This is how we rank the teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs:
1. Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton was down 2-0 against Los Angeles, but impressively, they came back and won the next four games to win the series. Now they have won the first two games of their series against the Golden Knights on the road. They went to game 7 of the Cup Finals last year and are poised to make another deep run. They are on a mission to get back there and win it this time.
2. Washington Capitals
They were the best team in the Eastern Conference all year long, so the fact that they lost game one in OT shouldn’t sway anybody’s opinion. They bounced back with a big win in game two to even the series.
3. Winnipeg Jets
The Jets got over their game one hangover after their crazy first-round series and won a much-needed game two over the Stars. They shut them out and scored four goals. The Jets are healthy for the first time all postseason and could be back on track.
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
Not many people gave the Leafs a chance in this series against the Panthers. They lost a heartbreaker in OT in game three, but still lead the series 2-1 with a chance to win game four on Sunday and go home up 3-1.
5. Florida Panthers
Although they lost each of the first games to the Leafs by just one goal, they allowed nine goals through two games. They allowed four more goals in game 3, but were able to come away with the OT winner on a lucky bounce. The Leafs are giving them more trouble than expected.
6. Dallas Stars
They looked great in game one against the Jets, winning on the road in Winnipeg. They were shut out in game two, though, and the series now shifts back to Dallas. They were one of the best teams in the NHL during the year, but flew under the radar at times because of how good the Jets and Capitals were.
6. Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina won their series over the Devils pretty handily. Carolina has been great all season, and they showed that in their big game one OT victory over the top-seeded Capitals, but did lose game two.
8. Vegas Golden Knights
The Knights had a harder time with the Wild than anticipated. Now they are going to have a tough time with the Oilers, who just never go away. Things looked good for Vegas early on in game one, but the Oilers did what they do best, make comebacks, winning 4-2 and taking a 1-0 series lead over Vegas. Then, in game two, Vegas came back with two goals in the 3rd period to force OT, only to lose anyways.
