The first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs has passed the midpoint. Over the weekend, many series may finally be decided in game five or six. But some teams finished off their series and opponents quickly. Of the eight series, five are still undecided but all can end when the next game is played. Here is what the 2017 Stanley Cup round one East teams and series look like as of today, Saturday, April 22, 2017.
Pittsburgh in Five
The defending Stanley Cup champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins, made short work of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Penguins won the first three games of the series, with the third game going to the champs 5-4 in OT. Even though Columbus would take the next contest, that third game of the series, which put Pittsburgh up 3-0, was huge. The Jackets won game four by one goal, 5-4, but the Penguins wrapped it up on their home ice 5-2. Thus far, that is the only series in the Eastern Conference that has been decided.
East: Three Series at 3-2
The three series in the East are at 3-2. Here’s a quick thumbnail sketch of each. The Toronto Maple Leafs have battle the Washington Capitals much more earnestly than expected. The Capitals lead the series 3-2 and can finish off the Leafs on Sunday in Toronto. If the series goes to a seventh game, the two teams will meet in Washington on Tuesday, April 25.
The Rangers play Montreal tonight, Saturday, April 22 at Madison Square garden. If NY wins, the series is over. This has been a back and forth affair with Montreal favored. NY goaltending has been excellent while much of the Canadien offense has been neutralized. If they go to a game seven, that contest will be played in Montreal on Monday, April 24.
The final series in the East has is the Ottawa Senators versus the Boston Bruins. The Senators were favored going into this series, and after the Bruins won the first game the Senators took the next three. Two of Ottawa’s three wins were in OT. Facing elimination in Friday night, the Bruins came back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the contest and force the game to overtime. Boston won in the second OT on Kuraly’s second goal of the game. They will play next in Boston on Sunday. If the Bruins win, there will be a final game in Ottawa on Wednesday, April 26.
2017 Stanley Cup Round One East Final Word
Which way will the three series in the 2017 Stanley Cup round one East go? We see the New Rangers and Washington Capitals as being in control. In the other series, we like the Ottawa Senators. If any of these series goes to a game seven, then it’s anyone’s game.
See our Rangers and Montreal free pick for tonight’s game, which will start at 8:05 p.m. We’ve also got the skinny on the Western Conference round one NHL series. Watch for our second round previews, which will be published after the matchups are decided.
