These are the current rankings for the remaining NHL playoff teams:
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. After winning the first two games of their series against the Golden Knights on the road, Vegas was able to fight back in the series with a dramatic goal to win game three. The Oilers 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. 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. In game four though, the best version of the Panthers showed up, they evened the series and I don’t think it would surprise anyone if they won games 5 and 6 and the series.
3. Washington Capitals
They were the best team in the Eastern Conference all year long, so the fact that they are down 2-1 in their series to the Canes shouldn’t sway anyone’s opinion… yet.
4. 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 and game three wins over the top-seeded Capitals.
5. 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 rebounded with a big 5-2 win in game three. 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. 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. Although you might think they deserve to same respect the Capitals are getting, many could argue that the Jets shouldn’t have even gotten to round two. Their season was great, but their postseason has been far from it.
7. 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 and were shut out in game four. Losing Stolarz has hurt, but Woll was good in game four. The Leafs still have a shot, but the defending champs have all the momentum.
8. Vegas Golden Knights
The Knights had a harder time with the Wild than anticipated. 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 anyway. Game 3 saw Vegas win in miraculous fashion, scoring the winning goal with under a second to go. Kudos to them on the win, but Oilers are still the better team.
