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How the first 17 games of the Stanley Cup playoffs will influence the rest of the first round
From the Rangers' victory variety to the Leafs' power-play struggles to the Predators' new identity, here's what we've learned in the 2024 postseason.
THURSDAY'S GAMES
Top Headlines
PLAYOFFS CENTRAL
Stanley Cup Playoffs Central: Bracket, schedule, game previews for the NHL's postseason
From the first round all the way through the Stanley Cup Final, ESPN has you covered. Explore the full results, and coverage on each team.
AUSTON'S OPPORTUNITY
NHL
'The most dangerous man on the ice': How Auston Matthews can level up his legacy in Round 1
He's one of the sport's superstars and led the NHL in goals this season. A series win against Toronto's tormentors would elevate him further.
NATHAN MACKINNON
NHL
Nathan MacKinnon is having the best season of his career, but he still gets overshadowed
From a crowded Hart field to a Justin Bieber snub, the Avs star still doesn't seem to get his due. But don't expect him to worry about what anyone else thinks.
A FAMILIAR FOE
Peter Laviolette coached the Caps -- now he's trying to eliminate them
This is the eighth time in history that a fired coach has faced his former team in the ensuing Stanley Cup playoffs; previously, those coaches went 6-1.
PLAYOFF RANK
TOP 50 PLAYERS IN 2024 POSTSEASON
NHL Playoff Rank: The top 50 players, led by Auston Matthews at No. 1
With Matthews in the top spot, where do MacKinnon, McDavid and Panarin rank? What about the top goalies? Here's what our voters think.
FINAL DAYS OF THE COYOTES
DETAILS ON THE MOVE
Leaving Arizona: Everything you need to know about the Coyotes moving to Salt Lake City
Why Utah? What's the future of the NHL in Arizona? What will the new team be called, and where will it play? Answers to all of that and much more here.
Top Headlines
- Stars seek answers, down 2-0 again to Knights
- Keefe: Marchand making 'art' of dodging penalties
- Sharks fire Quinn after historically woeful season
- Sources: Pesce injury 'significant,' to miss time
- Injured Leafs forward Nylander misses Game 3
- Georgiev 'proves people wrong,' leads Avs' G2 win
- Panthers' Bennett out at least week with injury
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Ranking the top 50 NHL players in 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs
With Matthews in the top spot, where do MacKinnon, McDavid and Panarin rank? What about the top goalies? Here's what our voters think.
- John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images
Stanley Cup playoffs: A guide to all 16 teams' quirky traditions
From knight battles to the catfish toss, all 16 Stanley Cup playoff teams have franchise-defining traditions.
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What's on the masks of Stanley Cup playoff goalies? Our guide
From throwback logos to player tributes to a friendly otter, see the unique mask designs that goalies on 2024 postseason teams have worn this season.
