Sean Couturier ‘can imagine how frustrating it can be to play against’ Travis Sanheim, Philippe Myers

The first round of the NHL playoffs kicked off Aug. 11 and are officially in full swing. Between the two bubble cites in Edmonton and Toronto, there has been more than enough hockey to go around. While it’s every fan’s dream to have hockey on for the greater part of the day, there is a lot to keep up with — given the amount of games played daily with their turnaround times. 

So, in an effort to keep everyone up to date for each series in the first round — we created this playoff tracker. Consider this your one-stop shop for everything and anything you need to know. From who has the edge in the series, odds on who has the better chance at advancing per DraftKings, schedules, analysis and where to stream — it’s all right here for the taking.

This will be updated daily with the latest news and information from all eight series. 

East   Blue Jackets vs. Lightning 

Game 1: The puck dropped at 3:09 p.m. ET, but no one knew at the time it was going to run over six hours. This first game became the second-longest playoff game in the modern NHL era, going into five overtimes. You would think the team that had the goaltender that made a record 85 saves, would have been the winners, but that wasn’t the case. 10:27 into that fifth overtime, Brayden Point scored that game-winning goal for the Lightning on Joonas Korpisalo. Lightning win, 3-2. 

Game 2: Blue Jackets’ net minder Joonas Korpisalo has brought his A-game in the first two games of this series. After stopping 85 shots in game one, he stopped 36 of 37 Thursday to help his team to a win over the Lightning. Blue Jackets win, 3-1. 

Game 3: The Blue Jackets never go down without a fight in the playoffs, and that is very telling of their bench boss, John Tortorella. Even though the Lightning are severely favored in the east, it doesn’t stop their opponents from bringing the heat. In one of the tightest games of the series, the Blue Jackets attempted to make a push late in the third, but the Lightning were able to hold down the fort. Lightning win, 3-2. 

Game 4: With every game the Lightning have play, they get closer to the face-paced, highly skilled and dynamic team they were leading up to the NHL hiatus. Even with a mere 22 shots on goal, they found a way to get past Korpisalo twice and luckily for Tampa Bay, Vasilevskiy held down the fort. The Blue Jackets now find themselves in a hole and are staring elimination in the eye. Lightning win, 2-1. 

Game 5: The Blue Jackets needed to bring the heat if they wanted to continue on their playoff journey after today. It took two goals from the Lightning to finally get Tortorella’s club rolling — and following them, the Blue Jackets scored four consecutive goals over the course of the three periods. That fourth goal woke up the Lightning and found a way to tie things up and force yet another overtime in the series. Just like how the series started, Point scored his second game-winning goal (but it only took a little over five minutes of bonus hockey). Lightning win, 5-4. 

Lightning win series 4-1

Bruins vs. Hurricanes 

Bruins lead series 3-1

Series odds: CAR +900 BOS -1667

Game 1: After the Blue Jackets-Lightning game going far over the allotted time for their game, this series’ first game was pushed to the following day with an 11 a .m. start time. This now gave them back-to-back games to open the series. Also going into double overtime, Selke finalist Patrice Bergeron scored the game-winning goal. Bruins win, 4-3.

Game 2: The hurricanes were out for revenge Thursday night when they faced the Bruins in their second matchup of the series. Even though Boston finally started clicking on their power play (scoring two goals, after having no luck prior since the round robin began), it wasn’t enough to overcome the Hurricanes. Hurricanes win, 3-2. 

Game 3: Just a few short after the news was announced goaltender Tuukka Rask was opting out of the NHL playoffs to be back with his family, the Bruins and Hurricanes were set to face off in game three of the series. Luckily, their backup, Jaroslav Halak was up for the challenge — only allowing one goal from the Hurricanes in the third period. An important thing to note is that Carolina may have to continue without Andrei Svechnikov, after he suffered an injury to his right leg late in the game. Bruins win, 3-1. 

Game 4: This game seemed like it was squared away in the Hurricanes’ favor heading into the midway point of the third period, but the Bruins never settle — and the end of the game proved that. James Reimer was in net in place of Petr Mrazek and held his ground, but a single slip allowed the Bruins to attack and there was no going back. In the span of seven minutes, the Bruins scored four goals to take the lead and run away with the game.  The Hurricanes now face elimination as the series heads to the next game. Bruins win, 4-3. 

Remaining schedule Game 5: Wednesday, Aug. 19 — 4 p.m. ET*Game 6: Thursday, Aug. 20 — time TBD*Game 7: Sunday, Aug. 23 — time TBD

Capitals vs. Islanders 

Islanders lead series 3-1

Series odds: NY -910 WSH +600

Game 1: Norris Trophy finalist John Carlson was back in the lineup for the Capitals, but still wasn’t enough to help his team to a win. The Islanders scored four unanswered goals to rally back after being down two to take the first in this series. Islanders win, 4-2. 

Game 2: In the playoffs, Ovechkin tends to turn into a producing machine. Friday night against the Islanders, he finally broke the ice and scored two goals — his first since entering the bubble. Aside from a clicking Ovechkin, the Capitals looked frustrated and deflated, not being able to get on the board. The Islanders put things away late in the third period and are heading into game three with a lot of confidence. Islanders win, 5-2.

Game 3: With the Islanders leading the series by two games and the Capitals continuously struggling to click offensively, this was an important game if Washington wanted to turn things around in the first round. It was a battle of the goaltenders in this one, Holtby had his best outing of the series, but it still wasn’t enough. With one goal a piece, the teams went to overtime to settle things — and it didn’t take long. Mathew Barzal scored the game-winner under five minutes in, putting the Capitals on the brink of elimination. Islanders win, 2-1. 

Game 4: It was all or nothing Tuesday night for the Capitals — a loss would send them packing out of the bubble and their 2019-20 season would officially come to a close. If you know the Capitals though, you know they weren’t going out without making some noise. After the Islanders scored twice in the first period, the Capitals took control and finally pulled out a win in the series. They’re down, but certainly not out. Capitals win, 3-2. 

Remaining schedule *Game 5: Thursday, Aug. 20 — time TBD*Game 6: Saturday, Aug. 22 — time TBD*Game 7: Sunday, Aug. 23 — time TBD

Flyers vs. Canadiens 

Flyers lead series 3-1

Series odds: MTL +1000 PHI -2000

Game 1: The Flyers had a great jump at the start of the game, but things quickly shifted in favor of the Canadiens about 10 minutes in — and then they continued to control the game through well into the second period. If it wasn’t for Carter Hart, the Flyers would have been in deep trouble. Flyers win, 2-1. 

Game 2: Up until Friday, the Flyers had been perfect since entering the bubble, going 4-0 — that changed in a rather brutal loss. The Canadiens flat-out outworked, outplayed and of course, outscored the Flyers, tying up the series. Hart was pulled, there is uncertainty about a Travis Konecny injury and their power play is still struggling, as the Flyers were shutout against the 8th seed and Carey Price — though they didn’t give him much of a challenge. Canadiens win, 5-0. 

Game 3: After being shut out in a rather embarrassing way just a few days prior, the Flyers were back and ready to make up for their first loss of the series. Just over five minutes into the first period, Jakub Voracek scored his second goal of the series, giving the Flyers the lead. Who would’ve thought at the time of the goal, that it was going to be the only one of the game. Hart also earned his first career shutout in the playoffs — what a way to bounce back after being pulled in his previous outing. Flyers win, 1-0. 

Game 4: With the series being 2-1 heading into Tuesday, the fourth game can severely alter the pace of this series. In an instant, the series could be tied again, or a team could be on the brink of elimination. Hart wasn’t going to allow that though. In another spectacular outing from the 22-year-old, he posted his second-consecutive shutout. Flyers win, 2-0. 

Remaining schedule Game 5: Wednesday, Aug. 19 — 8 p.m. ET (Watch or stream on NBCSP)*Game 6: Friday, Aug. 21 — time TBD*Game 7: Sunday, Aug. 23 — time TBD

West  Flames vs. Stars

Stars lead series 3-2

Series odds: CGY +335 DAL -435

Game 1: The Flames came out swinging right from the jump to try and get an early edge on the Stars. Along with the strong efforts of goaltender Cam Talbot, Flames’ Dillon Dube dominated through that first period, scoring the first two goals. Matthew Tkachuk and Corey Perry also dropped the gloves early on, making for quite an entertaining first 20 minutes of hockey. Flames win, 3-2. 

Game 2: In one of the most intense games of the day, the Stars and Flames went to battle in the third period. Things were a little too close for comfort when the Flames came from behind, scoring twice with less than ten minutes to play — but in the 59th minute, Stars’ Jami Oleksiak gave his team the go-ahead goal and carried them to a win. Stars win, 5-4. 

Game 3: Cam Talbot wasn’t messing around heading into game three. He was perfect Friday night, stopping all 35 shots he faced — helping elevate his team to their second win in the series. The Flames were also without Matthew Tkachuk after he was deemed day-to-day following a third period collision in game two. Overall, it was a strong message to send to the Stars, who failed to get on the board for the second time since returning to play. Flames win, 2-0. 

Game 4: This was a battle of special teams from start to finish. Both the Stars and Flames scored on the power play twice and the Flames even tallied a short-handed goal early on in the third period. This was one of the higher scoring games we’ve seen so far in the first round — and that is because top players on both teams are showing up and playing well. Extra hockey was needed to settle this one and with five minutes left in the first overtime, Alexander Redulov scored the game-winning goal. Stars win, 5-4. 

Game 5: As this series has progressed, things have found a way to balance out among both teams. Both goaltenders are finding success and defense is winning games. Stars’ John Klingberg broke a 1-1 tie early in the third period and has pushed the Flames to the brink. Stars win, 2-1. 

Remaining schedule *Game 6: Thursday, Aug. 20 — time TBD*Game 7: Saturday, Aug. 22 — time TBD

Blackhawks vs. Golden Knights  

Game 1: When the puck first dropped, the two teams looked far more balanced than they should have for a first and 12th seed. It might have taken some time, but the Golden Knights eventually shifted their gears into motion and never looked back. The third period put the Blackhawks away, when Reilly Smith scored not one, but two power play goals against Corey Crawford. Golden Knights win, 4-1. 

Game 2: If there’s one thing that holds true in the playoffs, it’s that you should never underestimate Patrick Kane. In the second period, he tallied an assist for every Blackhawks goal. Their third goal, courtesy of Dylan Strome, tied the game and was the last one scored in regulation. Just over seven minutes into overtime, Reilly Smith scored the game-winning goal, officially getting the Golden Knights their second win of the series. Golden Knights win, 4-3.

Game 3: Even though the best in the west are squaring up against the 8th-seeded Blackhawks, Chicago has made sure to put up a fight in this series. You never know what can happen, but the Golden Knights are clearly on a mission that isn’t ending anytime soon. Corey Crawford did his best to keep the Blackhawks in it as long as possible, but the Golden Knights were on the attack and found a way to overcome Chicago’s defense. Golden Knights win, 2-1. 

Game 4: The Golden Knights had a chance to put this series away and be the first team on to the next round, but knowing the Blackhawks — they weren’t going down without a fight. The Blackhawks were able to get on the board first and found a way to maintain their lead for the entirety of the game, but that shouldn’t discredit the Golden Knights and their 49 shots on goal. This was an entire team effort from Chicago, that will help them live to see another game. Blackhawks win, 3-1. 

Game 5: The Blackhawks might have found a way to sneak in a win in this series, but the Golden Knights weren’t ready to allow this best-of-seven to go on any longer. After the Blackhawks opened up the scoring early, the Golden Knights retaliated quickly and soon, it became a battle. Alex Tuch scored in the opening minutes of the third period and that wound up being the final goal of the series. Golden Knights win, 4-3. 

Golden Knights win series 4-1

Coyotes vs. Avalanche 

Avalanche lead series 3-1

Series odds: ARI +1700 COL -10000

Game 1: The scoring opened up late in the third period with the Avalanche, who then tallied a second goal in just 10 seconds. They didn’t stay silent for long and scored the third and final goal of the game just over a minute later. The Coyotes were shut out and had a mere 14 shots on goal. Avalanche win, 3-0.

Game 2: If the Coyotes had any chance at coming out with a win, they needed to bring a new level of aggression to match the Avalanche’s power in the offensive zone. It was an element that was brought to the table and the two teams were neck-and-neck at least 55 minutes of the game. With time winding down, Andre Burakovsky put away the go-ahead goal and led the Avalanche to victory. Avalanche win, 3-2. 

Game 3: If the Coyotes needed Darcy Kuemper to steal a game in this series, it had to be this one. The Avalanche have been on fire since the start of this series and if the Coyotes wanted to have a chance in this series, they needed a win — and fast. This quickly became the Kuemper show, and while the score seems like there was some divide in this game — it was way closer than you’d think. Mikko Rantanen scored with just under a minute left in the third, getting the Avalanche within one, but Coyotes’ Lawson Crouse scored their second empty-netter. Coyotes win, 4-2. 

Game 4: In what was probably one of the most dominating games in the first round, the Avalanche hit the ground running and never looked back. They got on the board during every period, with Nazem Kadri scoring back-to-back power play goals in the opening 20 minutes. While the Coyotes only registered 15 shots on goal, Philipp Grubauer was dominant in net for Colorado. Avalanche win, 7-1. 

Remaining schedule Game 5: Wednesday, Aug. 19 — 5:30 p.m. ET*Game 6: Friday, Aug. 21 — time TBD*Game 7: Sunday, Aug. 23 — time TBD

Canucks vs. Blues 

Series is tied 2-2

Series odds: VAN +135 STL -162

Game 1: It’s safe to say the first two periods were very evenly matched — if the Canucks scored on the power play, the Blues followed suit, if the Canucks had an unassisted goal, so did the Blues. Going into the third period, it could’ve been anyone’s game, but Vancouver finally found the stride they were looking for, scoring three more times. With three power play goals and only 22 shots on goal, the Canucks left Blues’ net minder Jordan Binnington flustered, leaving the first game of the series with a .773 SV%. Canucks win, 5-2.

Game 2: You know how they say in the playoffs, a goaltender has the potential to steal a game or two? They also have the ability to blow a game or two — and while the Blues have been having a difficult time finding their groove since the 24-team return-to-play tournament began, Binnington hasn’t been of much help either. The Blues were able to come from behind in the third period to force overtime, but it wasn’t enough to stop Bo Horvat with the game winner. Canucks win, 4-3. 

Game 3: The defending Stanley Cup champions needed to pull off a win to avoid being down 3-0 in the series. After a scoreless first period, it was the battle of back-and-forth goal in the following 20 minutes of play. The two teams were tied 2-2 coming out of the second and it turns out, those were the last goals to be scored in regulation. Again, this series was off to another overtime. It took just over 75% of that first overtime before Brayden Schenn scored the gamer winner and his first of the playoffs. Blues win, 3-2.

Game 4: It took some time for Ryan O’Reilly to get rolling again, but Monday night showed full and well that he is back and ready to dominate. He had a 3-point night (2 goals, 1 assist) and his work in addition to a second successful start with goaltender Jake Allen, St. Louis was able to tie the series. Blues win, 3-1. 

Remaining schedule Game 5: Wednesday, Aug. 19 — 10:30 p.m. ET*Game 6: Friday, Aug. 21 — time TBD*Game 7: Sunday, Aug. 23 — time TBD

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