These playoff matchups are awesome

[Kcoyote3]

Boston vs. Toronto:

Amazing. Storied franchises who are both having excellent years. Really strong teams. Kind of sucks to lose one in the first round but these two fanbases clashing is exciting to think about.

Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia:

So many things. That epic series between the two a few years back, the bad blood, the history, Penguins being back to back champs, Philly on the rebound and going to be playing the underdog card.

San Jose vs. Anaheim:

Teams haven't met in the playoffs in awhile. Exciting because still a battle for California, but isn't the same LAK vs. SJS that we keep having. Thornton vs. Getzlaf (hopefully everyone is healthy).

LAK vs. VGK:

Newcomers Vegas take on a resurgent Kings. Awesome that it's a Pacific battle and that Vegas faces a team with a lot of recent playoff success for their first go of it.

The other four matchups aren't bad, but these four seem like they're going to be great hockey. Still some good underdog stories in the Devils and Avalanche, and powerhouses like Nashville and Tampa will have their hands full.

Jets vs. Wild and Washington vs. Columbus seem kind of meh, but other people may have different opinions.

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[tom leafers]

someone pointed this out in another thread as well, but i didn't realize Boston and Toronto are the only original 6 franchises to make the playoffs this year

 

[Hoverhand]

Not a huge fan of these matchups tbh, the 2nd round could be a lot better depending on who makes it out. Super hyped for a Pittsburgh Washington rematch.

someone pointed this out in another thread as well, but i didn't realize Boston and Toronto are the only original 6 franchises to make the playoffs this year

Yeesh hadnt even thought of it.

 

[rent free]

someone pointed this out in another thread as well, but i didn't realize Boston and Toronto are the only original 6 franchises to make the playoffs this year

whats even better is that we are the only canadian team to make the playoffs in both 2017 and 2018

 

[Kcoyote3]

whats even better is that we are the only canadian team to make the playoffs in both 2017 and 2018

That's not even remotely better of a fact.

 

[rent free]

That's not even remotely better of a fact.

how?

 

[GodEmperor]

That's not even remotely better of a fact.

Winnipeg was annexed by Minnesota to start the series, Brock Lesnar is leading the Canadian rebellion, but we'll see where they end up going country wise.

 

[Kcoyote3]

how?

Least amount of Original Six teams since 2006-2007 may trump Toronto making the playoffs twice in a row.

 

[rent free]

Least amount of Original Six teams since 2006-2007 may trump Toronto making the playoffs twice in a row.

well that hasn't happened in 14 years and everybody knows 14>11 so voila

 

[HunterSThompson]

That's not even remotely better of a fact.

Good on TO

 

[DangleCity]

whats even better is that we are the only canadian team to make the playoffs in both 2017 and 2018

I prefer the former fact as opposed to this one

 

[rent free]

I prefer the former fact as opposed to this one

alright

 

[tacogeoff]

I think Winnipeg vs Minne could be a great series and one that will hopefully create a good rivalry between fans and teams.

 

[hansomreiste]

I'm so conflicted about which series to prioritize as a (mainly neutral) hockey fan: PHI-PIT or WPG-MIN? Seriously, I've been pondering on for a while with no answer that I can like enough.

I really would love to see Winnipeg in play-offs but the matchup against a battered side as Wild honestly kinda looks dull. However, I'd be very sad to have missed their journey if they made it far into the battle, or go out in the first round. On the other hand, while PHI-PIT looks awesome on paper for obvious reasons, I don't like the Pens and my favorite teams (SJS, NSH) being taken down by them in Stanley Cup finals two times in a row gave me enough pain already. If Philadelphia can stand up to them, this promises to be an awesome series but the question is, can they? Well, actually I watched PHI two years ago against Washington when nobody expected anything from them and even in this case they did put up a good fight. I see no reason they won't do that again.

I think I'll stick with the boys from Pennsylvania and hope for a Winnipeg win in other series. Or maybe... Pff.

 

[Frank the Tank]

I enjoy the more frequent divisional match-ups that are part of the current format. It will be nice to watch SJ-Ana for the first time in a decade, and Philly-Pit have that instant dislike for each other. It will be interesting to watch divisional foes in Winnipeg-Minny and Washington-Columbus kick off their first playoff series against each other.

 

[Not So Mighty]

whats even better is that we are the only canadian team to make the playoffs in both 2017 and 2018

Is this satire or serious?

 

[Crow]

I think Winnipeg vs Minne could be a great series and one that will hopefully create a good rivalry between fans and teams.

I don’t see it happening but who knows. I just don’t think Minnesota has enough to make a run at Winnipeg all things considered.

 

[Pierre from Orleans]

whats even better is that we are the only canadian team to make the playoffs in both 2017 and 2018

That's an incredible stat

 

[Devil Dancer]

As a Caps fan I'm just happy not to be playing the Rangers or Pens (yet). Screw this playoff format.

 

[CupsOverCash]

I like the matchups too. Hoping I can watch as much of the Leafs/Bruins and Flyer/Pens series as possible.

 

[BHD]

I'm really intrigued by the Kings/Knights matchup.

 

[Bedards Dad]

Is this satire or serious?

It's best to ignore this posts. There is nothing interesting or great about that fact, it's not even worth mentioning.

 

[MapleLeafistan]

Leafs/Bruins and Pens/Flyers are going to be great. The latter I suspect will be filled with more bad blood since its mostly the same cast. Reminds me of the Leafs/Sens series from the 2000-2004. It was pure hatred between both cities.

 

[tony d]

Going to be a fun playoffs I think. I'm a neutral fan this year so looking forward to 2 good months of action without a horse in the race.

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Agreed... there are a few series I don't have too much hope for but Ana/Sj, Pitt/Philly and Toronto/Boston should be some really fun games to watch.