The NHL playoffs first round is in full flow, with a number of teams showing why you should back them, and some showing why they may have already seen their chances of winning the cup be blown away. As the Devils took on the Hurricanes, the Senators took on the Leafs, and a handful of more juicy games, here are some way too early takeaways for some of the teams from game one.
The Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg's electric whiteout crowd, and president's winning roster only just managed to get over the hump in game one against the Blues, as a game tipped to be an all out defensive war, turned into a goalfest to kick off this year's playoffs. Hart front runner Connor Hellebuyck didn't have the best of games in game one, and let some pretty unusual angles slip, a problem he needs to fix fast. But most of all for the Jets, it was their lack of offensive ruthlessness which ultimately nearly cost them the game. Despite finally kicking into gear in the final period, their stars were not creating like they have all season, and it seemed like the occasion may have gotten to them again. Despite giving up three to St Louis, and having a pretty weak defensive game for their standards, the Jets third period showed what they could do in the series, and with each player back to their best for game two, and the potential return of Vilardi, Winnipeg still look like a serious playoff contender.
The St Louis Blues
Aside from the 5-3 to Winnipeg in game one, the Blues showed a lot of offensive character, with their stars doing exactly what they would have hoped for. With Kyrou and Thomas both getting themselves on the scoresheet, Jim Montgomery’s Blues made a great first impression against a very good Jets team, but will still have a lot to brush up on in game two. Their lack of speed in the defensive zone, and unusual lack of physicality against a much weaker team will need to be a big target for game two, and with too many silly penalties like Bolduc’s cross checking call, discipline and urgency will be the key for the Blues. The three goals they managed to put past Hellebuyck were extremely good and showed a lot of promise in beating him over multiple areas of the ice, and going ahead in the series, the Blues with a little bit of improvement could put some tight pressure on a shaky Jets team.
The Dallas Stars
I think it is probably fair to say that Pete DeBoer was not expected to be humiliated that badly in his own backyard in game one against the Avalanche, and probably wasn't banking on an all time performance by Mackenzie Blackwood either. But one area of his team's failures in game one were 100% the offensive urgency and energy. With some of the best offensive players in the league, Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, and Wyatt Johnston, the collective efforts and performances were definitely not up to standard for a home playoff game, and regardless of the amazing goaltending by Colorado, the offense as a whole for Dallas was lethargic. Not enough shots on goal, not enough creativity in front of net, and barely any fundamentals on show. But with the offenses bad performance came an even worse defensive performance. Coming off the back of a promising four nations tournament, elite d-man Thomas Harley was tipped to be the Stars number one defenseman in the absence of Miro Heiskanen, but with a rookie display, and a handful of bad errors, the light beneath Harley’s feet soon swept away, and with five goals against, it is an all round effort and a big team talk needed for the Stars to beat this relentless Avs team.
The Colorado Avalanche
Although the game was made easy for Colorado, it was still an exceptional performance from a team who looked like a serious threat in this year's playoffs. After losing Rantanen in a massive trade with Carolina, and making a risky trade with San Jose for goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, the puzzle has aligned perfectly for the Avalanche, as mid-season acquisitions may be the reason they go all the way this year. Mackenzie Blackwood shut down the doubts over his playoff ability, and Nathan MacKinnon and Co. put on a show for all fans to see, and gave everyone a reason to back them this year. Capitalising on the Stars defensive errors, and a great all round showing by Colorado, their offense was booming, and their defense was solid, but the main takeaway for Colorado is that their goaltending worries are no more, and Blackwood could be a key part of why the Avs could win the second cup in 4 years.
The New Jersey Devils
Night two of the playoffs brought a very interesting matchup in the NJ Devils taking on Rob Brind’Amour’s Carolina Hurricanes in a matchup that few were torn. But early into the game, New Jersey highlighted their strengths as goalie Jakob Markstrom executed an amazing first 10 minutes, unlucky to concede to defenseman Jalen Chatfield. With little help from the d-men, and a lack of anything up front, Markstrom was the only player with heart in the game, and was the only thing keeping the Devils going. Much like the game in Dallas, mistakes upon mistakes, and a lack of physicality against a team who don't like to be pushed around was a big error by Sheldon Keefe, and some roster changes for game two could be the answer going forward. A heap of neutral zone penalties killed the Devils throughout the game, and a massive gap in the offense's creativity with Hughes’ absence, the Devils looked worrying heading forward, and looked intimidated and outstretched by Carolina's relentlessness, depth, and skill.
The Carolina Hurricanes
It was clear the Hurricanes went out to prove a point on Sunday night against the Devils, and looked to send a message to everyone who doubted their superstar ability as they showed their depth and chemistry on the ice is all they need to progress swiftly against New Jersey. They had the Devils on the back foot the whole game, and were relentless in the offensive zone, thriving on special teams. One player in particular who looks like a serious threat for Carolina this playoffs is newly acquired Logan Stankoven. The young star proved to doubters he can show up in pressure filled playoff series, and showed an immaculate performance with his amazing two goals which silenced anyone who questioned his scoring abilities. The Hurricanes did everything perfectly. They overloaded Markstrom with shots, were strong and physical in the offensive and neutral zones, and looked like their depth and form alone could cause some real problems going forward. With another blowout in the sights in game two, it looks like a sweep could be on the horizon for Carolina had they keep up their game.
The Toronto Maple Leafs
At the start of the year new head coach Craig Berube made it his mission to take Toronto to where they belong, and escape the dreaded first round they are often haunted by. But after drawing a pretty tricky opponent in Ottawa, a series for the ages, Toronto eased past Brady Tkachuk and the Senators in what can be seen as a handbook Leafs win. The series was obviously going to be tipped as one of the funnest, and most watchable series in this year's playoffs, but game one delivered some drama and excitement, but it seems like Berube and the Maple Leafs simply just want to get the job done. With the big four core playing their best hockey, and the defence and goaltending staying at a consistent level, keeping them in most games, it looks like Toronto could ease past the Senators, and take a pretty textbook 4-0 sweep in a series which was tipped to be one of the most challenging.
The Ottawa Senators
The Senators came into the playoffs with Brady Tkachuk back in the lineup, Stutzle, Cozens, and Batherson showing promise to be serious threats to Toronto, and the team and the fan base up and ready for a heavily anticipated series. But the beating they took in game one shows that maybe the Senators don't have the grit they really need to progress, and may be simply outplayed and out skilled, potentially ending in an underwhelming sweep. They just didn't look convincing defensively enough against the disgustingly deep Maple Leafs offensive core, and played their usual physical game, but in the wrong areas, at the wrong times. Although the Sens will continue to have heart and guts this series, Toronto look the real deal, and Berube’s recent playoff success could mean a whole new outlook to the series than anticipated. A sad, and unimpressive loss for Senators fans.
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