As we are now in week two of the NHL playoffs, things in the Western Conference are shaking up. Here’s a look at how each series has played out so far
Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings: COL wins 4-0
The President’s Trophy winner swept the Kings to advance to the second round. The Avalanche dominated each game to advance to the second round. Game 4 of the series also marked the final game for Kings center Anze Kopitar, who announced his retirement during the regular season.
Up next, the Avalanche will play the winner of the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild.
Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars: MIN leads 3-2.
The Wild took a dominant 6-1 win over the Stars in Game 1 to kick off the series with the lead. The Stars quickly responded during Game 2 to tie the series 1-1, but Game 3 is where things got interesting.
With a tied series, both teams were looking for the lead. After the Wild took the lead in the second period with a goal from Michael McCarron, the Stars sent the game into overtime when Matt Duchene scored on the power play. A scoreless overtime brought the game into a second overtime where Wyatt Johnston was the hero for the Stars scoring on the powerplay to take the series lead.
During Game 4, both teams entered overtime yet again, but this time it was Matt Boldy who won the game for the Wild with less than a minute left in the game to tie the series 2-2. The Wild did not stop there and took a 3-2 series lead in Game 5.
Up next, the teams will travel back to Minnesota for Game 6 with the Wild in the position to win the series if they win this game. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.
Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights: Tied 2-2
During Game 1, Vegas took the series lead in their first playoff win under new head coach John Tortorella, after they fired former head coach Bruce Cassidy at the end of the regular season. The Utah Mammoth, formally known as the Arizona Coyotes, secured a spot in the playoffs for the first time since joining the league last season. Utah tied the series during Game 2 and gained the series lead with a Game 3 win.
During Game 4, Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore scored the game winning goal in overtime to tie the series 2-2 and send both teams back to Las Vegas for Game 5.
Game 5 is set for Wednesday with puck drop at 10 p.m. and Game 6 back in Utah on Friday at 10 p.m.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers: ANA leads 3-2
After the Oilers took Game 1 to secure a series lead, Anaheim responded and now has the chance to close out the series at home on Thursday. During Game 2, the Ducks scored six goals to tie the series. In Game 3, Anaheim impressed yet again, netting a total of seven goals to take the series lead. Edmonton’s defense stayed strong during regulation during Game 4 to send the game into overtime, but it was yet again the Ducks who took home the win with a goal from Ryan Poehling.
With a chance to win the series during Game 5, the Ducks only managed to net one goal which led to a game win for the Oilers, who put four goals on the scoreboard. Game 6 is set for Thursday where the Ducks have another chance to win the series with puck drop at 10 p.m.
Author’s Note: Article was written before Game 5 contest between Utah and Vegas occurred