These are the Stanley Cup Playoffs Power Rankings after Tuesday night’s action:
1. Florida Panthers
Since their game three win over the Maple Leafs, the best version of the Panthers has shown up. They completely dominated the Hurricanes through the first three games of the Eastern Conference finals before being shut out in game four. The Hurricanes simply seem like no match for the defending Stanley Cup champs, but the Panthers still need to win that all-important fourth game, which could happen tonight in game five.
2. Edmonton Oilers
Their series against Dallas didn’t get off to a good start, but after losing game one, they bounced back with a 3-0 shutout win. The Series shifted to Edmonton, where the Oilers took full advantage of home ice and beat up on the Stars 6-1in game 3 and won game four 4-1. The Oilers have outscored Dallas 13-2 over the past three games and could be ready to put this series away in game five on Thursday.
3. Dallas Stars
Game one against the Oilers was close, but the Stars eventually pulled away and took a 1-0 series lead. In game two, they were completely shut down, though, and in game three, the Oilers beat them 6-1. In game four, the game was close early, until the Oilers pulled away with a 4-1 win and the Stars are now on the brink of elimination.
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. None of that has mattered against the Panthers, though. The Canes have been completely outmatched, even with their game four shutout. This series heads back to Carolina now as they look to keep their season alive and force game six.
