Wow, the crowd in Dallas was electric. Ryan Callahan explained the "Otter" masks, but how about the guy outside the Vegas penalty box with a dog mask?
The Stars' whole game day presentation is top notch. From the opening and player introductions, to the music, including the best goal song in the NHL, to the dance team - which PK Subban clearly is a fan of.
The analytics guys want us to dismiss the eyeball test; but some of the other series look to be on another level compared to Boston/Toronto. Perhaps both the Bs and Leafs are playing scared, since whoever loses will be labeled chokers.
Ultimately lack of discipline cost Vegas. Pietrangelo took an unnecessary roughing penalty - perhaps retaliatory - and Jason Robertson netted the GWG on the PP.
Even the Panthers steered clear of a lot of their post-whistle shenanigans. Scarily, they look even tougher to beat without them.
I posted my first round predictions several pages back, and may actually go 8-for-8. But let's hope not - I picked Toronto in 7!