Good Morning Hockey Fans!

The NHL playoffs are officially heating up! With just days since they kicked off, it’s the perfect time for our first round of fearless predictions. Buckle up—here’s everything you need to know!

In Case You Missed It

While you were dreaming of game-winning goals, the Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off a thrilling overtime victory in Game 2. Not to be outdone, the night also featured a late showdown between Vegas and Minnesota. How did we get here with such wild game times? For those looking to pregame at Hattricks, beware of the 6:30 p.m. ET opener for the Panthers-Lightning!

Landeskog’s Emotional Comeback

In a tear-jerking moment for fans, Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog hit the ice for the first time since his Stanley Cup victory back on June 26, 2022. After a staggering 1,032 days sidelined from the game due to multiple knee surgeries, Landeskog’s return was nothing short of inspirational, even if it ended in a tough loss for Colorado.

"Honestly, I felt pretty good," Landeskog shared post-game, igniting hope for Avalanche fans.

Major Wins for Caps, Kings, and Stars

The Washington Capitals continued their strong performance with a decisive 3-1 victory over Montreal, taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Meanwhile, the Kings dominated the Oilers in a 6-2 triumph, with Adrian Kempe leading the charge, raising concerns over Edmonton’s chances to rebound in this series.

Don’t overlook the Dallas Stars, who pulled off another nail-biter against the Avalanche, winning 2-1 in overtime—a series lead secured only after trailing for most of the matches.

Predictions and Current Cup Odds

So, who’s looking strong? Here’s a quick snapshot of the series standings:

- Up 2-0: Carolina, Los Angeles, Toronto, Washington, Winnipeg - Up 1-0: Florida - Up 2-1: Dallas - Tied 1-1: Minnesota, Vegas - Down 1-2: Colorado - Down 0-1: Tampa Bay - Down 0-2: Edmonton, Montreal, New Jersey, Ottawa, St. Louis

Historical trends suggest teams that start a series at home with a 2-0 lead have a whopping 89% chance of advancing. Watch how the Stanley Cup odds shift as favorites Carolina, Los Angeles, and others maintain their momentum!

MVP Candidates to Keep an Eye On

As we dive deeper into the playoffs, let’s spotlight potential Conn Smythe candidates making noise early on:

- Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles - Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg - Matthew Tkachuk, Florida - Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota - Logan Thompson, Washington - Anthony Stolarz, Toronto

What’s Next?

Tonight, tune in for: - **Maple Leafs vs. Senators** at 7 p.m. ET - **Golden Knights vs. Wild** at 9 p.m. ET - **Jets vs. Blues** at 9:30 p.m. ET

Celebrating Landeskog’s Historic Comeback

Let’s also take a moment to highlight Landeskog's incredible return. His hiatus ranks as one of the longest in NHL history, right behind legends like Mario Lemieux. Having missed over 1,000 days, his comeback is a rare and commendable feat in the sport.

Hockey history is being made right before our eyes, so grab your snacks and prepare for an unforgettable playoff season!