Also: Some Islanders will go to the World Championship, probably.
The first round is starting to wind down, which is sad, and the pretenders are falling away.
Wednesday night the Canadiens were knocked out by the Capitals, 4-1 for the series, but the young and long rebuilding squad can at least go away with “At least you made it!” ribbons.
The Lightning were also knocked out, by their Florida rivals and defending Stanley Cup champions, casting another shadow over the two-time champs’ window. They went all in at the trade deadline, and they’ve paid handsomely to extend a window for a group that no longer includes Steven Stamkos but includes return engagements with Yanni Gourde and Ryan McDonagh.
The Eastern Conference has generally been a disappointment this round, though that’s no surprise given its top-heavy makeup this season. The Battle of Ontario would definitely be an exception if Ottawa can keep that series alive tonight and really turn the screws by forcing Toronto to a Game 7 after it held a 3-0 lead.
The West has been better, and its only game last night was the most physical series of these playoffs: Connor Hellebuyck rebounded from two tough games and the Jets held serve at home to take a 3-2 series lead over the Blues. But even that game wasn’t that great, other than its continuing anything-goes physicality. Winnipeg controlled play the whole game, with the Blues only getting a few moments to make it a game before falling, 5-3.
Tonight, in addition to the drama in Ottawa, the Wild, Avalanche and Kings all face elimination.
Islanders-ish Things
- Bo Horvat, Noah Dobson and some Rangers shithead are expected to go to the Worlds. [Newsday]
- More milking clean-out day interviews: Mat Barzal said watching from the IR sucked. [Post]
NHL Things
- The Jets did not miss a beat, but Mark Scheifele left the game after taking two big hits (the second of which he initiated himself) in the first period. That could be big if it’s more than a day-to-day. [Sportsnet]
- The Leafs are hearing “more noise” as they threaten to choke against the Sens. [NHL]
- Utah announced the first phase of its arena renovations, trying to turn a basketball-only venue into one that handles both sports. [NHL]
- A rare mid-playoffs contract announcement as Taylor Hall re-ups with the Hurricanes for three seasons. [TSN | NHL]
- Some guys will coach Canada at the World Championship. [TSN]