The second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs has kicked off with a memorable start. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers series will be a sight to see as it pits two of the most electric American players against each other: Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk. Matthews’ production declined after his MVP campaign in 2021-22 due to a hand injury he had earlier in the season. When questioned about it, Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe admitted that his star center had some discomfort in the wrist and hand, which had put a mental block on Matthews. However, once it healed, the coaching staff noticed Matthews’ skating improved, and he became freer and faster. Keefe stated that Matthews looks like a player who is ramping up and saving himself for the playoffs.
Tkachuk, on the other hand, has been getting under the skin of Bruins players in the first round. However, he has proven to be most effective when he dials it back. Tkachuk has been everything the Panthers anticipated in terms of skill, physicality, and has provided an emotional boost to the team. He has been an excellent teammate, holding doors open, thanking flight attendants, and even asking if he can get Gatorade for anyone else.
Upsets and Celebrations of Smaller Markets
The playoffs so far have been all about the upsets. The big markets of New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, along with the defending champion Colorado Avalanche, have been eliminated. However, it’s also a celebration of the smaller markets that have been quietly building up their fan bases. The Carolina Hurricanes’ organic growth has been noted for a few years, and this season they set a record with 33 regular-season sellouts. The New Jersey Devils’ fans are also celebrating their team’s rebuild being over. The Devils have set revenue records in ticketing, sponsorship, groups, entertainment, and food and beverage. They have a 99% retention rate on season tickets and have already sold more than 1,500 season tickets for next year, which is more than they sold all of last season.
Injuries and Reshaping of Rosters
The Carolina Hurricanes have been struggling with injuries this season. Max Pacioretty and Andrei Svechnikov are not options this postseason. However, there is a possibility that Teuvo Teravainen might return as soon as the conference finals, should the Canes advance.
The Boston Bruins’ first-round exit is still unexplainable. Fans have scrutinized Jim Montgomery’s line changes during the Panthers series. Even the coach himself admitted that he would have done some things differently. The New York Rangers’ moves this season backfired, and there will be fallout this summer. Coach Gerard Gallant is expected to be the fall guy, but a roster reshape is likely as well.
Cool Observations from Rinks
One of the coolest things noticed at rinks is how supportive goalies have been to their partners, even after losing the starting job. The future of Patric Hornqvist in the NHL is unknown after the Florida winger was shut down in December because of concussions. However, he’s still making an impact on the Panthers by warming up the goalies early before practices and assisting in running the skaters for the extras.
In conclusion, the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs has been a wild ride so far, with upsets, injuries, and surprises. However, it’s also a celebration of the smaller markets, and the playoffs have been all about the growth and support of these markets. Fans are eagerly waiting to see what the next few weeks will bring.
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