Dallas knocked off Nashville 2-1 in overtime on Monday night to become the fifth team to advance to the conference semifinals. John Klingberg’s goal with less than three minutes left in the first overtime period sealed the victory for the Stars. As upsets continue to abound in these playoffs, Nashville is the third division winner to fall in the first round, leaving Washington as the only division winner remaining.
STARS WIN!!! John Klingberg ends it in OT and the Stars defeat the Predators, 2-1, to advance to the second round of the #StanleyCup Playoffs! #GoStars pic.twitter.com/rcJ1tpoAtL
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 23, 2019
Dallas is likely to be an underdog in its series with St. Louis in the next round. The Blues have home ice advantage, and they have been the hottest team in the NHL in 2019, storming back after having just 34 points on January 2. St. Louis will be a tough out.
Crazy Stat
Should the Hurricanes beat the Capitals on Wednesday, it’ll be the first time in NHL history that EVERY division winner goes down in the first round.
— Dan Marrazza (@DanMarrazza) April 23, 2019
Last night’s Stars’ win also means that three of four division winners have been knocked out of the postseason. Tampa Bay was swept 4-0, Calgary was bounced at 4-1, Nashville was knocked out at 4-2, and Washington will try to prevent from being knocked out 4-3 on Wednesday night.
See you in Game 7! pic.twitter.com/hf6hKVTisL
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) April 23, 2019
Carolina became the third team to force a Game 7 in these playoffs after a 5-2 win over Washington last night. Home ice continues to mean everything in this series as the home team has won all six games, but the Hurricanes broke another streak last night. There had not been a lead change in any game in the series until Carolina came from behind to win last night.
Final prep. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/akFgic01SY
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 23, 2019
Toronto is desperate to wipe away a 15-year drought without a playoff series win tonight against Boston. Game 7 will pit two of the Original Six against one another, as Columbus awaits tonight’s winner. This is the second straight year a first round series between these two teams went to seven games with Boston emerging victorious last year.
What do we say to the God of Elimination?
🗣️ NOT TODAY!
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 23, 2019
Vegas is looking to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals, but to do so the Golden Knights have to win on the road in Game 7 against the San Jose Sharks tonight. The Knights won all three of their playoff series on the road last year, so they won’t be fazed by having to win on the road. Mark Vlasic has helped spur the Sharks to two straight wins since his return, and the Sharks will be out to win three straight to move on.
Top Stories
- Stars celebrate, but now must deal with Blues | ESPN
- Playoff Roundup: Stars Advance to Round 2 as Another Division Champ Goes Down | Sports Illustrated
- Canes, Caps, Game 7: it’s time to decide a winner | The News & Observer
- ‘Everything’s on the line:’ Leafs, Bruins set another Game 7 battle | TSN
- Healthy Vlasic making huge impact for Sharks | NBC
