These are the up-to-date Stanley Cup Playoff Power Rankings after Thursday night’s action.
1. 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 then they followed that up with a 6-1 beatdown of the Leafs in game 5 in Toronto and did the same in game 7. They are on a roll and showed that in the game one and game two wins over the Hurricanes.
2. 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, but rebounded to win game three and game four at home. They were shut out again in game five, but bounced back in game six at home to win the series 4-2. Game one against the Oilers was close, but the Stars eventually pulled away and took a 1-0 series lead.
3. Edmonton Oilers
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 were too much for the Knights in game four, though, and shut them out in game 5 to win the series 4-1. Their series against Dallas hasn’t gotten off to a good start, but there is a long way to go.
4. Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina won their series over the Devils pretty handily. Then they won their series over the Capitals just as handily, and the Capitals were the best team in the Eastern Conference all season long. They were the well-rested team in game one on Tuesday night against the Panthers, but it was the Panthers who were all over the Hurricanes. It got worse for the Canes in game two, as they were completely dominated by a stronger, faster and more determined Panhters team.
