD

*Game 6: April 22 at Philadelphia, TBD

*Game 7: April 24 at Pittsburgh, TBD

Western Conference

Nashville Predators (C1) vs. Colorado Avalanche (WC2)

Game 1: April 12 at Nashville, 9:30 p.m., NBCSN

Game 2: April 14 at Nashville, 3 p.m., NBC, CNBC

Game 3: April 16 at Colorado, 10 p.m., NBCSN

Game 4: April 18 at Colorado, 10 p.m., NBCSN

*Game 5: April 20 at Nashville, TBD

*Game 6: April 22 at Colorado, TBD

*Game 7: April 24 at Nashville, TBD

Winnipeg Jets (C2) vs. Minnesota Wild (C3)

Game 1: April 11 at Winnipeg, 7 p.m., CNBC

Game 2: April 13 at Winnipeg, 7:30 p.m., USA

Game 3: April 15 at Minnesota, 7 p.m., USA

Game 4: April 17 at Minnesota, 8 p.m., CNBC

*Game 5: April 20 at Winnipeg, TBD

*Game 6: April 22 at Minnesota, TBD

*Game 7: April 25 at Winnipeg, TBD

Vegas Golden Knights (P1) vs. Los Angeles Kings (WC1)

Game 1: April 11 at Vegas, 10 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

Game 2: April 13 at Vegas, 10 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

Game 3: April 15 at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

Game 4: April 17 at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

*Game 5: April 19 at Vegas, 10 p.m., NBCSN, CBC

*Game 6: April 21 at Los Angeles, TBD

*Game 7: April 23 at Vegas, TBD

Anaheim Ducks (P2) vs. San Jose Sharks (P3)

Game 1: April 12 at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m., USA

Game 2: April 14 at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m., NBCSN

Game 3: April 16 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m., CNBC

Game 4: April 18 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m., GOLF

*Game 5: April 20 at Anaheim, TBD

*Game 6: April 22 at San Jose, TBD

*Game 7: April 24 at Anaheim, TBD

Works Cited: NHL TV times & dates

"Every Game, Every Night, Because It's the Cup"!!! NBC & NBCSN Slogan

 

[Doc4]

Nashville Predators (C1) vs. Colorado Avalanche (WC2)

Winnipeg Jets (C2) vs. Minnesota Wild (C3)

Vegas Golden Knights (P1) vs. Los Angeles Kings (WC1)

Anaheim Ducks (P2) vs. San Jose Sharks (P3)

I see how the western teams all managed to get pretty good "travel match-ups" in the first round ... dunno about Nashville and Colorado so much, but the other three match-ups are all close & easy travel. Unusual for western teams; usually they have a lot of travel time.

 

[davent]

From the morning paper... Game three tickets went on sale to the general public Tuesday for the Toronto/Bruins game back in Toronto. Two pair in the nose bleeds and 92 scattered singles. Meanwhile over at Stubhub and the like over a thousand tickets available.

I wonder if the Leafs are getting Stubhub kickback like the Blue Jays get on theirs?

dave

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Hockey Fans:

You gotta give it to 'em...for a 1st year expansion team...I'm really impressed...the players, staff and the community are proving they are 'for real & the real deal'.

Now, I know it's prudent 'to err on the side of caution' because it's a 'wee-bit' early to take out one's crystal ball (Vegas up 3-0...the 'mojo' & momentum is with them).

With that said, I think the Knights will make a 'clean sweep' of the Kings tomorrow night in LA.

"Las Vegas hockey...miracle in the Sands". CBJ

 

[Heron]

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

View attachment 876362

Aaron:
Tough lost for Philly, but the fan reaction was...for a lost for words..."Seriously"?

Works Cited: Beer Shower

"Beer showers are a waste of good beer". CBJ

 

[Heron]

Well, I guess my second choice is Toronto.

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Nothing like Game 7 hockey (in Boston), Wed, 25 April @ 8:00pm (TBD, CBC).

vs.

“Hockey...The Coolest Game on Earth (Because It’s the Cup)”!! NHL Official Slogan

 

[Doc4]

Nothing like Game 7 hockey (in Boston), Wed, 25 April @ 8:00pm

As a die-hard Habs fan ...

Don't get me started on their "season" ...

... this is "the enemy" vs. "the other enemy" so hard to pick a team to cheer for, but I guess I have to give the edge to Toronto ...

*GASP!!*

... what with Tomas Pekanec playing for them now, and what with them not being the Bruins.

 

[davent]

All these bandwagon jumpers could spell trouble for the Leafs, bad omen.

Since the last lock out, whatever year that was, the only NHL hockey i've sat and watched... the last half of the third period and overtime of game seven between the Leafs and Bruins, started watching with Toronto ahead maybe 4 -2 (?). I don't have a TV anymore, thankfully it died.
dave

 

[jdp93]

Why do I let the Caps do this to me? I can't take another loss to the Pens in the playoffs, so I am not going to get emotionally invested this time around....

CAPS!!! CAPS!!! CAPS!!! CAPS!!!

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Nothing like Game 7 hockey (in Boston), Wed, 25 April @ 8:00pm (TBD, CBC).

vs.

Hockey Fans:
Update for TV coverage for Game 7;
Wed, 25 April @ 7:30 PM ET on NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS & NESN.

"Every Game, Every Night, Because It's the Cup"!!! NBC & NBCSN Slogan

 

[Porgy Tirebiter]

Bruins and Leafs...check
Game Seven...check
Leafs lead heading into third period...check
Bruins score four unanswered goals to win series...check
Leafs’ Stanley Cup parade route remains in its pristine, mint condition since 1967...check

 

[deoxy4]

I am a Bruins fan. I know the World Series Championship of the Red Sox did much to raise the spirits and divert the gloom of the locals after the marathon bombing.

Given the recent tragic events in Toronto I found it strange that I had somewhat an ambivalence about the outcome of last nights game for the same reason. I would have been OK with a Leaf win. They are heading in the right direction if they can fix their defense.

I hope the Las Vegas Knights make the finals for the same reason.

 

[Doc4]

I am a Bruins fan. I know the World Series Championship of the Red Sox did much to raise the spirits and divert the gloom of the locals after the marathon bombing.

Given the recent tragic events in Toronto I found it strange that I had somewhat an ambivalence about the outcome of last nights game for the same reason. I would have been OK with a Leaf win.

I know what you mean.

As a life-long Habs fan, there's nothing I like more than hating on the Bruins. But ...

... when the Boston Marathon tragedy happened and this young lad was one of the victims ...

... it really drove home how trivial our sports team allegiances are compared to real life. I still don't like the Bruins, but I am okay with them having a bit of success to honour his memory. I think we're all fans of Goodness and Light far more than we are fans of this sports team or that one.

It's just a game ... good luck against Tampa Bay ( ... you're gonna need it!)

 

[deoxy4]

The Hub gift to the Habs-Claude! Certain mediocrity to a rebuilding hockey team. Tres jolie!

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Hockey Fans:

Here's the 2nd Round Bracket, Games & TV coverage!

So far...its Pittsburgh (3-2 win), leads 1-0 over the Caps & Vegas (7-0 win), leads 1-0 over the Sharks.

Works Cited: 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs - 2nd Round

"Every Game, Every Night, Because It's the Cup"!!! NBC & NBCSN Slogan