It’s a full day of action with two Game 6s and a Game 7 to end the evening. We could see three series come to a close tonight or just one.
Remember, all games can be checked out online or you can do it the old-fashioned way and watch it on TV with the networks listed below.
Game 6: New York Rangers host Washington Capitals (4:30 p.m. ET, CNBC)
Washington leads series 3-2
It’s not a series between the Rangers and Caps unless there’s some kind of high drama at Madison Square Garden. That’s just what we’ve got today as the Rangers hope to stave off elimination and force a Game 7 in D.C.
Unsurprisingly, it’s been a very tight series. Overtimes, one-goal games, and lots of tension have dictated the playoffs between these two teams. A pair of superstar players could stand to use big performances to help their teams.
Alex Ovechkin hasn’t had a point in three straight games, but he played very strong in their victory in Game 5. Rick Nash, meanwhile, has just one assist in the series and hasn’t been much of a factor. He could help build his legend in New York with a big performance today. Look for the Caps to try and take it to the Rangers early to set the tone.
Game 6: Toronto Maple Leafs host Boston Bruins (7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN)
Boston leads series 3-2
The Leafs have already fought off elimination once and they’re looking to do it again tonight. This time around, they’re feeling a bit more confident in their abilities and with James Reimer playing as well as he is in goal, that’s a good reason.
While things are feeling better in Toronto, Boston coach Claude Julien wants more out of his second line. Guys like Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand are struggling a bit against the Leafs and you have to think the coach’s words will get through to them eventually.
Keep in mind, if Toronto forces a Game 7 it’ll be tomorrow night in Boston. If the Bruins want a little rest, they’ll take care of business tonight.
Game 7: Anaheim Ducks host Detroit Red Wings (10:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN)
Series tied 3-3
You can’t ask for more out of a series than you’ve gotten from these two teams. Four overtime games (Detroit going 3-1 in those), wild comebacks, highlight reel goals and saves from both teams. In short, it’s probably the most fun series in the first round.
Detroit is looking to pull the upset on the Ducks, something Anaheim has done to the Wings in playoffs past. Meanwhile, the Ducks would love to advance to the second-round and have a playoff showdown with the Los Angeles Kings.
While Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg have showed up in a big way for Detroit, Anaheim could use a big game from Corey Perry who has no goals on 20 shots in the series. All that aside, this game is worth it for the East Coast fans to show up to work bleary-eyed tomorrow.
