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Round 2 Recap:

Hurricanes [1] vs Penguins [2]
PIT 2 @ CAR 4
PIT 4 @ CAR 3

PIT 8 vs CAR 3
PIT 1 vs CAR 2 (2 OT)

PIT 0 @ CAR 1

PIT 0 vs CAR 5

The Penguins make the switch to Jarry during the second period of game 1, down 4-1. He performs the rest of the season, keeping Carolina two 3 goals or less from games 2-5. Bryan Rust once again is one of the best performers for the Penguins, with 3 G, 6 A. Guentzel also had a super impressive game 3, with 5 assists in their 8-3 win. The other stars remained relatively quiet including Crosby (3 G, 1 A) and Malkin (1 G, 0 A).

Aho (5 G, 1 A) and Svechnikov (3 G, 4 A) both are keeping up their good form. Carolina show their faith in Frederik Andersen, keeping them even after the 8-3 game (and 2-1 series defecit). From here, he repayed the faith in full, allowing only 1 goal in the last 3 games (including 2 periods of OT). While quiet in the first 3 games, Jesperi Kotkaniemi's goal and two assists in the last two games helped them hold onto the series lead. This is Carolina's second straight trip to the Eastern Conference Final, being swept by Florida last year.

Carolina wins 4-2


Senators [1] vs Sabres [2]
BUF 2 @ OTT 9
BUF 8 @ OTT 6

BUF 5 vs OTT 1
BUF 9 vs OTT 3

BUF 7 @ OTT 4

Game one went exactly how Ottawa wanted. Claude Giroux had 4 assists, Batherson 2 goals. Buffalo goalie Eric Comrie looke like he had no answers. Sens fans flocked to Canadian Tire Centre for game 2, hoping to see their team continue there run. From here, Stutzle only had one goal in the last 4 games, Giroux only one point. Vladimir Tarasenko did his best to keep his team alive, with 5 G 4 A in the 5 games.

Sabres goaltender Eric Comrie made up for his tough starts on the road with excellent outings in front of fans. Tage Thompson takes his game to a new leve, with 6 G 5 A across the series. Jack Quinn also proves he belongs on an NHL roster with 6 G 4 A. Jeff Skinner was kept more quiet, with 2 G 4 A, but the overall offensive outburst more than made up for this. This will be Buffalo's first trip to the ECF in almost 20 years, last reaching it in the 06/07 season.

Buffalo wins 4-1


Kings [1] vs Oilers [2]

EDM 4 @ LAK 7
EDM 2 @ LAK 7

EDM 3 vs LAK 8
EDM 6 vs LAK 2

EDM 4 @ LAK 5

With the lower lines getting into a slump, McDavid and Draisaitl are unable to drag Edmonton into the Western Conference Final. Stuart Skinner looked a lot weaker against LA, only finishing the game in 2 of his starts. McDavid (3 G, 6 A) and Draisaitl (4 G, 4 A) both had respectable games, but respectable isn't enough when you're getting no help from the rest of the team. Edmonton has themselves another dissapointing playoffs.

The Kings will take their red hot form into the Western Conference Final. With Adrian Kempe (5 G, 5 A) up to 23 postseason points, and Fiala (4G 5A) close behind with 18. LA is dominating the Conn Smythe odds at the moment. Pheonix Copley put together 4 fantastic games of hockey, only having to be relieved during game 4. One of the hottest goalies left inthe playoffs, Copley will be hoping to lead his team back to a cup.


Nashville [2] vs Canucks [WC1]
VAN 2 @ NSH 3 (2 OT)
VAN 2 @ NSH 6

VAN 4 vs NSH 1
VAN 4 vs NSH 3 (2 OT)

VAN 3 @ NSH 6

VAN 5 vs NSH 2

VAN 4 @ NSH 3

While Nashville had a strong start at home, they were unable to win when it mattered most. With Tyson Barrie only getting 2 points all season, and Josi's 2 G 4 A, the slowdown of the blue line's scoring didnot help them. Thomas Novak (2 G 6 A) also starred for Nashville in this matchup. Juuse Saros started the series out strong, with a 55 save win in the opener. He struggled from here, as vancouver managed to come back from being 2-0 down.

After falling down 2-0 in the series, Vancouver continue their underdog run, taking the series in 7 games. Anthony Beauvillier has been the star of the forwards for Vancouver, with 4 goals and 5 assists. Filip Hronek has also been strong, with goal and 5 assists. The real hero for Vancouver was Thatcher Demko, who started and finished all 7 games for Vancouver and has been a brick wall in goal. This will be Vancouver's first Conference Final since 2011.

Conference Finals
Carolina Hurricanes (50-29-3) vs Buffalo Sabres (46-30-6)
Los Angeles Kings (52-24-6) vs Vancouver Canucks (45-31-6)