When Does Round 2 of the NHL Playoffs Start?
The second round of the NHL playoffs is set to begin on Wednesday, April 28.
Introduction
The National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs are a best-of-seven elimination tournament among 16 teams that have qualified for the playoffs. The Stanley Cup, the oldest professional sports trophy in North America, is awarded to the playoff champion at the end of the championship series.
What Happened in Round 1?
The NHL playoffs are in full swing and Round 2 is just around the corner. So far, we’ve seen some upsets and some close games. Round 1 of the playoffs is always a bit of a roller coaster ride, and this year has been no different. Let’s take a look at what happened in Round 1.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face off in Round 2 of the NHL Playoffs. The Lightning got past the Blue Jackets in a close series, winning 4-3. The Blue Jackets gave the Lightning all they could handle, but Tampa Bay’s experience and depth ultimately prevailed.
Now, the Lightning will take on the Boston Bruins in Round 2. The Bruins swept the Detroit Red Wings in the first round, so they will be well-rested and prepared for the challenge that the Lightning will present. This should be a great series between two of the best teams in the NHL.
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs faced off in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The series was tightly contested, with the Bruins winning the first two games and the Maple Leafs winning the next two. In the fifth game, the Bruins came out on top, winning 3-1 and advancing to the second round.
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The Washington Capitals dominated the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 1 of the NHL playoffs, winning the series 4-0. The Capitals outscored the Hurricanes 16-6 in the four games, and goaltender Braden Holtby posted two shutouts.
New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins met in the first round of the NHL playoffs. The Islanders won the series in six games.
Round 2 Matchups
The Tampa Bay Lightning will face off against the Boston Bruins in the first round of the NHL playoffs. The Nashville Predators will take on the Winnipeg Jets. The Vegas Golden Knights will battle the San Jose Sharks. The Washington Capitals will face the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins
The Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the Boston Bruins in the second round of the NHL playoffs. The series will start on Saturday, April 28 at 3 pm ET.
Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders
The Washington Capitals and the New York Islanders will face off in Round 2 of the NHL playoffs. The schedule for the series has not yet been announced, but it is expected to start sometime in the middle of May.
The Capitals are coming off a strong performance in Round 1, where they defeated the Boston Bruins in seven games. The Islanders also had a successful first round, defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.
This will be the first time these two teams have met in the playoffs since 2015, when the Capitals won in seven games. The Capitals are looking to return to the conference finals for the first time since 2018, while the Islanders are hoping to make it back-to-back trips to the second round of the playoffs.
Conclusion
As the first round of the NHL playoffs comes to a close, fans are already looking ahead to Round 2. The date for Round 2 has not yet been announced, but it is tentatively scheduled to begin on April 28.
