By Marc Lawrence, PlaybookSports.com — And onto the postseason.
After 82 grueling regular-season games, we’re down to the 16 best teams in the NHL as they all attempt to be the last squad standing in June. Here’s a teaser on two popular matchups…
Remember, it’s been 19 years since the Toronto Maple Leafs last won a playoff series, so they’re beyond overdue. The Tampa Bay Lightning have looked battered and beatable down the stretch. The pressure is always high in Toronto, but Tampa’s depth is depleted and a breakthrough might finally be in the cards.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers have beaten just about everyone since the start of March (18-3-0 since March 1) and carry a league-best 9 game win streak into the postseason. Connor McDavid – hands downs the best player in the league – along with Leon Draisaitl and friends are licking their chops for the postseason. They look to be the sleeper team to win this year’s event.
