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There are six possible elimination games on TV today

By Ian Oland

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August 7, 2020 11:39 am

Normally in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there are, at most, eight series going on at generally the same time. Today, the NHL will be airing six different possible Qualifying Round elimination games on the same day, four of which are possible upsets by lower seeds.

From 12 PM to 1:15 AM (at least), hockey will be on your TV. Here’s a preview of what’s upcoming.

Islanders (7) vs Panthers (10), 12 PM

NYI leads Series 2-1

After falling behind in the series 2-0, the Florida Panthers narrowly won Game three 3-2 and are trying to climb out of their steep hole. The story of this series has been former Capital Semyon Varlamov, the Islanders’ starter in net, who has a .923 and 2.03 GAA in three games. The goalie whisperer, Mitch Korn, has struck again.

Update: The Islanders eliminated the Panthers.

Predators (6) vs Coyotes (11), 2:30 PM

ARI leads series 2-1

The Arizona Coyotes are trying to pull off a major upset despite losing their GM, John Chayka, in a verbal firestorm on the eve of the playoffs. The Coyotes are syncing offensively — they’ve scored four goals every game — and are being led by their stars Taylor Hall (four points) and Phil Kessel (three points). The Predators have not looked themselves for much of the series and could be eliminated before they do.

Update: The Coyotes eliminated the Predators.

Penguins (5) vs. Canadiens (12), 4 PM

MTL leads series 2-1

One of the best series of the Qualifying Round has been between the Penguins and Canadiens. Surprisingly, it’s the fifth-seeded Pens who are facing elimination despite Sidney Crosby seeing this year’s postseason as a great opportunity to win a fourth Cup. Habs defenseman Jeff Petry has come up clutch twice, scoring the overtime game-winner in Game One and the game-winning goal late in Game Three. Petry, shooting 50 percent, had three playoff goals prior in his previous 10 NHL seasons.

Update: The Penguins were eliminated… on Sidney Crosby’s birthday!

Oilers (5) vs. Blackhawks (12), 6:45 PM

CHI leads series 2-1

The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink against the twelfth-seeded Hawks despite Connor McDavid scoring his first career playoff hat trick in Game Two. Defense has absolutely been optional in this high-scoring series that has featured 26 goals scored in three games.

Update: The Blackhawks eliminated the Oilers. Crosby and McDavid are now both out.

Leafs (8) vs. Blue Jackets (9), 8 PM

CBJ leads series 2-1

A game after getting absolutely shredded at the bench by head coach John Tortorella, Pierre-Luc Dubois scored a hat trick, including the overtime game-winner, to give the Blue Jackets a 2-1 series lead over eighth-seeded Leafs. The Leafs have gotten scoring from their big stars, but just not enough. They’re also are without one of their best defensemen, Jake Muzzin, after a scary injury.

Canucks (7) vs. Wild (10), 10:45 PM

VAN leads series 2-1

This Canucks-Wild series has featured each team shutting out the other once while the other game (Game Two) seeing Vancouver eke out a victory over the Wild 4-3. The Canucks have been led by their young stars Quinn Hughes (four points), Brock Boeser (three points), and Elias Pettersson (three points). Pettersson sand Boeser both recently scored their first career playoff goals.

Update: The Canucks eliminated the Wild.

Headline photo courtesy of @NHL

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