The NHL playoffs are one of the most exciting times of the year for hockey fans. As the regular season comes to a close, the top teams from each division battle it out in a best-of-seven series to determine who will advance to the next round. With the 2023 NHL playoffs just around the corner, fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the first-round series. In this guide, we will rank the first-round series based on their entertainment value.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens have one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in the NHL. These two teams have faced off against each other more times than any other two teams in NHL history. The intensity of this rivalry is sure to make for an entertaining series. The Maple Leafs are one of the top teams in the league and are led by superstar center Auston Matthews. The Canadiens, on the other hand, are a scrappy team that always seems to find a way to win. This series is sure to be a battle from start to finish.
2. Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers
The Boston Bruins and New York Rangers have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to the Original Six era. These two teams have faced off against each other in some of the most memorable playoff series in NHL history. The Bruins are a physical team that likes to play a tough, grinding style of hockey. The Rangers, on the other hand, are a fast-paced team that relies on their speed and skill to win games. This series is sure to be a clash of styles and should provide plenty of excitement for fans.
3. Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues
The Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues are two of the top teams in the Western Conference. The Avalanche are led by superstar center Nathan MacKinnon, who is one of the most dynamic players in the league. The Blues, on the other hand, are a hard-working team that plays a physical style of hockey. This series is sure to be a battle between two talented teams and should provide plenty of excitement for fans.
4. Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
The Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild are two of the top teams in the Western Conference. The Golden Knights are a high-scoring team that likes to play an up-tempo style of hockey. The Wild, on the other hand, are a defensive-minded team that relies on their goaltending and team defense to win games. This series is sure to be a battle between two contrasting styles of play and should provide plenty of excitement for fans.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers are two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Lightning are the defending Stanley Cup champions and are led by superstar forward Nikita Kucherov. The Panthers, on the other hand, are a young and talented team that is looking to make a deep playoff run. This series is sure to be a battle between two talented teams and should provide plenty of excitement for fans.
In conclusion, the first-round series of the 2023 NHL playoffs are sure to provide plenty of excitement for fans. Whether it’s the intense rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens or the clash of styles between the Bruins and Rangers, there is something for every hockey fan to enjoy. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready for some thrilling playoff hockey!
