Well, for anyone following the NHL right now, you know that we are at the tail end of the first round in the playoffs. Teams battle it out for the chance to claim the title Stanley Cup Champion! Fans everywhere watch in eager anticipation as their favourite team, or teams, battle to win the best of seven in their first round. Some of us are disappointed, and others are excited. This is the NHL Playoffs.
NHL Playoffs Update
As I write this blog, four teams have been eliminated from round one; Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders and the Winnipeg Jets. The Lightning, Islanders and Jets managed to win one game in the first round. Unfortunately for Capitals fans, they were swept in four games.
The Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights are tied with two wins each and play tonight to see who will pull ahead. Edmonton Oilers are leading their series against the LA Kings three to one. They also play tonight. Tomorrow the Boston Bruins will try to eliminate the Toronto Maple Leafs in game six. Yesterday the Nashville Predators managed to extend their season against the Vancouver Canucks. They battle again on Friday.
My Favourite Teams
So, as I may have mentioned in the past (it is hard to remember each blog’s content after a year of blogging) I am a Winnipeg Jets fan. However, they are not the only team that I cheer for. The Carolina Hurricanes are another of my top teams. They have made it through the first found with a win over the Islanders in game five. Occasionally I do cheer for the Dallas Stars as well. But, this year I have found myself cheering for another team. The Vancouver Canucks. They played so well during the regular season, after many seasons of not playing so well. I have a soft spot for the underdog at times, and I’m excited to see how far they go.
My Predictions for the NHL Playoffs
Now, I’m not an expert on NHL statistics or analytics or anything like that. I’m just a fan and love watching games. However, I think it will be fun to see where I’m correct and where I’m way off. So, I predict, from the remaining teams, these ones will move past round one. The Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks. Round two match-ups will be as follows: Stars (or Knights) will face the Colorado Avalanche. Bruins (or Leafs) will face the Florida Panthers. Canucks (or Predators) will face the Oilers (or Kings). And last, but not least, the Hurricanes are facing the New York Rangers. I’ll save my round two predictions for next week.
Missing the Atmosphere
I am grateful that I have access to watch, or listen to, the NHL Playoffs. In fact, as part of my job, I’ll be hosting watch parties at the hotel. I am very eager to start planning some of those. However, there is something special about being at the game. Surrounded by thousands of fans, cheering with people you’ve never met before. The coolness of the rink, the sound of skates scraping across the ice, and celebrating with the team if you’re close enough. It’s special, as any hockey fan can confirm. The atmosphere is even more intense when you’re at a playoff game. I’ve been to one playoff game, and have not been able to afford to go again. Maybe one day I will, but for now, I’ll have to be content with what I have.
Until Round Two
So, that is my update, and my thoughts, on the NHL playoffs so far. I’m disappointed that the Winnipeg Jets have been eliminated already. There were lots of people who thought they would make a deep run this year. Maybe next year? Let me know if you liked this blog. It’s a little bit different, but my original plan fell through. I didn’t finish the book I’m reading in time to make this blog a book review. Until next time, my friends, remember that anything can happen if you try.
