The Colorado Avalanche and the Carolina Hurricanes each won 6-3 to book their spot in the second round of the playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators both won 2-1 to force a Game 6.
The Colorado Avalanche and the Carolina Hurricanes each won 6-3 to book their spot in the second round of the playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators both won 2-1 to force a Game 6.
Going into last night's Game 5s there were four opportunities for teams to clinch their series but only two teams prevailed.
The Toronto Maple Leafs win 2-1 in overtime against the Boston Bruins
The Maple Leafs were without Auston Matthews for Game 5. He left Game 4 during the second intermission with what the team is calling an illness. His status for Game 6 is still in the air. Despite his absence, the Maple Leafs found a way to win. A point shot from Jake McCabe found the back of the net in the first before Trent Frederic tied it. Joseph Woll made his first start of the playoffs and was stellar in his duel with Jeremy Swayman. Swayman has been rock solid all series and this was his first loss. In overtime, John Tavares drove the net and Matthew Knies picked up the rebound to win it for the Maple Leafs. Knies had a strong game, he was engaged on the forecheck and created numerous scoring chances while mixing it up with David Pastrnak.
The Carolina Hurricanes come up clutch in the third period beating the New York Islanders 6-3
The Hurricanes stormed out to a 3-1 lead after the first period but the Islanders were able to tie the game in the second. The Hurricanes scored two goals in eight seconds in the third, one second faster than they did in Game 2. With the win, the Hurricanes will play the New York Rangers after they swept the Washington Capitals. Former New Jersey Devil Stefan Noesen will be advancing into the second round.
The Colorado Avalanche completed the gentlemen's sweep with a 6-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets
The recurring theme in this series was the Avalanche's ability to respond to every goal the Jets scored. The Avalanche would up the pressure before the Jets were able to build momentum and add to their lead. Valeri Nichushkin scored his seventh goal of the series and Mikko Rantanen scored his first two goals of the playoffs. Connor Hellebuyck's struggles continued as he allowed five goals once again. He allowed 24 goals in five games, a 5.24GAA and an .864SV%. Former Devils' Miles Wood and Zach Parise will be moving on in the playoffs and Tyler Toffoli will become a UFA.
The Nashville Predators score twice in the third to beat the Vancouver Canucks 2-1
No goals were scored in the first two periods of Game 5 but Nikita Zadorov opened the scoring 3:11 in the third with an end-to-end rush. Roman Josi scored the tying goal on the power play before an Alexandre Carrier shot from the point found its way into the back of the net. Arturs Silovs made 20 saves while Juuse Saros stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced. The Canucks once again barely reached 20 shots on goal. It was just the third time in five games. Game 6 will be played on Friday night in Nashville.
The Edmonton Oilers have a chance to wrap up their series with the Los Angeles Kings tonight while the Vegas Golden Knights and the Dallas Stars will battle it out to take a 3-2 series lead.
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