The Carolina Hurricanes have sparked some debate among hockey fans with their trade deadline moves, especially after trading Mikko Rantanen. Despite the uncertainty, Stathletes projections show that the Canes still hold the highest chance of winning the Stanley Cup at 16.7%. On the other side of the ice, the Winnipeg Jets, who made quieter moves, are gearing up to face the Canes with a 8.7% chance of winning the Cup.
Carolina has had a taste of the Cup Final before, with a win in 2006 against the Edmonton Oilers and a loss in 2002 to the Detroit Red Wings. Meanwhile, the Jets are seeking their first trip to the final, having been defeated in the 2018 Western Conference finals by the Vegas Golden Knights.
As the two teams prepare to clash, the question remains: will this be the year for either of them to hoist the Cup? With plenty of games left until the final day of the season on April 17, the NHL playoff watch is in full swing. Let’s dive into the current playoff matchups, Saturday’s schedule, and the race for the No. 1 pick.
Current Playoff Matchups
In the Eastern Conference, the matchups include the Florida Panthers facing off against the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Washington Capitals taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Hurricanes against the New Jersey Devils.
In the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets will battle the Calgary Flames, the Dallas Stars will face the Colorado Avalanche, the Vegas Golden Knights will play the Minnesota Wild, and the Edmonton Oilers will take on the Los Angeles Kings.
Saturday’s Schedule
A flurry of games is set for Saturday, with matchups like the New Jersey Devils against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Seattle Kraken versus the Washington Capitals, and the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Minnesota Wild. There’s plenty of action to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
As the NHL season heats up, the playoff picture is becoming clearer, but anything can happen in the fast-paced world of hockey. Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite teams and players as the race for the Stanley Cup intensifies.
NHL fans, get ready for an exciting finish to the season as teams battle it out on the ice for a chance at hockey glory. Whether you’re rooting for the Hurricanes, Jets, or another team, the thrill of the game is sure to keep you entertained until the final buzzer sounds. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the ride as the drama of the NHL playoffs unfolds before our eyes.
