We will have at least one more day of guaranteed first-round playoff hockey.
NHL playoff scores 2016: Second-round matchups shaping up with Sunday eliminations
The Eastern Conference second-round matchups are set.
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
For starters, the Capitals did something they've had much trouble doing in recent years: closing out games before a Game 7. It took just one perfect shot to beat Michal Neuvirth — who had held a shutout of over 100 minutes through the Flyers' final two games — and that was all they needed.
The Islanders filled out the Eastern Conference second-round bracket with their 2-1, double-overtime win late on Sunday night. In their first playoff series win in 23 years, captain John Tavares did it all with the pair of goals to send the Islanders to Round 2, where they'll meet the Lightning.
Thanks to Sunday's matches, we now also know the Round 2 series that will have NBC salivating over potential ratings: Capitals and Penguins. Yes folks, it's the Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin show. Prepare yourself to hear all about it until mid-May.
Scores
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3 things we learned
1. Flyers undone by offensive woes and special teams
First, props all around to the Flyers, who weren't even supposed to make the playoffs mid-season in a transition year with a new head coach. They have no reason to hang their heads after putting a fright into the Presidents' Trophy winners. Even so, they were at a clear disadvantage all series long, and their cold offense and ineffective power play were ultimately their undoing. Despite stellar goaltending down the stretch, six goals in six games and just one goal on 24 power play opportunities will not get the job done. But hey, the future is bright Philly!
2. Did the Wild score a goal in the final moments?
The Wild were mere centimeters from tying up their game against the Stars in the dying seconds. You don't believe me? Just watch this:
This was with 33 seconds to go. In the game. The review didn’t last very long, but the camera angle shown wasn’t at a very high resolution. A fan managed to grab a picture of a clearer image and it’s interesting.
So..... Yeah...... That's a goal pic.twitter.com/tu7jiQe9N0
— State of Hockey (@MinnyPuck2027) April 24, 2016
3. John Tavares’ tying goal mired with controversy
For more controversial refereeing moments, the Panthers were seemingly tripped up just moments before Tavares’ 1-1 tying goal in the last minute for the Islanders.
Right before the Tavares goal. pic.twitter.com/HppjOXYWBQ
— Matt Porter (@mattyports) April 25, 2016
Banner day for the referees on Twitter, most definitely.
Guys, maybe tonight's referees just got stuck with some of those obstructed view seats.
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) April 25, 2016
Impact Moment
The Wild held a bunch of tributes to late artist Prince, who called the state of Minnesota home. Prince was honored with a pregame tribute and a moment of silence, which you can see below.
They also used his famous song “Let’s Go Crazy” for their goal song, and boy do we want this to stay.
Stat of the Night
Stars win a playoff series for the first time since 2008
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) April 24, 2016
Post to Post
- The Wild showed us what not to do in an elimination game, score on yourselves!
- Philadelphia had the greatest self-deprecating T-shirt giveaway about their wristband incident. Well done, Flyers.
- This baby was the most adorable thing about the Flyers game, but sadly they scored no goals to cheer him up!
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