The Toronto Maple Leafs showed their mettle but now the attention turns to the Edmonton Oilers.
Here are five things to know as we head into Friday’s post-season action:
MCDAVID TIME?
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid was electrifying all season long, but the playoffs haven’t been as kind to the superstar.
McDavid, who led the NHL in goals (64), assists (89) and points (153), has just one assist entering Game 3 against the Los Angeles Kings on Friday.
Meanwhile, fellow star and teammate Leon Draisaitl is second in post-season points with five (three goals, two assists).
The usual production from McDavid would be a welcomed boost for the Oilers, who aim to take control of a 1-1 series.
BOSTON BOUNCEBACK?
The Boston Bruins followed up a historic regular season with a 3-1 series-opening win over the Florida Panthers.
But things turned for the worst in Game 2 — specifically in the third period. Entering the frame tied at 2-2, Florida scored four unanswered goals before Taylor Hall added one more for the Bruins late.
With the first-round series now in the sunshine state, and the eighth-seeded Panthers feeling confident, the Bruins will need to cool things down to avoid an early deficit.
The two sides were even in their season series.
TORONTO SHAKES UP SERIES
After a rough 7-3 series-opening loss at home to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Toronto Maple Leafs responded emphatically with a 7-2 Game 2 victory on Thursday.
John Tavares scored his first career playoff hat trick and Mitch Marner had two goals and an assist, including the game’s opening goal just 47 seconds in.
Meanwhile, Morgan Rielly tied a franchise playoff record with four assists in the game, joining Doug Gilmour (1994), Darryl Sittler (1977) and Ian Turnbull (1976).
Rielly’s three assists in the first period marked the only time in team history a Toronto defenceman has registered a trio of points in a post-season period.
JETS LOSE GAS LATE
The Winnipeg Jets looked great in a 5-1 series-opening win over the top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights.
But that all changed Thursday night — in a matter of a period.
Entering the third period tied 2-2, Chandler Stephenson scored the go-ahead goal before captain Mark Stone deflated hopes of a 2-0 Jets series lead with two more goals for a 5-2 Golden Knights win.
With the series heading back to Winnipeg, the Jets will need a return to their Game 1 form to take control of the series once more.
ROAD RANGERS
The New York Rangers have dominated the New Jersey Devils to the tune of back-to-back 5-1 road victories and a 2-0 series lead heading back to Madison Square Garden.
Chris Kreider has been a nightmare for the Devils — more specifically on the power play.
The 31-year-old winger is tied for the league lead in post-season goals with four and all of them have come on the man advantage — two in each game.
The Rangers, who were one of the top road teams in the NHL, will look to enjoy the same fortune at home on Saturday and Monday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2023.
The Canadian Press
