How to Watch the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs today – April 23: Hurricanes v. Islanders, Oilers v. Kings and more | Channel, Stream, Preview

As the second half of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begins, who advances to the second round is anyone’s guess, with more great action on tap for Sunday.

METROPOLITAN

(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (WC1) New York Islanders (Hurricanes lead, 2-1)

In front of a ruckus crowd on Long Island, the Islanders made it known they were not going to go quietly against the Metropolitan champs. In Outshooting the Hurricanes on Friday night, led by great performances from Kyle Palmieri and goaltender Ilya Sorokin, New York was able to pull away with a 5-1 win, getting back into the series.

The Isles definitely received a much-needed jolt playing in front of their own fans, similar to what the Canes had on their side in Raleigh. The tough part will be doing it again on Sunday, especially against a Carolina team that did not take too kindly to the physical play they received in game three.

The Islanders have not lost on home ice since March 25.

ATLANTIC

(1) Boston Bruins vs. (WC2) Florida Panthers (Bruins lead, 2-1)

The Bruins responded to a game two loss with an exceptional team effort on Friday night. Without a couple of key players, including captain Patrice Bergeron, Boston took the play to the Panthers in Sunrise in game three, riding big goals from Taylor Hall and Charlie Coyle to come away with a 4-2 win.

Boston showed their postseason experience, not allowing adversity and playing in enemy territory (sort of) to affect their game. Linus Ullmark, who was a game-time decision on Friday, played well in net making 28 saves.

Now, the Panthers are under the microscope, as they cannot afford another loss, with the challenge of keeping their season alive in Boston looming if they do so. Who plays in net will be the big question, as rookie Alex Lyon was pulled after giving up three goals on 26 shots, making way for veteran netminder Sergei Bobrovsky.

CENTRAL

(2) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Minnesota Wild (Wild lead, 2-1)

In the first game in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the Wild took the play to their divisional rivals, and they were rewarded. Minnesota outhit Dallas on Friday night, while converting on their offensive chances. Three points from former Saginaw Spirit forward Ryan Hartman, along with two goals from Mats Zuccarello, the Wild were able to take the lead in the series with a 5-1 win.

It was a much-needed game out Minnesota, who made it clear that physical play has the capability to dictate the momentum in this series. They also got a great outing from goaltender Filip Gustavsson, who made 23 saves in game three.

For the Stars, they need to find a way to get through the physical play in order to open up their offense again. They certainly have some bite in their lineup, with veterans like Jamie Benn and Max Domi.

PACIFIC

(2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (3) Los Angeles Kings (Kings lead, 2-1)

Timely scoring and an outstanding effort from goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, the Kings are once again leading the Oilers in this first round rematch. Edmonton ended up outshooting L.A. 40-31 on Friday night, with a couple of power play goals from Connor McDavid. However, another overtime winner, this time from Trevor Moore, sent the Kings to a 3-2 win.

The trade that sent longtime netminder Jonathan Quick to Columbus for Korpisalo has certainly paid off for the Kings, as the Finnish netminder has looked confident in his first playoff experience in three years.

For the Oilers, they need to clean up defensively, all three of L.A.’s goals in game three were a result of defensive breakdowns, especially Alex Iafallo’s icebreaker in the first period. While Stuart Skinner knows he has to play above average in net, it is hard to do so when getting hung out to dry.

Check out the full NHL Playoff bracket here