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{{Short description|2021 NHL Postseason Tournament}}{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}

factoids

The 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs was the playoff tournament of the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 2020–21 season. The playoffs began on May 15, 2021, and concluded on July 7, 2021, with the Tampa Bay Lightning winning their second consecutive and third overall Stanley Cup in franchise history, defeating the Montreal Canadiens four games to one in the Stanley Cup Finals. Unfortunately for the NHL the season was once again tainted due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The playoffs were originally scheduled to begin a few days after the regular season concluded, but they began four days prior to the end of the shortened regular season after the Vancouver Canucks had eleven games postponed because of a COVID-19 outbreak.WEB, Canucks-Leafs games pushed back as NHL makes schedule changes,www.tsn.ca/cp-newsalert-canucks-games-against-leafs-postponed-as-team-returns-from-covid-1.1624736, Bell Media, TSN.ca, April 16, 2021, May 10, 2021, The league returned to the traditional 16-team playoff format with all series being best-of-seven, after using a 24-team format in 2020 due to the regular season being cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.WEB, NHL, NHLPA formally approve 56-game season,www.tsn.ca/nhl-nhlpa-formally-approve-56-game-season-1.1566771, December 20, 2020, April 21, 2021, Bell Media, TSN.ca, Due to cross-border travel restrictions imposed by the Government of Canada, the league temporarily realigned this season into four divisions with no conferences. Consequently, the first two rounds of the playoffs featured intra-divisional matchups, with the higher seeded teams receiving home-ice advantage in those rounds. In the Stanley Cup semifinals, the four remaining teams (one from each division) were reseeded based on their regular season records. Both semifinal winners advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals. After initially stating that the Campbell and Wales trophies would not be awarded this season,WEB,www.nhl.com/news/stanley-cup-playoffs-critical-questions/c-324708710, Stanley Cup Playoffs: Key questions, answers, May 14, 2021, Nicholas, Cotsonika, NHL Enterprises, L. P., NHL.com, May 18, 2021, the league decided in June 2021 that the Montreal Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights would play for the Campbell Bowl and the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning would play for the Wales Trophy.WEB, #NHLStats: Live Updates – June 10, 2021,media.nhl.com/public/news/15059, media.nhl.com, June 11, 2021, June 10, 2021, In addition to a spot in the Stanley Cup Final, the winner of the Golden Knights-Canadiens series will claim the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, while the Islanders-Lightning will battle for the Prince of Wales Trophy., Although it was initially unknown whether the Canadian teams that qualified for the playoffs would be able to play in their home arenas after the second round, on June 6, it was announced that those teams would be allowed to play in their home arenas for the remainder of the playoffs.WEB, Federal government grants NHL playoffs travel exemption,www.tsn.ca/federal-government-grants-nhl-playoffs-travel-exemption-1.1650515, Bell Media, TSN.ca, June 6, 2021, June 6, 2021, In order to complete the playoffs in Canada, the League applied for a cross-border travel exemption with the Public Health Agency of Canada. Prior to the announcement, there were some ideas of the Canadian team playing in a neutral NHL city in the US after the second round.WEB, Hope remains for NHL playoffs in Canadian cities, but U.S. bubble a possibility,www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/hope-remains-nhl-playoffs-canadian-cities-u-s-bubble-possibility/, Rogers Media, Sportsnet.ca, April 17, 2021, April 21, 2021, The Colorado Avalanche made the playoffs as the Presidents’ Trophy winners with the most points (i.e. best record) during the regular season. The Pittsburgh Penguins increased their postseason appearance streak to 15 seasons. This became the longest active streak in the four major North American professional sports after the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs missed the playoffs for the first time in 22 years.WEB, Deffenbaugh, Gregory, WPXI.com, Penguins continue playoff streak, longest in North American professional sports,www.wpxi.com/rss-snd/penguins-continue-playoff-streak-longest-north-american-professional-sports/R3TDBTU5DVAY7FUJRXH7BGUGQQ/, May 23, 2021, WPXI, April 30, 2021, en, For the second year in a row and third time overall since 1996, all California-based teams, the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, missed the playoffs. For the first time since 1966, every team that qualified for the playoffs was also in the previous year’s postseason. With all of the Canadian-based NHL teams in one division, the format for this season ensured that there would be a second round series between two Canadian-based teams for the first time since 2002.For the first time since 1992, three of the previous year’s semifinalists, the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights, returned to the round for a second consecutive season.

Playoff seeds

{{Details|Stanley Cup playoffs#Current format}}The top four teams in each of the four realigned divisions made the playoffs; this was the first time since 1993 that this format had been used.WEB, NHL teams in new divisions for 2020-21 season,www.nhl.com/news/nhl-teams-in-new-divisions-for-2020-21-season/c-319844882, December 20, 2020, NHL Enterprises, L. P., April 21, 2021, NHL.com, The following teams qualified for the playoffs:WEB,www.nhl.com/standings/2020, 2020–2021 Division Standings, NHL.com, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 13, 2021,

Central Division

1. Carolina Hurricanes, Central Division champions – 80 points
2. Florida Panthers – 79 points
3. Tampa Bay Lightning – 75 points
4. Nashville Predators – 64 points

East Division

1. Pittsburgh Penguins, East Division champions – 77 points (29 {{abbr|RWs|Regulation Wins}}, 34 {{abbr|ROWs|Regulation and Overtime Wins}})
2. Washington Capitals – 77 points (29 {{abbr|RWs|Regulation Wins}}, 33 {{abbr|ROWs|Regulation and Overtime Wins}})
3. Boston Bruins – 73 points
4. New York Islanders – 71 points

North Division

1. Toronto Maple Leafs, North Division champions – 77 points
2. Edmonton Oilers – 72 points
3. Winnipeg Jets – 63 points
4. Montreal Canadiens – 59 points

West Division

1. Colorado Avalanche, West Division champions, Presidents’ Trophy winners – 82 points (35 {{abbr|RWs|Regulation Wins}})
2. Vegas Golden Knights – 82 points (30 {{abbr|RWs|Regulation Wins}})
3. Minnesota Wild – 75 points
4. St. Louis Blues – 63 points

Playoff bracket

In each round, teams competed in a best-of-seven series following a 2–2–1–1–1 format (scores in the bracket indicate the number of games won in each best-of-seven series). The team with home ice advantage played at home for games one and two (and games five and seven, if necessary), and the other team was at home for games three and four (and game six, if necessary). The top four teams in each division made the playoffs. In the first round, the fourth seeded team in each division played against the division winner from their division. The other series matched the second and third place teams from the divisions. In each round, home ice advantage was awarded to the team that had the better regular season record. Teams advancing to the Stanley Cup semifinals were re-seeded one through four based on regular season record.{{:2020–21 NHL season|transcludesection=Bracket}}

Legend

• C1, C2, C3, C4 – The teams from the Central Division
• E1, E2, E3, E4 – The teams from the East Division
• N1, N2, N3, N4 – The teams from the North Division
• W1, W2, W3, W4 – The teams from the West Division

First round

Central Division first round

(C1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (C4) Nashville Predators

The Carolina Hurricanes finished first in the Central Division earning 80 points. Nashville finished as the fourth seed in the Central Division, earning 64 points. This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams. Carolina won six of eight games in this year’s regular season series.The Hurricanes defeated the Predators in six games. Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal scored twice in game one to give Carolina a 5–2 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/nashville-predators-carolina-hurricanes-game-1-recap/c-324663596, Staal scores twice, Hurricanes defeat Predators in Game 1, Dusterberg, Kurt, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 17, 2021, NHL.com, May 18, 2021, In game two, Alex Nedeljkovic made 32 saves for the Hurricanes in a 3–0 shutout victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/nashville-predators-carolina-hurricanes-game-2-recap/c-324663796, Nedeljkovic, Hurricanes shut out Predators in Game 2, extend series lead, Dusterberg, Kurt, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 19, 2021, NHL.com, May 20, 2021, Back in Nashville for game three, Juuse Saros stopped 52 shots and Matt Duchene scored at 14:54 of double-overtime for the Predators to emerge victorious 5–4.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-nashville-predators-game-3-recap/c-324664192, Predators top Hurricanes in 2OT in Game 3, get first win of series, Dusterberg, Kurt, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 21, 2021, NHL.com, May 23, 2021, In game four, Juuse Saros made 58 saves for the Predators, defeating the Hurricanes 3–2 in double-overtime on Luke Kunin’s snap shot goal.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-nashville-predators-game-4-recap/c-324664034, Predators defeat Hurricanes in Game 4 in 2OT, even series, Dusterberg, Kurt, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 23, 2021, NHL.com, May 26, 2021, The Hurricanes forced overtime in game five, and in the extra period, Jordan Staal scored during a 4-on-4 to defeat the Predators 3–2 and take a 3–2 series lead.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/nashville-predators-carolina-hurricanes-game-5-recap/c-324663798, Hurricanes defeat Predators in OT in Game 5, take series lead, Dusterberg, Kurt, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 25, 2021, NHL.com, May 26, 2021, In game six, the Hurricanes overcame a two-goal deficit to force overtime, where Sebastian Aho scored on a deflected shot to send Carolina to the second round.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-nashville-predators-game-6-recap/c-324663490, Aho, Hurricanes eliminate Predators with Game 6 OT win, Stanley, Robby, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 27, 2021, NHL.com, May 27, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Carolina Hurricanes|team2=Nashville Predators|stadium1=PNC Arena|stadium2=Bridgestone Arena|homeright=yes|date1 =May 17|score1 =2–5|won1 =1|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/nashville-predators-carolina-hurricanes-game-1-recap/c-324663596Teuvo Teräväinen>Teuvo Teravainen (1)|1-1-2 =Filip Forsberg (1) – 12:14|1-2-1 =04:19 – Jordan Staal (1)|1-2-2 =Erik Haula (1) – 08:41|1-3-1 =02:26 – Nino Niederreiter (1)08:00 – Jordan Staal (2)18:13 – en – Andrei Svechnikov (1)|1-3-2 =No scoring|goalie1-1 =Alex Nedeljkovic 22 saves / 24 shots|goalie1-2 =Juuse Saros 33 saves / 37 shots|date2 =May 19|score2 =0–3|won2 =1|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/nashville-predators-carolina-hurricanes-game-2-recap/c-324663796pp – Sebastian Aho (ice hockey, born 1997)>Sebastian Aho (1)|2-1-2 =No scoring|2-2-1 =No scoring|2-2-2 =No scoring|2-3-1 =19:07 – en – Sebastian Aho (2)19:32 – Warren Foegele (1)|2-3-2 =No scoring|goalie2-1 =Alex Nedeljkovic 32 saves / 32 shots|goalie2-2 =Juuse Saros 28 saves / 30 shots|date3 =May 21|score3 =4–5|ot3 =2|won3 =2|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-nashville-predators-game-3-recap/c-324664192Sebastian Aho (ice hockey, born 1997)>Sebastian Aho (3) – 15:44|3-1-2 =04:35 – Ryan Ellis (1)19:35 – Filip Forsberg (2)|3-2-1 =Jordan Staal (3) – 03:31Vincent Trocheck (1) – pp – 12:46|3-2-2 =14:42 – pp – Mikael Granlund (1)|3-3-1 =Brett Pesce (1) – 16:39|3-3-2 =05:01 – Ryan Johansen (1)|3-4-1 =No scoring|3-4-2 =14:54 – Matt Duchene (1)|goalie3-1 =Alex Nedeljkovic 49 saves / 54 shots|goalie3-2 =Juuse Saros 52 saves / 56 shots|date4 =May 23|score4 =3–4|ot4 =2|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-nashville-predators-game-4-recap/c-324664034|4-1-1 =Vincent Trocheck (2) – 18:03|4-1-2 =00:57 – Luke Kunin (1)|4-2-1 =Brock McGinn (1) – 18:05|4-2-2 =04:53 – Ryan Johansen (2)|4-3-1 =Brock McGinn (2) – 00:13|4-3-2 =03:15 – pp – Nick Cousins (1)|4-4-1 =No scoring|4-4-2 =16:10 – Luke Kunin (2)|goalie4-1 =Alex Nedeljkovic 39 saves / 43 shots|goalie4-2 =Juuse Saros 58 saves / 61 shots|date5 =May 25|score5 =2–3|ot5 =1|won5 =1|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/nashville-predators-carolina-hurricanes-game-5-recap/c-324663798pp – Martin Nečas>Martin Necas (1)|5-1-2 =Yakov Trenin (1) – 11:44|5-2-1 =No scoring|5-2-2 =Yakov Trenin (2) – 00:53|5-3-1 =12:55 – Martin Necas (2)|5-3-2 =No scoring|5-4-1 =02:03 – Jordan Staal (4)|5-4-2 =No scoring|goalie5-1 =Alex Nedeljkovic 23 saves / 25 shots|goalie5-2 =Juuse Saros 34 saves / 37 shots|date6 =May 27|score6 =4–3|ot6 =1|won6 =1|recap6 =www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-nashville-predators-game-6-recap/c-324663490|6-1-1 =Brock McGinn (3) – 04:21|6-1-2 =01:44 – Nick Cousins (2)Sebastian Aho (ice hockey, born 1997)>Sebastian Aho (4) – pp – 13:34|6-2-2 =01:13 – Mikael Granlund (2)07:32 – pp – Ryan Johansen (3)|6-3-1 =Dougie Hamilton (1) – 13:59|6-3-2 =No scoring|6-4-1 =Sebastian Aho (5) – 01:06|6-4-2 =No scoring|goalie6-1 =Alex Nedeljkovic 24 saves / 27 shots|goalie6-2 =Juuse Saros 27 saves / 31 shots|series = Carolina won series 4–2}}

(C2) Florida Panthers vs. (C3) Tampa Bay Lightning

The Florida Panthers finished second in the Central Division with 79 points. The Tampa Bay Lightning earned 75 points to finish third in the Central Division. This was the first playoff meeting between these two rivals. Florida won five of eight games in this year’s regular season series. This was also the first postseason match-up between two Florida-based professional sports teams since the National Football League’s (1999–2000 NFL playoffs#AFC: Jacksonville Jaguars 62, Miami Dolphins 7|1999 AFC Divisional playoffs) where the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Miami Dolphins.The Lightning defeated the Panthers in six games. Upon his return from hip surgery in game one, Tampa Bay forward Nikita Kucherov scored twice and Brayden Point, on a breakaway attempt, scored with 1:14 left in the game to give the Lightning a 5–4 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-florida-panthers-game-1-recap/c-324663916, Kucherov scores twice in return, Lightning defeat Panthers in Game 1, Poupart, Alain, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 16, 2021, NHL.com, May 18, 2021, In game two, Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made 32 saves for Tampa Bay as they defeated Florida 3–1 to take a 2–0 series lead.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-florida-panthers-game-2-recap/c-324664036, Lightning defeat Panthers in Game 2, extend series lead, Poupart, Alain, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 18, 2021, NHL.com, May 19, 2021, In game three, the Panthers gave up five goals in the second period; however, after a goalie change, Florida forced overtime where Ryan Lomberg scored to end the game 6–5 for the Panthers.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-tampa-bay-lightning-game-3-recap/c-324663716, Panthers defeat Lightning in OT in Game 3, get first win of series, Long, Corey, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 20, 2021, NHL.com, May 21, 2021, The goaltending woes of the Panthers continued in game four when Sergei Bobrovsky allowed five goals on fourteen shots giving the Lightning a 3–1 series lead after a 6–2 rout.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-tampa-bay-lightning-game-4-recap/c-324663718, Kucherov injured, Lightning defeat Panthers in Game 4, Long, Corey, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 22, 2021, NHL.com, May 23, 2021, In game five, Florida opted to start rookie goaltender Spencer Knight whose 36 saves paid dividends for the Panthers in a 4–1 victory and extending a sixth game.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-florida-panthers-game-5-recap/c-324664038, Knight helps Panthers avoid elimination with Game 5 win against Lightning, Poupart, Aaron, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 24, 2021, NHL.com, May 24, 2021, Vasilevskiy held the fort for the Lightning in game six, posting a 29–save shutout in a 4–0 victory, advancing his team to the Second Round.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-tampa-bay-lightning-game-6-recap/c-324663538, Lightning eliminate Panthers with Game 6 shutout, Long, Corey, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 26, 2021, NHL.com, May 26, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Florida Panthers|team2=Tampa Bay LightningBB&T Center (Sunrise, Florida)>BB&T Center|stadium2=Amalie Arena|homeright=yes|date1 =May 16|score1 =5–4|won1 =2|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-florida-panthers-game-1-recap/c-324663916|1-1-1 =09:41 – pp – Aleksander Barkov (1)16:31 – Carter Verhaeghe (1)|1-1-2 =Blake Coleman (1) – sh – 07:42|1-2-1 =No scoring|1-2-2 =Nikita Kucherov (1) – pp – 04:58Nikita Kucherov (2) – pp – 14:51|1-3-1 =01:27 – Jonathan Huberdeau (1)04:09 – Owen Tippett (1)|1-3-2 =Brayden Point (1) – pp – 13:00Brayden Point (2) – 18:46|goalie1-1 =Sergei Bobrovsky 35 saves / 40 shots|goalie1-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 35 saves / 39 shots|date2 =May 18|score2 =3–1|won2 =2|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-florida-panthers-game-2-recap/c-324664036|2-1-1 =No scoringSteven Stamkos (1) – 04:52OndÅ™ej Palát>Ondrej Palat (1) – 14:57|2-2-1 =14:21 – Mason Marchment (1)|2-2-2 =No scoring|2-3-1 =No scoring|2-3-2 =Yanni Gourde (1) – en – 18:35|goalie2-1 =Chris Driedger 26 saves / 28 shots|goalie2-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 32 saves / 33 shots|date3 =May 20|score3 =6–5|ot3 =1|won3 =1|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-tampa-bay-lightning-game-3-recap/c-324663716Sam Bennett (ice hockey)>Sam Bennett (1) – 04:31Radko Gudas (1) – 07:05|3-1-2 =No scoring|3-2-1 =Alexander Wennberg (1) – pp – 12:34|3-2-2 =01:57 – Anthony Cirelli (1)05:46 – Ross Colton (1)08:38 – Steven Stamkos (2)14:17 – pp – Brayden Point (3)18:17 – pp – Alex Killorn (1)Patric Hörnqvist>Patric Hornqvist (1) – pp – 01:45Gustav Forsling (1) – 16:53|3-3-2 =No scoring|3-4-1 =Ryan Lomberg (1) – 05:56|3-4-2 =No scoring|goalie3-1 =Chris Driedger 17 saves / 22 shotsSergei Bobrovsky 9 saves / 9 shots|goalie3-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 41 saves / 47 shots|date4 =May 22|score4 =2–6|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-tampa-bay-lightning-game-4-recap/c-324663718|4-1-1 =Jonathan Huberdeau (2) – pp – 08:49Anthony Cirelli (2)07:24 – Yanni Gourde (2)16:45 – OndÅ™ej Palát>Ondrej Palat (2)|4-2-1 =Carter Verhaeghe (2) – pp – 18:45|4-2-2 =05:41 – pp – Alex Killorn (2)07:15 – Alex Killorn (3)|4-3-1 =No scoring|4-3-2 =04:47 – pp – Nikita Kucherov (3)|goalie4-1 =Sergei Bobrovsky 9 saves / 14 shotsChris Driedger 11 saves / 12 shots|goalie4-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 39 saves / 41 shots|date5 =May 24|score5 =1–4|won5 =1|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-florida-panthers-game-5-recap/c-324664038|5-1-1 =No scoring|5-1-2 =Ross Colton (2) – 00:53|5-2-1 =06:19 – MacKenzie Weegar (1)16:55 – Mason Marchment (2)|5-2-2 =No scoringpp – Patric Hörnqvist>Patric Hornqvist (2)19:45 – en – Frank Vatrano (1)|5-3-2 =No scoring|goalie5-1 =Spencer Knight 36 saves / 37 shots|goalie5-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 34 saves / 37 shots|date6 =May 26|score6 =0–4|won6 =2|recap6 =www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-tampa-bay-lightning-game-6-recap/c-324663538|6-1-1 =No scoring|6-1-2 =06:16 – Patrick Maroon (1)|6-2-1 =No scoring|6-2-2 =13:27 – pp – Steven Stamkos (3)|6-3-1 =No scoring|6-3-2 =14:36 – Brayden Point (4)18:18 – en – Alex Killorn (4)|goalie6-1 =Spencer Knight 20 saves / 23 shots|goalie6-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 29 saves / 29 shots|series = Tampa Bay won series 4–2}}

East Division first round

(E1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (E4) New York Islanders

The Pittsburgh Penguins finished first in the East Division earning 77 points, winning the tiebreaker against Washington with 34 {{abbr|ROWs|Regulation and Overtime Wins}}. The New York Islanders earned 71 points to finish fourth in the East Division. This was the sixth playoff meeting between these two teams, with New York winning four of the five previous series. They last met in the 2019 Eastern Conference first round, which New York won in a four-game sweep. Pittsburgh won six of eight games in this year’s regular season series.The Islanders defeated the Penguins in six games. In game one, with Semyon Varlamov out as goaltender for New York, Ilya Sorokin stepped in and made 39 saves for the Islanders, defeating Pittsburgh in overtime on Kyle Palmieri’s goal.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins-game-1-recap/c-324663550, Palmieri’s OT goal lifts Islanders past Penguins in Game 1, Crosby, Wes, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 17, 2021, NHL.com, May 18, 2021, Tristan Jarry made 37 saves for the Penguins in game two who emerged victorious by the score of 2–1.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins-game-2-recap/c-324663340, Penguins hang on to defeat Islanders in Game 2, even series, Crosby, Wes, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 18, 2021, NHL.com, May 19, 2021, The Islanders attempted a rally in the third period of game three after being down by two goals. The comeback was spoiled at 16:24 when Penguins forward Brandon Tanev scored to make it 5–4.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-new-york-islanders-game-3-recap/c-324663342, Penguins recover against Islanders in Game 3, take series lead, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 20, 2021, NHL.com, May 21, 2021, The Islanders played defensively in game four with Sorokin stopping 29 shots in a 4–1 victory, tying the series 2–2.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-new-york-islanders-game-4-recap/c-324662622, Islanders defeat Penguins in Game 4, even series, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 22, 2021, NHL.com, May 23, 2021, In game five, heading into double-overtime, Josh Bailey scored 51 seconds into the period for the Islanders to give his team a 3–2 series lead in a 3–2 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins-game-5-recap/c-324663790, Islanders win Game 5 in 2OT to take series lead, push Penguins to brink, Crosby, Wes, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 24, 2021, NHL.com, May 24, 2021, Brock Nelson scored twice and provided an assist in New York’s game six victory, advancing to the Second Round with a 5–3 triumph.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-new-york-islanders-game-6-recap/c-324662952, Islanders defeat Penguins in Game 6, win first-round series, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 26, 2021, NHL.com, May 26, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Pittsburgh Penguins|team2=New York Islanders|stadium1=PPG Paints Arena|stadium2=Nassau Coliseum|homeright=yes|date1 =May 16|score1 =4–3|ot1 =1|won1 =2|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins-game-1-recap/c-324663550Frédérick Gaudreau>Frederick Gaudreau (1)|1-1-2 =Kyle Palmieri (1) – 07:58|1-2-1 =03:47 – Sidney Crosby (1)|1-2-2 =No scoring|1-3-1 =16:21 – Kasperi Kapanen (1)|1-3-2 =Jean-Gabriel Pageau (1) – 03:33Brock Nelson (1) – 15:50|1-4-1 =No scoring|1-4-2 =Kyle Palmieri (2) – 16:30|goalie1-1 =Tristan Jarry 37 saves / 41 shots|goalie1-2 =Ilya Sorokin 39 saves / 42 shots|date2 =May 18|score2 =1–2|won2 =1|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins-game-2-recap/c-324663340|2-1-1 =03:22 – Bryan Rust (1)13:07 – Jeff Carter (1)|2-1-2 =No scoring|2-2-1 =No scoring|2-2-2 =Josh Bailey (1) – 14:44|2-3-1 =No scoring|2-3-2 =No scoring|goalie2-1 =Tristan Jarry 37 saves / 38 shots|goalie2-2 =Semyon Varlamov 43 saves / 45 shots|date3 =May 20|score3 =5–4|won3 =1|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-new-york-islanders-game-3-recap/c-324663342|3-1-1 =Kris Letang (1) – 02:01|3-1-2 =No scoring|3-2-1 =Jeff Carter (2) – 13:33Jason Zucker (1) – 18:03|3-2-2 =11:03 – Scott Mayfield (1)|3-3-1 =Jeff Carter (3) – pp – 07:00Brandon Tanev (1) – 16:24|3-3-2 =03:46 – Cal Clutterbuck (1)05:54 – pp – Anthony Beauvillier (1)14:17 – Cal Clutterbuck (2)|goalie3-1 =Tristan Jarry 26 saves / 30 shots|goalie3-2 =Semyon Varlamov 22 saves / 27 shots|date4 =May 22|score4 =1–4|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-new-york-islanders-game-4-recap/c-324662622|4-1-1 =No scoring|4-1-2 =No scoring|4-2-1 =No scoring|4-2-2 =08:07 – Josh Bailey (2)14:51 – Ryan Pulock (1)|4-3-1 =Zach Aston-Reese (1) – sh – 17:25|4-3-2 =06:04 – pp – Oliver Wahlstrom (1)06:28 – pp – Jordan Eberle (1)|goalie4-1 =Tristan Jarry 22 saves / 26 shots|goalie4-2 =Ilya Sorokin 29 saves / 30 shots|date5 =May 24|score5 =3–2|ot5 =2|won5 =2|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins-game-5-recap/c-324663790|5-1-1 =08:20 – pp – Evgeni Malkin (1)|5-1-2 =Anthony Beauvillier (2) – 19:05|5-2-1 =07:37 – Bryan Rust (2)|5-2-2 =No scoring|5-3-1 =No scoring|5-3-2 =Jordan Eberle (2) – 08:50|5-4-1 =No scoring|5-4-2 =Josh Bailey (3) – 00:51|goalie5-1 =Tristan Jarry 25 saves / 28 shots|goalie5-2 =Ilya Sorokin 48 saves / 50 shots|date6 =May 26|score6 =3–5|won6 =2|recap6 =www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-new-york-islanders-game-6-recap/c-324662952|6-1-1 =Jeff Carter (4) – 01:27Jake Guentzel (1) – pp – 11:12|6-1-2 =05:16 – Anthony Beauvillier (3)12:25 – Kyle Palmieri (3)|6-2-1 =Jason Zucker (2) – 01:53|6-2-2 =08:35 – Brock Nelson (2)08:48 – Ryan Pulock (1)11:34 – Brock Nelson (3)|6-3-1 =No scoring|6-3-2 =No scoring|goalie6-1 =Tristan Jarry 19 saves / 24 shots|goalie6-2 =Ilya Sorokin 34 saves / 37 shots|series = New York won series 4–2}}

(E2) Washington Capitals vs. (E3) Boston Bruins

The Washington Capitals finished second in the East Division with 77 points, losing the tiebreaker against Pittsburgh with 33 {{abbr|ROWs|Regulation and Overtime Wins}}. The Boston Bruins earned 73 points to finish third in the East Division. This was the fourth playoff series between these two teams, with Washington winning two of the three previous series. They last met in the 2012 Eastern Conference quarterfinals, which Washington won in seven games. Washington won their round-robin game in the previous year’s Stanley Cup Qualifiers 2–1. These teams split their eight-game regular season series.The Bruins defeated the Capitals in five games. In game one, with the teams tied at two a-piece after the third period, Capitals forward Nic Dowd scored at 4:41 of overtime to give Washington their first victory of the series.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-washington-capitals-game-1-recap/c-324663564, Dowd, Anderson help Capitals defeat Bruins in OT in Game 1, Valentine, Harvey, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 15, 2021, NHL.com, May 15, 2021, With game two tied 3–3 and heading into overtime again, the Bruins’ Brad Marchand scored 39 seconds into the first overtime period to tie the series 1–1.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-washington-capitals-game-2-recap/c-324663462, Marchand scores in OT, Bruins top Capitals in Game 2 to even series, Valentine, Harvey, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 17, 2021, NHL.com, May 18, 2021, In game three, the two teams extended into overtime for the third consecutive game where Capitals’s goalie Ilya Samsonov misplayed the puck behind the net and Bruins forward Craig Smith scored in double overtime to give Boston a 3–2 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-boston-bruins-game-3-recap/c-324662950, Bruins top Capitals in 2OT in Game 3, take series lead, Kalman, Matt, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 19, 2021, NHL.com, May 20, 2021, David Pastrnak scored a goal and provided an assist in Boston’s 4–1 victory of game four, taking a 3–1 series and a chance to advance in game five.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-boston-bruins-game-4-recap/c-324662954, Bruins push Capitals to brink with Game 4 win, Kalman, Matt, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 21, 2021, NHL.com, May 23, 2021, In game five, captain Patrice Bergeron scored twice for the Bruins, ending the series with a 3–1 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-washington-capitals-game-5-recap/c-324663380, Bruins win Game 5, eliminate Capitals in Stanley Cup First Round, Valentine, Harvey, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 23, 2021, NHL.com, May 23, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Washington Capitals|team2=Boston Bruins|stadium1=Capital One Arena|stadium2=TD Garden|homeright=yes|date1 =May 15|score1 =2–3|ot1 =1|won1 =1|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-washington-capitals-game-1-recap/c-324663564Tom Wilson (ice hockey)>Tom Wilson (1)|1-1-2 =Jake DeBrusk (1) – 13:10|1-2-1 =08:44 – Brenden Dillon (1)|1-2-2 =Nick Ritchie (1) – pp – 16:38|1-3-1 =No scoring|1-3-2 =No scoring|1-4-1 =04:41 – Nic Dowd (1)|1-4-2 =No scoringVítek Vaněček>Vitek Vanecek 3 saves / 4 shotsCraig Anderson 21 saves / 22 shots|goalie1-2 =Tuukka Rask 29 saves / 32 shots|date2 =May 17|score2 =4–3|ot2 =1|won2 =2|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-washington-capitals-game-2-recap/c-324663462|2-1-1 =06:31 – pp – T. J. Oshie (1)16:42 – Garnet Hathaway (1)|2-1-2 =Jake DeBrusk (2) – 05:05Patrice Bergeron (1) – 09:21|2-2-1 =No scoring|2-2-2 =No scoring|2-3-1 =07:04 – Garnet Hathaway (2)|2-3-2 =Taylor Hall (1) – 17:11|2-4-1 =No scoring|2-4-2 =Brad Marchand (1) – 00:39Craig Anderson (ice hockey)>Craig Anderson 44 saves / 48 shots|goalie2-2 =Tuukka Rask 36 saves / 39 shots|date3 =May 19|score3 =2–3|ot3 =2|won3 =2|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-boston-bruins-game-3-recap/c-324662950|3-1-1 =No scoring|3-1-2 =No scoring|3-2-1 =Alexander Ovechkin (1) – pp – 08:21Nic Dowd (2) – 18:15|3-2-2 =09:17 – Taylor Hall (2)|3-3-1 =No scoring|3-3-2 =11:32 – pp – Brad Marchand (2)|3-4-1 =No scoringCraig Smith (ice hockey)>Craig Smith (1)|goalie3-1 =Ilya Samsonov 40 saves / 43 shots|goalie3-2 =Tuukka Rask 35 saves / 37 shots|date4 =May 21|score4 =1–4|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-boston-bruins-game-4-recap/c-324662954|4-1-1 =No scoring|4-1-2 =No scoring|4-2-1 =No scoring|4-2-2 =08:00 – pp – Brad Marchand (3)|4-3-1 =Alexander Ovechkin (2) – pp – 04:54pp – David Pastrňák>David Pastrnak (1)01:03 – Charlie Coyle (1)14:50 – pp – Matt Grzelcyk (1)|goalie4-1 =Ilya Samsonov 33 saves / 37 shots|goalie4-2 =Tuukka Rask 19 saves / 20 shots|date5 =May 23|score5 =3–1|won5 =2|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-washington-capitals-game-5-recap/c-324663380|5-1-1 =No scoring|5-1-2 =No scoring|5-2-1 =No scoringDavid Pastrňák>David Pastrnak (2) – 02:28Patrice Bergeron (2) – 14:05|5-3-1 =00:11 – Conor Sheary (1)|5-3-2 =Patrice Bergeron (3) – 12:25|goalie5-1 =Ilya Samsonov 16 saves / 19 shots|goalie5-2 =Tuukka Rask 40 saves / 41 shots|series = Boston won series 4–1}}

North Division first round

(N1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (N4) Montreal Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs finished first in the North Division earning 77 points. The Montreal Canadiens earned 59 points to finish fourth in the North Division. This was the sixteenth playoff meeting between these two rivals, with Montreal winning eight of the fifteen previous series. They last met in the 1979 Stanley Cup quarterfinals, which Montreal won in a four-game sweep. Toronto won seven of ten games in this year’s regular season series.The Canadiens defeated the Maple Leafs in seven games after being down 3–1 in the series. In game one, Maple Leafs captain John Tavares got upended by Ben Chiarot; while falling to the ice, Canadiens forward Corey Perry attempted to jump over Tavares’ head; however, Perry’s knee clipped the Toronto captain in the head. Ultimately, Tavares required a stretcher to leave the ice and was transported to the hospital.WEB,www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/31483358/toronto-maple-leafs-captain-john-tavares-released-hospital-indefinitely, Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares released from hospital, out indefinitely, Kaplan, Emily, ESPN Enterprises, Inc., May 20, 2021, ESPN.com, May 21, 2021, After the game, Perry expressed sincere remorse for his actions stating “I don’t know what else to do there. I tried to jump. I know Johnny pretty well and just hope he’s OK.“WEB,nesn.com/2021/05/corey-perry-addresses-knee-to-head-hit-that-hospitalized-john-tavares/, Corey Perry Addresses Knee-To-Head Hit That Hospitalized John Tavares, Francisco, Alexandra, NESN, May 20, 2021, May 21, 2021, AV MEDIA, May 20, 2021, Corey Perry ‘Felt Sick To His Stomach’ After Collision With John Tavares, YouTube,www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr9nlVb4BR8, SPORTSNET, May 21, 2021, The Canadiens won the game 2–1 on Carey Price’s 35 saves along with Paul Byron’s shorthanded game-winning goal in the third period.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-toronto-maple-leafs-game-1-recap/c-324664336, Price, Canadiens edge Maple Leafs in Game 1; Tavares injured, McCarthy, Dave, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 20, 2021, NHL.com, May 21, 2021, In game two, Auston Matthews scored a goal and two assists in the Maple Leafs’ 5–1 victory to tie the series 1–1.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-toronto-maple-leafs-game-2-recap/c-324664268, Maple Leafs top Canadiens in Game 2, even series without Tavares, McCarthy, Dave, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 22, 2021, NHL.com, May 23, 2021, The victory was their first playoff win over Montreal since their 1967 Stanley Cup-clinching game.WEB, May 22, 2021, Maple Leafs score twice on power play to even series with Habs,www.tsn.ca/toronto-maple-leafs-score-2-on-power-play-to-even-series-with-montreal-canadiens-1.1643992, Bell Media, May 23, 2021, TSN.ca, In game three, the Maple Leafs scored twice in the second period, and with Jack Campbell’s 28-save performance, secured a 2–1 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-montreal-canadiens-game-3-recap/c-324664410, Maple Leafs hold off Canadiens in Game 3, take series lead, Farrell, Sean, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 24, 2021, NHL.com, May 24, 2021, Campbell continued his goaltending prowess into game four with a 4–0 shutout victory, stopping all 32 shots he faced and granting the Maple Leafs a 3–1 series lead.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-montreal-canadiens-game-4-recap/c-324664128, Maple Leafs push Canadiens to brink with shutout in Game 4, Farrell, Sean, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 25, 2021, NHL.com, May 26, 2021, In game five, the Canadiens grabbed a 3–0 lead in the second period, however, the Maple Leafs tied the game with 8:06 left in the third period to force overtime. In overtime, Toronto forward Alex Galchenyuk gave the puck away causing a 2-on-0 break for rookie Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, the latter of which scored to spoil the Maple Leafs comeback and forced a sixth game.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-toronto-maple-leafs-game-5-recap/c-324663972, Canadiens defeat Maple Leafs in OT in Game 5, extend first-round series, McCarthy, Dave, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 27, 2021, NHL.com, May 28, 2021, The first two periods of game six remained scoreless until the third period where Montreal scored two power-play goals. In the final nine minutes, Toronto evened the score to send it to overtime where Maple Leafs defenceman Travis Dermott gave the puck up to Paul Byron who passed it towards Jesperi Kotkaniemi for the game-winning goal at 15:15, tying the series 3–3 with a 3–2 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-montreal-canadiens-game-6-recap/c-324663974, Canadiens recover again, defeat Maple Leafs in OT in Game 6, Farrell, Sean, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 29, 2021, NHL.com, May 30, 2021, Canadiens goalie Carey Price made 30 saves in game seven, defeating Toronto 3–1 and completing a 3–1 series comeback. With the victory, Montreal ties the NHL record for most series victories after being down 3–1 in a series.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-toronto-maple-leafs-game-7-recap/c-324664302, Canadiens eliminate Maple Leafs in Game 7, advance to second round, McCarthy, Dave, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 31, 2021, NHL.com, May 31, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Toronto Maple Leafs|team2=Montreal Canadiens|stadium1=Scotiabank Arena|stadium2=Bell Centre|homeright=yes|date1 =May 20|score1 =2–1|won1 =2|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-toronto-maple-leafs-game-1-recap/c-324664336|1-1-1 =No scoringJosh Anderson (ice hockey)>Josh Anderson (1) – 12:08|1-2-1 =04:28 – William Nylander (1)|1-2-2 =No scoring|1-3-1 =No scoring|1-3-2 =Paul Byron (1) – sh – 12:44Jack Campbell (ice hockey)>Jack Campbell 28 saves / 30 shots|goalie1-2 =Carey Price 35 saves / 36 shots|date2 =May 22|score2 =1–5|won2 =1|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-toronto-maple-leafs-game-2-recap/c-324664268|2-1-1 =12:25 – Jason Spezza (1)|2-1-2 =Jesperi Kotkaniemi (1) – 07:57|2-2-1 =05:15 – Auston Matthews (1)13:20 – pp – Rasmus Sandin (1)|2-2-2 =No scoring|2-3-1 =08:50 – pp – William Nylander (2)18:37 – en – Alexander Kerfoot (1)|2-3-2 =No scoringJack Campbell (ice hockey)>Jack Campbell 22 saves / 23 shots|goalie2-2 =Carey Price 29 saves / 33 shots|date3 =May 24|score3 =2–1|won3 =1|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-montreal-canadiens-game-3-recap/c-324664410|3-1-1 =No scoring|3-1-2 =No scoring|3-2-1 =William Nylander (3) – 07:18Morgan Rielly (1) – 16:35|3-2-2 =13:56 – Nick Suzuki (1)|3-3-1 =No scoring|3-3-2 =No scoringJack Campbell (ice hockey)>Jack Campbell 28 saves / 29 shots|goalie3-2 =Carey Price 27 saves / 29 shots|date4 =May 25|score4 =4–0|won4 =1|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-montreal-canadiens-game-4-recap/c-324664128|4-1-1 =No scoring|4-1-2 =No scoring|4-2-1 =William Nylander (4) – 01:27Jason Spezza (2) – 12:28Joe Thornton (1) – pp – 14:56|4-2-2 =No scoring|4-3-1 =Alex Galchenyuk (1) – en – 16:29|4-3-2 =No scoringJack Campbell (ice hockey)>Jack Campbell 32 saves / 32 shots|goalie4-2 =Carey Price 24 saves / 27 shots|date5 =May 27|score5 =4–3|ot5 =1|won5 =2|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-toronto-maple-leafs-game-5-recap/c-324663972|5-1-1 =No scoring|5-1-2 =Joel Armia (1) – 05:13Joel Armia (2) – 08:18|5-2-1 =06:32 – Zach Hyman (1)|5-2-2 =Jesperi Kotkaniemi (2) – 04:52|5-3-1 =06:52 – Jake Muzzin (1)11:53 – Jake Muzzin (2)|5-3-2 =No scoring|5-4-1 =No scoring|5-4-2 =Nick Suzuki (2) – 00:59Jack Campbell (ice hockey)>Jack Campbell 26 saves / 30 shots|goalie5-2 =Carey Price 32 saves / 35 shots|date6 =May 29|score6 =2–3|ot6 =1|won6 =2|recap6 =www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-montreal-canadiens-game-6-recap/c-324663974|6-1-1 =No scoring|6-1-2 =No scoring|6-2-1 =No scoring|6-2-2 =No scoring|6-3-1 =Jason Spezza (3) – 11:35T. J. Brodie (1) – 16:49|6-3-2 =05:26 – pp – Corey Perry (1)06:43 – pp – Tyler Toffoli (1)|6-4-1 =No scoring|6-4-2 =15:15 – Jesperi Kotkaniemi (3)Jack Campbell (ice hockey)>Jack Campbell 28 saves / 31 shots|goalie6-2 =Carey Price 41 saves / 43 shots|date7 =May 31|score7 =3–1|won7 =2|recap7 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-toronto-maple-leafs-game-7-recap/c-324664302|7-1-1 =No scoring|7-1-2 =No scoring|7-2-1 =No scoring|7-2-2 =Brendan Gallagher (1) – 03:02Corey Perry (2) – pp – 15:25|7-3-1 =18:24 – William Nylander (5)|7-3-2 =Tyler Toffoli (2) – en – 17:22Jack Campbell (ice hockey)>Jack Campbell 20 saves / 22 shots|goalie7-2 =Carey Price 29 saves / 30 shots|series = Montreal won series 4–3}}

(N2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (N3) Winnipeg Jets

The Edmonton Oilers finished second in the North Division with 72 points. The Winnipeg Jets earned 63 points to finish third in the North Division. This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams. This was also the first Stanley Cup playoff meeting between these two cities since the 1990 Smythe Division semifinals. Edmonton won seven of nine games in this year’s regular season series.The Jets defeated the Oilers in their first four-game sweep in franchise history. In game one, Connor Hellebuyck made 32 saves for the Jets, defeating the Oilers 4–1.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-edmonton-oilers-game-1-recap/c-324664406, Hellebuyck makes 32 saves, Jets defeat Oilers in Game 1, Van Diest, Derek, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 19, 2021, NHL.com, May 20, 2021, Hellebuyck continued to his goaltending dominance in game two as the Oilers poured off 38 shots and no goals in a 1–0 overtime shutout loss.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-edmonton-oilers-game-2-recap/c-324663384, Jets shut out McDavid, Oilers in OT in Game 2, extend series lead, Van Diest, Derek, NHL Enterprises L. P., May 21, 2021, NHL.com, May 23, 2021, In game three, the Oilers jumped out to a 4–1 lead in the third period; the Jets were able to tie the game less than ten minutes later, with all three goals coming in a span of just over three minutes to force overtime. In overtime, Nikolaj Ehlers, who had been injured up to this game, scored to complete the comeback and snatch a 3–0 series lead.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-winnipeg-jets-game-3-recap/c-324664510, Jets on verge of sweep after rallying for OT win against Oilers in Game 3, Bauming, Darrin, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 23, 2021, NHL.com, May 24, 2021, With game four headed into triple-overtime, the Jets ended the marathon with Kyle Connor’s series-clinching goal at 6:52, sweeping the Oilers in four games upon a 4–3 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-winnipeg-jets-game-4-recap/c-324663720, Jets sweep Oilers with 3OT win in Game 4, Bauming, Darrin, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 25, 2021, NHL.com, May 25, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Edmonton Oilers|team2=Winnipeg Jets|stadium1=Rogers Place|stadium2=Bell MTS Place|homeright=yes|date1 =May 19|score1 =4–1|won1 =2|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-edmonton-oilers-game-1-recap/c-324664406|1-1-1 =No scoring|1-1-2 =No scoringJesse Puljujärvi>Jesse Puljujarvi (1)|1-2-2 =Tucker Poolman (1) – 11:01|1-3-1 =No scoring|1-3-2 =Dominic Toninato (1) – 09:14Kyle Connor (1) – en – 18:13Blake Wheeler (1) – en – 18:45Mike Smith (ice hockey, born 1982)>Mike Smith 18 saves / 20 shots|goalie1-2 =Connor Hellebuyck 32 saves / 33 shots|date2 =May 21|score2 =1–0|ot2 =1|won2 =2|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-edmonton-oilers-game-2-recap/c-324663384|2-1-1 =No scoring|2-1-2 =No scoring|2-2-1 =No scoring|2-2-2 =No scoring|2-3-1 =No scoring|2-3-2 =No scoring|2-4-1 =No scoring|2-4-2 =Paul Stastny (1) – 04:06Mike Smith (ice hockey, born 1982)>Mike Smith 35 saves / 36 shots|goalie2-2 =Connor Hellebuyck 38 saves / 38 shots|date3 =May 23|score3 =4–5|ot3 =1|won3 =2|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-winnipeg-jets-game-3-recap/c-324664510|3-1-1 =Leon Draisaitl (1) – 06:33Leon Draisaitl (2) – pp – 09:10|3-1-2 =No scoring|3-2-1 =Zack Kassian (1) – 18:17|3-2-2 =17:13 – pp – Nikolaj Ehlers (1)|3-3-1 =Jujhar Khaira (1) – 04:43|3-3-2 =11:41 – pp – Mathieu Perreault (1)14:28 – Blake Wheeler (2)14:44 – Josh Morrissey (1)|3-4-1 =No scoring|3-4-2 =09:13 – Nikolaj Ehlers (2)Mike Smith (ice hockey, born 1982)>Mike Smith 32 saves / 37 shots|goalie3-2 =Connor Hellebuyck 44 saves / 48 shots|date4 =May 24|score4 =3–4|ot4 =3|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/gamecenter/edm-vs-wpg/2021/05/24/2020030184#game=2020030184,game_state=final,game_tab=wrap|4-1-1 =Connor McDavid (1) – 07:33|4-1-2 =06:16 – Mark Scheifele (1)15:55 – Mason Appleton (1)|4-2-1 =Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (1) – 03:44Alex Chiasson (1) – pp – 16:37|4-2-2 =No scoring|4-3-1 =No scoring|4-3-2 =06:01 – Mark Scheifele (2)|4-4-1 =No scoring|4-4-2 =06:52 – Kyle Connor (2)Mike Smith (ice hockey, born 1982)>Mike Smith 39 saves / 43 shots|goalie4-2 =Connor Hellebuyck 37 saves / 40 shots|series = Winnipeg won series 4–0}}

West Division first round

(W1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (W4) St. Louis Blues

The Colorado Avalanche earned the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s best regular season team with 82 points, winning the tiebreaker against the Vegas Golden Knights with 35 {{abbr|RWs|Regulation Wins}}. St. Louis finished as the fourth seed in the West Division, earning 63 points. This was the second playoff series between these two teams. Their only previous meeting was in the 2001 Western Conference Final, which Colorado won in five games. Colorado won their round-robin game in the previous year’s Stanley Cup Qualifiers 2–1. Colorado won five of eight games in this year’s regular season series.The Avalanche defeated the Blues in a four-game sweep. In Game 1, the Avalanche shot the puck 50 times throughout the game with Nathan MacKinnon potting two goals and an assist in a 4–1 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-colorado-avalanche-game-1-recap/c-324721490, Avalanche pull away from Blues in third, win Game 1, Sadowski, Rick, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 17, 2021, NHL.com, May 18, 2021, MacKinnon scored a hat-trick in Game 2 as the Avalanche defeated the Blues 6–3.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-colorado-avalanche-game-2-recap/c-324720186, MacKinnon scores hat trick, Avalanche defeat Blues in Game 2, Sadowski, Rick, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 19, 2021, NHL.com, May 20, 2021, During the game, Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri hit Blues defenceman Justin Faulk in the head. Kadri would be suspended for eight games for the hit, although he filed an appeal, the suspension was upheld on May 31.WEB,www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/avalanches_nazem_kadri_appealing_eight_game_suspension/s1_14825_34979162, Avalanche’s Nazem Kadri appealing eight-game suspension, La Rose, Brian, YB Media, LLC., May 23, 2021, YardBarker.com, May 31, 2021, WEB,nhl.nbcsports.com/2021/05/31/nazem-kadri-8-game-suspension-upheld-by-gary-bettman/, Gary Bettman upholds Nazem Kadri’s 8-game suspension, Gretz, Adam, NBC Universal, May 31, 2021, NBCSports.com, May 30, 2021, In Game 3, Avalanche defenceman Ryan Graves scored a goal and two assists and Philipp Grubauer made 31 saves to defeat the Blues 5–1 and take a commanding 3–0 series lead.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-st-louis-blues-game-3-recap/c-324721254, Avalanche on verge of sweep with Game 3 win against Blues, Korac, Louie, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 21, 2021, NHL.com, May 23, 2021, In Game 4, the Avalanche offensively drained the Blues with 34 shots and, with two empty-net goals, Colorado defeated St. Louis 5–2 to advance to the Second Round.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-st-louis-blues-game-4-recap/c-324720444, Avalanche defeat Blues in Game 4, sweep Stanley Cup First Round series, Korac, Louie, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 23, 2021, NHL.com, May 23, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Colorado Avalanche|team2=St. Louis Blues|stadium1=Ball Arena|stadium2=Enterprise Center|homeright=yes|date1 =May 17|score1 =1–4|won1 =1|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-colorado-avalanche-game-1-recap/c-324721490|1-1-1 =15:15 – pp – Cale Makar (1)|1-1-2 =No scoring|1-2-1 =No scoring|1-2-2 =Jordan Kyrou (1) – 16:31|1-3-1 =00:30 – Nathan MacKinnon (1)08:30 – Gabriel Landeskog (1)19:20 – en – Nathan MacKinnon (2)|1-3-2 =No scoring|goalie1-1 =Philipp Grubauer 22 saves / 23 shots|goalie1-2 =Jordan Binnington 46 saves / 49 shots|date2 =May 19|score2 =3–6|won2 =1|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-colorado-avalanche-game-2-recap/c-324720186|2-1-1 =00:35 – Joonas Donskoi (1)18:05 – pp – Nathan MacKinnon (3)|2-1-2 =No scoring|2-2-1 =03:14 – pp – Joonas Donskoi (2)|2-2-2 =Samuel Blais (1) – 16:17|2-3-1 =15:25 – Nathan MacKinnon (4)17:51 – en – Brandon Saad (1)19:48 – en – Nathan MacKinnon (5)Brayden Schenn (1) – pp – 10:07Mike Hoffman (ice hockey, born 1989)>Mike Hoffman (1) – 15:40|goalie2-1 =Philipp Grubauer 32 saves / 35 shots|goalie2-2 =Jordan Binnington 29 saves / 33 shots|date3 =May 21|score3 =5–1|won3 =1|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-st-louis-blues-game-3-recap/c-324721254|3-1-1 =No scoring|3-1-2 =No scoringRyan Graves (ice hockey)>Ryan Graves (1) – 01:57Alex Newhook (1) – 12:37Tyson Jost (1) – 16:08|3-2-2 =16:17 – sh – Tyler Bozak (1)|3-3-1 =Brandon Saad (2) – 13:42J. T. Compher (1) – sh-en – 19:06|3-3-2 =No scoring|goalie3-1 =Philipp Grubauer 31 saves / 32 shots|goalie3-2 =Jordan Binnington 21 saves / 25 shots|date4 =May 23|score4 =5–2|won4 =1|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-st-louis-blues-game-4-recap/c-324720444|4-1-1 =No scoring|4-1-2 =No scoring|4-2-1 =Brandon Saad (3) – pp – 11:37Gabriel Landeskog (2) – 14:53|4-2-2 =04:25 – Vladimir Tarasenko (1)|4-3-1 =Mikko Rantanen (1) – 04:20Nathan MacKinnon (6) – pp-en – 19:04Valeri Nichushkin (1) – pp-en – 19:54|4-3-2 =08:39 – pp – Vladimir Tarasenko (2)|goalie4-1 =Philipp Grubauer 18 saves / 20 shots|goalie4-2 =Jordan Binnington 29 saves / 32 shots|series = Colorado won series 4–0}}

(W2) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (W3) Minnesota Wild

The Vegas Golden Knights finished second in the West Division with 82 points, losing the tiebreaker against Colorado with 30 {{abbr|RWs|Regulation Wins}}. The Minnesota Wild earned 75 points to finish third in the West Division. This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams. Minnesota won five of eight games in this year’s regular season series.The Golden Knights defeated the Wild in seven games after having a 3–1 series lead. Vegas goalie Marc-Andre Fleury made NHL history in Game 1, becoming the first goaltender to start at least one game during the playoffs in fifteen consecutive seasons. However, his team ended up losing the game in an overtime shutout via Wild goalie Cam Talbot’s 42-save performance and Joel Eriksson Ek’s goal.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-vegas-golden-knights-game-1-recap/c-324721502, Wild shut out Golden Knights, win Game 1 in OT, Webster, Danny, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 16, 2021, NHL.com, May 18, 2021, In Game 2, Alex Tuch scored twice for the Golden Knights, winning the match 3–1.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-vegas-golden-knights-game-2-recap/c-324721084, Fleury, Golden Knights defeat Wild in Game 2, even series, Webster, Danny, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 18, 2021, NHL.com, May 19, 2021, In Game 3, the Golden Knights scored five straight after being down 2–0 in the first period en route to a 5–2 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-minnesota-wild-game-3-recap/c-324721638, Golden Knights rally for win against Wild in Game 3, take series lead, Pierce, Jesse, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 20, 2021, NHL.com, May 21, 2021, Fleury shut out the Wild in Game 4, stopping all 35 shots he faced in a 4–0 victory taking a 3–1 series lead.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-minnesota-wild-game-4-recap/c-324721640, Golden Knights push Wild to brink with Game 4 win, Pierce, Jesse, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 22, 2021, NHL.com, May 23, 2021, On the brink in Game 5, the Wild were minimized to 14 shots, however, they scored 4 times and turned away 38 shots to win 4–2 and extend the series to a sixth game.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-vegas-golden-knights-game-5-recap/c-324720446, Wild defeat Golden Knights in Game 5, avoid elimination, Webster, Danny, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 24, 2021, NHL.com, May 24, 2021, The Wild staved off elimination in Game 6, scoring three goals in the third period of Cam Talbot’s 23-save shutout to win 3–0.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-minnesota-wild-game-6-recap/c-324722010, Wild shut out Golden Knights in Game 6, push series to limit, Pierce, Jesse, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 26, 2021, NHL.com, May 28, 2021, In Game 7, Mattias Janmark scored a hat-trick for the Golden Knights, preventing the Wild from completing a 3–1 series comeback with a 6–2 rout.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-vegas-golden-knights-game-7-recap/c-324721636?game_pk=2020030167, Golden Knights defeat Wild in Game 7, advance to second round, Webster, Danny, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 28, 2021, NHL.com, May 28, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Vegas Golden Knights|team2=Minnesota Wild|stadium1=T-Mobile Arena|stadium2=Xcel Energy Center|homeright=yes|date1 =May 16|score1 =1–0|ot1 =1|won1 =2|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-vegas-golden-knights-game-1-recap/c-324721502|1-1-1 =No scoring|1-1-2 =No scoring|1-2-1 =No scoring|1-2-2 =No scoring|1-3-1 =No scoring|1-3-2 =No scoring|1-4-1 =No scoring|1-4-2 =Joel Eriksson Ek (1) – 03:20Marc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 29 saves / 30 shots|goalie1-2 =Cam Talbot 42 saves / 42 shots|date2 =May 18|score2 =1–3|won2 =1|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-vegas-golden-knights-game-2-recap/c-324721084|2-1-1 =No scoring|2-1-2 =No scoring|2-2-1 =12:25 – Jonathan Marchessault (1)17:19 – Alex Tuch (1)|2-2-2 =Matt Dumba (1) – 12:07|2-3-1 =19:07 – pp – Alex Tuch (2)|2-3-2 =No scoringMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 34 saves / 35 shots|goalie2-2 =Cam Talbot 25 saves / 28 shots|date3 =May 20|score3 =5–2|won3 =1|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-minnesota-wild-game-3-recap/c-324721638|3-1-1 =No scoring|3-1-2 =02:16 – Ryan Hartman (1)08:30 – Joel Eriksson Ek (2)Mark Stone (1) – 08:39Patrick Brown (ice hockey)>Patrick Brown (1) – 15:19Reilly Smith (1) – 17:33|3-2-2 =No scoring|3-3-1 =William Karlsson (1) – 17:36Mark Stone (2) – en – 19:01|3-3-2 =No scoringMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 14 saves / 16 shots|goalie3-2 =Cam Talbot 35 saves / 39 shots|date4 =May 22|score4 =4–0|won4 =1|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-minnesota-wild-game-4-recap/c-324721640|4-1-1 =Nicolas Roy (1) – 10:37|4-1-2 =No scoring|4-2-1 =Alex Tuch (3) – 09:08Mark Stone (3) – sh – 13:41|4-2-2 =No scoring|4-3-1 =Nicolas Roy (2) – en – 18:32|4-3-2 =No scoringMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 35 saves / 35 shots|goalie4-2 =Cam Talbot 14 saves / 17 shots|date5 =May 24|score5 =4–2|won5 =2|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-vegas-golden-knights-game-5-recap/c-324720446|5-1-1 =08:14 – Mark Stone (4)|5-1-2 =Kirill Kaprizov (1) – 09:06Zach Parise (1) – 11:57Jordan Greenway (1) – 16:34|5-2-1 =09:43 – pp – Alec Martinez (1)|5-2-2 =No scoring|5-3-1 =No scoring|5-3-2 =Nico Sturm (1) – en – 19:21Marc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 10 saves / 13 shots|goalie5-2 =Cam Talbot 38 saves / 40 shots|date6 =May 26|score6 =0–3|won6 =2|recap6 =www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-minnesota-wild-game-6-recap/c-324722010|6-1-1 =No scoring|6-1-2 =No scoring|6-2-1 =No scoring|6-2-2 =No scoring|6-3-1 =No scoring|6-3-2 =04:21 – Ryan Hartman (2)09:35 – pp – Kevin Fiala (1)15:17 – Nick Bjugstad (1)Marc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 21 saves / 24 shots|goalie6-2 =Cam Talbot 23 saves / 23 shots|date7 =May 28|score7 =2–6|won7 =1|recap7 =www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-vegas-golden-knights-game-7-recap/c-324721636|7-1-1 =05:09 – Mattias Janmark (1)|7-1-2 =Zach Parise (2) – 16:49|7-2-1 =02:05 – Nicolas Hague (1)07:44 – Max Pacioretty (1)13:38 – Zach Whitecloud (1)|7-2-2 =Kirill Kaprizov (2) – pp – 04:35|7-3-1 =12:36 – Mattias Janmark (2)16:53 – en – Mattias Janmark (3)|7-3-2 =No scoringMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 18 saves / 20 shots|goalie7-2 =Cam Talbot 28 saves / 33 shots|series = Vegas won series 4–3}}

Second round

Central Division second round

(C1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (C3) Tampa Bay Lightning

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams. These teams split their eight-game regular season series.The Lightning defeated the Hurricanes in five games. Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy backstopped Tampa Bay with 37 saves in game one, defeating the Hurricanes 2–1.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-carolina-hurricanes-game-1-recap/c-325053516, Vasilevskiy, Lightning edge Hurricanes in Game 1, Dusterberg, Kurt, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 30, 2021, NHL.com, May 31, 2021, In game two, Vasilevskiy continued his goaltending excellence with 31 saves, defeating the Hurricanes again by the score of 2–1.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-carolina-hurricanes-game-2-recap/c-325052256, Vasilevskiy, Lightning defeat Hurricanes in Game 2, extend series lead, Dusterberg, Kurt, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 1, 2021, NHL.com, June 2, 2021, The Hurricanes opted to start Petr Mrazek in game three, which paid dividends as the goaltender made 35 saves in Carolina’s 3–2 overtime victory with Jordan Staal scoring the game-winning goal.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-tampa-bay-lightning-game-3-recap/c-325053342, Staal lifts Hurricanes past Lightning in OT in Game 3, Long, Corey, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 3, 2021, NHL.com, June 4, 2021, In game four, the Hurricanes and Lightning combined for eight goals in the second period, with Tampa Bay overcoming a two-goal deficit in that period and defeating Carolina 6–4 for a 3–1 series lead.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-tampa-bay-lightning-game-4-recap/c-325053344, Lightning rally to win Game 4, push Hurricanes to brink in second round, Long, Corey, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 5, 2021, NHL.com, June 7, 2021, Vasilevskiy made 29 saves in a 2–0 shutout victory in game five, advancing Tampa Bay to the Stanley Cup Semifinals for the second consecutive season.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-carolina-hurricanes-game-5-recap/c-325053346, Lightning eliminate Hurricanes in Game 5 of Stanley Cup Second Round, Dusterberg, Kurt, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 8, 2021, NHL.com, June 8, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Carolina Hurricanes|team2=Tampa Bay Lightning|stadium1=PNC Arena|stadium2=Amalie Arena|homeright=yes|date1 =May 30|score1 =2–1|won1 =2|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-carolina-hurricanes-game-1-recap/c-325053516|1-1-1 =No scoring|1-1-2 =No scoring|1-2-1 =No scoring|1-2-2 =Brayden Point (5) – pp – 08:15|1-3-1 =01:41 – pp – Jake Bean (1)|1-3-2 =Barclay Goodrow (1) – 12:39|goalie1-1 =Alex Nedeljkovic 28 saves / 30 shots|goalie1-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 37 saves / 38 shots|date2 =June 1|score2 =2–1|won2 =2|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-carolina-hurricanes-game-2-recap/c-325052256|2-1-1 =No scoring|2-1-2 =No scoring|2-2-1 =No scoring|2-2-2 =Alex Killorn (5) – 07:09|2-3-1 =18:30 – Andrei Svechnikov (2)|2-3-2 =Anthony Cirelli (3) – 08:06|goalie2-1 =Alex Nedeljkovic 13 saves / 15 shots|goalie2-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 31 saves / 32 shots|date3 =June 3|score3 =3–2|ot3 =1|won3 =1|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-tampa-bay-lightning-game-3-recap/c-325053342|3-1-1 =No scoring|3-1-2 =No scoringBrett Pesce (2) – 05:15Sebastian Aho (ice hockey, born 1997)>Sebastian Aho (6) – 07:40|3-2-2 =08:57 – pp – Brayden Point (6)16:18 – pp – Alex Killorn (6)|3-3-1 =No scoring|3-3-2 =No scoring|3-4-1 =Jordan Staal (5) – pp – 05:57|3-4-2 =No scoringPetr Mrázek>Petr Mrazek 35 saves / 37 shots|goalie3-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 24 saves / 27 shots|date4 =June 5|score4 =4–6|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-tampa-bay-lightning-game-4-recap/c-325053344|4-1-1 =No scoring|4-1-2 =14:24 – Brayden Point (7)Teuvo Teräväinen>Teuvo Teravainen (2) – 04:30Jesper Fast (1) – 05:09Dougie Hamilton (2) – 10:35Jaccob Slavin (1) – 12:41pp – Steven Stamkos (4)14:38 – pp – Nikita Kucherov (4)17:10 – Tyler Johnson (ice hockey)>Tyler Johnson (1)19:37 – pp – Steven Stamkos (5)|4-3-1 =No scoring|4-3-2 =06:01 – Nikita Kucherov (5)Petr Mrázek>Petr Mrazek 20 saves / 26 shots|goalie4-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 21 saves / 25 shots|date5 =June 8|score5 =2–0|won5 =2|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-carolina-hurricanes-game-5-recap/c-325053346|5-1-1 =No scoring|5-1-2 =No scoring|5-2-1 =No scoring|5-2-2 =Brayden Point (8) – pp – 04:06|5-3-1 =No scoring|5-3-2 =Ross Colton (3) – 09:04|goalie5-1 =Alex Nedeljkovic 23 saves / 25 shots|goalie5-2 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 29 saves / 29 shots|series = Tampa Bay won series 4–1}}

East Division second round

(E3) Boston Bruins vs. (E4) New York Islanders

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams with New York winning both previous series. They last met in the 1983 Prince of Wales Conference final, which New York won in six games. New York won five of eight games in this year’s regular season series.The Islanders defeated the Bruins in six games. In game one, David Pastrnak scored a hat trick to give the Bruins a 5–2 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-boston-bruins-game-1-recap/c-325038202, Pastrnak scores hat trick, Bruins defeat Islanders in Game 1, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 29, 2021, NHL.com, May 30, 2021, Casey Cizikas evened the series for the Islanders in game two, scoring the overtime goal at 14:48 on a breakaway for New York and defeating Boston 4–3.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-boston-bruins-game-2-recap/c-325038130, Islanders recover, defeat Bruins in OT in Game 2, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., May 31, 2021, NHL.com, June 1, 2021, In game three, the Bruins and Islanders played defensively until overtime was required. In overtime, Brad Marchand scored in the first overtime period to give Boston a 2–1 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-new-york-islanders-game-3-recap/c-325038594, Bruins defeat Islanders in OT in Game 3, take series lead, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 3, 2021, NHL.com, June 4, 2021, Mathew Barzal scored the game-winning goal of game four, scoring with 6:57 left in the third period and adding an assist in a 4–1 victory, tying the series 2–2.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-new-york-islanders-game-4-recap/c-325037986, Barzal, Islanders defeat Bruins in Game 4, even series, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 5, 2021, NHL.com, June 7, 2021, In game five, the Islanders jumped to a 5–2 lead early in the third period, then held off the Bruins’ potential comeback to win 5–4.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-boston-bruins-game-5-recap/c-325037856, Islanders push Bruins to brink with Game 5 victory, Compton, Brian, June 7, 2021, NHL.com, June 7, 2021, Brock Nelson scored twice, including the series-winning goal, for the Islanders in game six defeating the Bruins 6–2 and advancing to the Stanley Cup Semifinals.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-new-york-islanders-game-6-recap/c-325037758, Islanders eliminate Bruins with Game 6 win, advance to Semifinals, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 9, 2021, NHL.com, June 9, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Boston Bruins|team2=New York Islanders|stadium1=TD Garden|stadium2=Nassau Coliseum|homeright=yes|date1 =May 29|score1 =2–5|won1 =1|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-boston-bruins-game-1-recap/c-325038202pp – David Pastrňák>David Pastrnak (3)|1-1-2 =Anthony Beauvillier (4) – pp – 11:48|1-2-1 =11:08 – David Pastrnak (4)|1-2-2 =Adam Pelech (1) – 12:34|1-3-1 =06:20 – Charlie McAvoy (1)15:50 – David Pastrnak (5)18:35 – pp-en – Taylor Hall (3)|1-3-2 =No scoring|goalie1-1 =Tuukka Rask 20 saves / 22 shots|goalie1-2 =Ilya Sorokin 35 saves / 39 shots|date2 =May 31|score2 =4–3|ot2 =1|won2 =2|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-boston-bruins-game-2-recap/c-325038130|2-1-1 =02:38 – Charlie Coyle (2)|2-1-2 =No scoring|2-2-1 =No scoring|2-2-2 =Josh Bailey (4) – pp – 06:52Kyle Palmieri (4) – 11:00Jean-Gabriel Pageau (2) – pp – 17:21|2-3-1 =10:34 – Patrice Bergeron (4)15:06 – pp – Brad Marchand (4)|2-3-2 =No scoring|2-4-1 =No scoring|2-4-2 =Casey Cizikas (1) – 14:48|goalie2-1 =Tuukka Rask 35 saves / 39 shots|goalie2-2 =Semyon Varlamov 39 saves / 42 shots|date3 =June 3|score3 =2–1|ot3 =1|won3 =1|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-new-york-islanders-game-3-recap/c-325038594Craig Smith (ice hockey)>Craig Smith (2) – 05:52|3-1-2 =No scoring|3-2-1 =No scoring|3-2-2 =No scoring|3-3-1 =No scoring|3-3-2 =14:34 – Mathew Barzal (1)|3-4-1 =Brad Marchand (5) – 03:36|3-4-2 =No scoring|goalie3-1 =Tuukka Rask 28 saves / 29 shots|goalie3-2 =Semyon Varlamov 39 saves / 41 shots|date4 =June 5|score4 =1–4|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-new-york-islanders-game-4-recap/c-325037986|4-1-1 =No scoring|4-1-2 =No scoringDavid Krejčí>David Krejci (1) – pp – 03:57|4-2-2 =06:38 – Kyle Palmieri (5)|4-3-1 =No scoring|4-3-2 =13:03 – Mathew Barzal (2)18:57 – en – Casey Cizikas (2)19:57 – en – Jean-Gabriel Pageau (3)|goalie4-1 =Tuukka Rask 30 saves / 32 shots|goalie4-2 =Semyon Varlamov 28 saves / 29 shots|date5 =June 7|score5 =5–4|won5 =2|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-boston-bruins-game-5-recap/c-325037856David Pastrňák>David Pastrnak (6)|5-1-2 =Mathew Barzal (3) – pp – 18:49|5-2-1 =07:27 – Brad Marchand (6)|5-2-2 =Kyle Palmieri (6) – pp – 04:49Josh Bailey (5) – 14:30Jordan Eberle (3) – pp – 16:38pp – David Pastrnak (7)14:43 – David Krejčí>David Krejci (2)|5-3-2 =Brock Nelson (4) – 01:59|goalie5-1 =Tuukka Rask 12 saves / 16 shotsJeremy Swayman 2 saves / 3 shots|goalie5-2 =Semyon Varlamov 40 saves / 44 shots|date6 =June 9|score6 =2–6|won6 =2|recap6 =www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-new-york-islanders-game-6-recap/c-325037758|6-1-1 =Brad Marchand (7) – pp – 17:36|6-1-2 =08:52 – Travis Zajac (1)|6-2-1 =No scoring|6-2-2 =05:20 – Brock Nelson (5)12:39 – Brock Nelson (6)16:07 – Kyle Palmieri (7)|6-3-1 =Brad Marchand (8) – pp – 05:38|6-3-2 =19:01 – en – Cal Clutterbuck (3)19:12 – en – Ryan Pulock (3)|goalie6-1 =Tuukka Rask 23 saves / 27 shots|goalie6-2 =Semyon Varlamov 23 saves / 25 shots|series = New York won series 4–2}}

North Division second round

(N3) Winnipeg Jets vs. (N4) Montreal Canadiens

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams. This was also the first Stanley Cup playoff meeting between these two cities since 1908, when the Montreal Wanderers retained the Stanley Cup by defeating the Winnipeg Maple Leafs. Winnipeg won six of nine games in this year’s regular season series. This was the first second round series between two Canadian-based NHL teams since 2002.The Canadiens defeated the Jets in a four-game sweep. In game one, Joel Edmundson had two assists in the Canadiens’ 5–3 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-winnipeg-jets-game-1-recap/c-325115718, Canadiens start fast, hold off Jets in Game 1, Bauming, Darrin, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 2, 2021, NHL.com, June 3, 2021, After Canadiens forward Jake Evans scored the empty-net goal against Winnipeg, Jets forward Mark Scheifele charged Evans, knocking him to the ice. Evans required a stretcher to leave the ice.WEB,www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/canadiens/2021/06/02/jets-mark-scheifele-ejected-hit-canadiens-jake-evans-stretchered-off/7518680002/, Montreal Canadiens’ Jake Evans taken off on stretcher after hit by Winnipeg Jets’ Mark Scheifele, Evans, Jace, USA Today, June 2, 2021, USAToday.com, June 3, 2021, Scheifele was suspended for four games following the hit.WEB,www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/31562036/winnipeg-jets-mark-scheifele-gets-4-game-suspension-hit-jake-evans, Winnipeg Jets’ Mark Scheifele gets 4-game suspension for hit on Montreal Canadiens’ Jake Evans, Wyshynski, Greg, ESPN Interactive, June 3, 2021, ESPN.com, June 4, 2021, Tyler Toffoli scored the only goal of game two as Carey Price shut out the Jets 1–0, making 30 saves in the process.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-winnipeg-jets-game-2-recap/c-325114768, Canadiens shut out Jets in Game 2, extend series lead, Bauming, Darrin, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 4, 2021, NHL.com, June 7, 2021, In game three, Joel Armia scored twice and added an assist to Montreal’s 5–1 victory, granting the Canadiens a 3–0 series lead.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-montreal-canadiens-game-3-recap/c-325115374, Canadiens on verge of sweep after defeating Jets in Game 3, Farrell, Sean, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 6, 2021, NHL.com, June 7, 2021, In game four, the Jets came back from a two-goal deficit in the second period, eventually forcing overtime. In the overtime period, Toffoli scored the series-winning goal at 1:39, completing the four-game sweep, and advancing Montreal to the Stanley Cup Semifinals.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-montreal-canadiens-game-4-recap/c-325114716, Canadiens win Game 4 in OT, sweep Jets, Farrell, Sean, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 7, 2021, NHL.com, June 7, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Winnipeg Jets|team2=Montreal Canadiens|stadium1=Bell MTS Place|stadium2=Bell Centre|homeright=yes|date1 =June 2|score1 =5–3|won1 =2|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-winnipeg-jets-game-1-recap/c-325115718|1-1-1 =11:52 – sh – Adam Lowry (1)|1-1-2 =Jesperi Kotkaniemi (4) – 03:30Eric Staal (1) – 05:10Nick Suzuki (3) – 17:14|1-2-1 =No scoring|1-2-2 =No scoring|1-3-1 =09:22 – Derek Forbort (1)18:18 – Kyle Connor (3)Brendan Gallagher (2) – pp – 11:04Jake Evans (ice hockey)>Jake Evans (1) – en – 19:03|goalie1-1 =Connor Hellebuyck 28 saves / 32 shots|goalie1-2 =Carey Price 27 saves / 30 shots|date2 =June 4|score2 =1–0|won2 =2|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-winnipeg-jets-game-2-recap/c-325114768|2-1-1 =No scoring|2-1-2 =No scoring|2-2-1 =No scoring|2-2-2 =Tyler Toffoli (2) – sh – 01:41|2-3-1 =No scoring|2-3-2 =No scoring|goalie2-1 =Connor Hellebuyck 23 saves / 24 shots|goalie2-2 =Carey Price 30 saves / 30 shots|date3 =June 6|score3 =1–5|won3 =2|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-montreal-canadiens-game-3-recap/c-325115374|3-1-1 =No scoring|3-1-2 =04:45 – Corey Perry (3)|3-2-1 =Adam Lowry (2) – 17:51|3-2-2 =09:24 – Artturi Lehkonen (1)13:41 – sh – Joel Armia (3)|3-3-1 =No scoring|3-3-2 =08:52 – pp – Nick Suzuki (4)16:42 – sh-en – Joel Armia (4)|goalie3-1 =Connor Hellebuyck 28 saves / 32 shots|goalie3-2 =Carey Price 26 saves / 27 shots|date4 =June 7|score4 =2–3|ot4 =1|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-montreal-canadiens-game-4-recap/c-325114716|4-1-1 =No scoringpp – Erik Gustafsson (ice hockey, born 1992)>Erik Gustafsson (1)19:09 – Artturi Lehkonen (2)|4-2-1 =Logan Stanley (1) – 01:40Logan Stanley (2) – 05:29|4-2-2 =No scoring|4-3-1 =No scoring|4-3-2 =No scoring|4-4-1 =No scoring|4-4-2 =01:39 – Tyler Toffoli (4)|goalie4-1 =Connor Hellebuyck 38 saves / 41 shots|goalie4-2 =Carey Price 14 saves / 16 shots|series = Montreal won series 4–0}}

West Division second round

(W1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (W2) Vegas Golden Knights

This was the first playoff series between these two teams. Vegas won their round-robin game in the previous year’s Stanley Cup qualifiers 4–3. These teams split their eight-game regular season series.The Golden Knights defeated the Avalanche in six games. In game one, the Golden Knights opted to start Robin Lehner in place of Marc-Andre Fleury; Lehner proceeded to allow seven goals in the game with Nathan MacKinnon and captain Gabriel Landeskog both scoring twice and Cale Makar assisting thrice in a 7–1 rout of Vegas.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-colorado-avalanche-game-1-recap/c-325069934, Avalanche cruise past Lehner, Golden Knights in Game 1, Sadowski, Rick, NHL Enterpries, L. P., May 30, 2021, NHL.com, May 30, 2021, With game two headed to overtime, Vegas forward Reilly Smith took a slashing penalty on Mikko Rantanen. On the ensuing power-play for Colorado, Rantanen scored to give the Avalanche a 3–2 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-colorado-avalanche-game-2-recap/c-325069734, Rantanen, Avalanche defeat Golden Knights in OT in Game 2, extend lead, Sadowski, Rick, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 3, 2021, NHL.com, June 3, 2021, Jonathan Marchessault and Max Pacioretty scored 45 second apart in the third period of game three taking the lead in the game and winning 3–2 for the Golden Knights.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-vegas-golden-knights-game-3-recap/c-325068716, Golden Knights rally in third period, defeat Avalanche in Game 3, Webster, Danny, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 4, 2021, NHL.com, June 7, 2021, Marchessault scored a hat trick in game four, evening the series 2–2 with a 5–1 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-vegas-golden-knights-game-4-recap/c-325068718, Marchessault, Golden Knights defeat Avalanche in Game 4, even series, Webster, Danny, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 6, 2021, NHL.com, June 7, 2021, In game five, the Avalanche grabbed a 2–0 lead, except the Golden Knights expunged that lead in the third period, marking their goals 3:04 apart and forcing overtime. In overtime, captain Mark Stone scored 50 seconds into the extra period, granting Vegas a 3–2 series lead with a 3–2 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-colorado-avalanche-game-5-recap/c-325068720, Stone, Golden Knights defeat Avalanche in OT in Game 5, take series lead, Sadowski, Rick, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 8, 2021, NHL.com, June 9, 2021, In game six, Alex Pietrangelo scored a goal and two assists in a 6–3 victory, advancing Vegas to the third round for the second consecutive season.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-vegas-golden-knights-game-6-recap/c-325069736, Golden Knights eliminate Avalanche with Game 6 victory, Webster, Danny, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 10, 2021, NHL.com, June 10, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Colorado Avalanche|team2=Vegas Golden Knights|stadium1=Ball Arena|stadium2=T-Mobile Arena|homeright=yes|date1 =May 30|score1 =1–7|won1 =1|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-colorado-avalanche-game-1-recap/c-325069934|1-1-1 =04:55 – Mikko Rantanen (2)10:13 – Gabriel Landeskog (3)|1-1-2 =No scoring|1-2-1 =01:04 – Brandon Saad (4)04:03 – Nathan MacKinnon (7)14:23 – pp – Gabriel Landeskog (4)17:05 – Nathan MacKinnon (8)|1-2-2 =William Karlsson (2) – 14:59|1-3-1 =15:49 – pp – Cale Makar (2)|1-3-2 =No scoring|goalie1-1 =Philipp Grubauer 24 saves / 25 shots|goalie1-2 =Robin Lehner 30 saves / 37 shots|date2 =June 2|score2 =2–3|ot2 =1|won2 =1|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-colorado-avalanche-game-2-recap/c-325069734|2-1-1 =03:39 – Brandon Saad (5)17:08 – pp – Tyson Jost (2)|2-1-2 =Alec Martinez (2) – pp – 09:32|2-2-1 =No scoring|2-2-2 =Reilly Smith (2) – 10:28|2-3-1 =No scoring|2-3-2 =No scoring|2-4-1 =02:07 – pp – Mikko Rantanen (3)|2-4-2 =No scoring|goalie2-1 =Philipp Grubauer 39 saves / 41 shotsMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 22 saves / 25 shots|date3 =June 4|score3 =2–3|won3 =2|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-vegas-golden-knights-game-3-recap/c-325068716|3-1-1 =No scoring|3-1-2 =No scoringCarl Söderberg>Carl Soderberg (1) – 06:07|3-2-2 =04:38 – William Karlsson (3)|3-3-1 =Mikko Rantanen (4) – pp – 05:04|3-3-2 =14:42 – Jonathan Marchessault (2)15:27 – Max Pacioretty (2)|goalie3-1 =Philipp Grubauer 40 saves / 43 shotsMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 18 saves / 20 shots|date4 =June 6|score4 =1–5|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-vegas-golden-knights-game-4-recap/c-325068718|4-1-1 =Brandon Saad (6) – 01:50|4-1-2 =07:07 – Jonathan Marchessault (3)|4-2-1 =No scoring|4-2-2 =01:11 – Max Pacioretty (3)11:28 – pp – Jonathan Marchessault (4)|4-3-1 =No scoringPatrick Brown (ice hockey)>Patrick Brown (2)|goalie4-1 =Philipp Grubauer 30 saves / 35 shotsMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 17 saves / 18 shots|date5 =June 8|score5 =3–2|ot5 =1|won5 =2|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-colorado-avalanche-game-5-recap/c-325068720|5-1-1 =19:58 – Brandon Saad (7)|5-1-2 =No scoring|5-2-1 =16:28 – Joonas Donskoi (3)|5-2-2 =No scoring|5-3-1 =No scoring|5-3-2 =Alex Tuch (4) – 01:03Jonathan Marchessault (6) – 04:07|5-4-1 =No scoring|5-4-2 =Mark Stone (4) – 00:50|goalie5-1 =Philipp Grubauer 22 saves / 25 shotsMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 28 saves / 30 shots|date6 =June 10|score6 =3–6|won6 =2|recap6 =www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-vegas-golden-knights-game-6-recap/c-325069736|6-1-1 =Devon Toews (1) – 00:23|6-1-2 =01:15 – Nick Holden (1)15:06 – William Karlsson (4)Mikko Rantanen (5) – pp – 03:47André Burakovsky>Andre Burakovsky (1) – 16:52|6-2-2 =14:27 – Keegan Kolesar (1)19:42 – Alex Pietrangelo (1)|6-3-1 =No scoringWilliam Carrier (ice hockey)>William Carrier (1)16:50 – en – Max Pacioretty (4)|goalie6-1 =Philipp Grubauer 17 saves / 22 shotsMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 30 saves / 33 shots|series = Vegas won series 4–2}}

Stanley Cup semifinals

This was the first time since 1981 that this round was not contested as conference finals. Due to the league using an intra-divisional schedule during the regular season, none of the participants in the Stanley Cup semifinals played each other during this year’s regular season. The last time this occurred was in 1924 when the Stanley Cup was contested by the champions of the NHL, PCHA and WCHL.

(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (4) Montreal Canadiens

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams. This was Vegas’ second consecutive semifinals/conference finals appearance and third within their four seasons of play. Vegas lost the previous year’s Western Conference final in five games to the Dallas Stars. Montreal made their eighth Semifinals/Conference finals appearance since the league began using a 16-team or greater playoff format in 1980. Their most recent semifinals/conference finals appearance was in the 2014 Eastern Conference final, which they lost to the New York Rangers in six games.The Canadiens defeated the Golden Knights in six games. The Golden Knights struck first in game one; with the goal, Montreal trailed in a game for the first time since game four of their first round series with the Maple Leafs. Shea Theodore lead Vegas in that game scoring a goal and an assist in a 4–1 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-vegas-golden-knights-game-1-recap/c-325301270, Golden Knights defeat Canadiens in Game 1 of Semifinals, Webster, Danny, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 14, 2021, NHL.com, June 15, 2021, In game two, the Canadiens scored twice in the first period and held off a third period rush by the Golden Knights to win 3–2.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-vegas-golden-knights-game-2-recap/c-325300652, Canadiens hold off Golden Knights in Game 2, even series, Webster, Danny, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 16, 2021, NHL.com, June 17, 2021, Back in Montreal for game three, Vegas goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury misplayed the puck behind his net, coughing up the puck to Josh Anderson who tied the game with 1:55 left in the game. In overtime, Jesperi Kotkaniemi threw the puck to an open Anderson and Paul Byron, the former of which scored to give Montreal a 3–2 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-montreal-canadiens-game-3-recap/c-325300924, Canadiens defeat Golden Knights in OT in Game 3, take lead in Semifinals, Farrell, Sean, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 18, 2021, NHL.com, June 21, 2021, After missing game three, Canadiens’ interim head coach Dominique Ducharme tested positive for COVID-19, placing him in isolation for fourteen days; he continued working with the team through phone and video calls, talking with the coaching staff and players through the remainder of the series.NEWS, Canadiens’ Ducharme to isolate for 14 days after positive COVID test, Sportsnet.ca,www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-ducharme-isolate-14-days-positive-covid-test/, June 19, 2021, Rogers Media, June 25, 2021, Robin Lehner started for Vegas in game four, making 27 saves in a 2–1 overtime win with Nicolas Roy scoring the game-winning goal 1:18 into the first overtime.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-montreal-canadiens-game-4-recap/c-325300700, Golden Knights rally for OT win against Canadiens in Game 4, even series, Farrell, Sean, June 20, 2021, NHL.com, June 21, 2021, live,web.archive.org/web/20210621173614/https://www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-montreal-canadiens-game-4-recap/c-325300700, June 21, 2021, In game five, Nick Suzuki provided a goal and two assists in Montreal’s 4–1 victory, giving the Canadiens a chance to clinch a spot in the Finals in game six.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-vegas-golden-knights-game-5-recap/c-325300920, Canadiens push Golden Knights to brink in Semifinals with Game 5 win, Webster, Danny, June 22, 2021, NHL.com, June 23, 2021, live,web.archive.org/web/20210623035917/https://www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-vegas-golden-knights-game-5-recap/c-325300920, June 23, 2021, Carey Price made 37 saves and Artturi Lehkonen scored the overtime series-winning goal in game six, sending the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1993.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-montreal-canadiens-game-6-recap/c-325300926, Canadiens defeat Golden Knights in Game 6, advance to Stanley Cup Final, Farrell, Sean, June 24, 2021, NHL.com, June 24, 2021, live,web.archive.org/web/20210625032203/https://www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-montreal-canadiens-game-6-recap/c-325300926, Jun 25, 2021, As the winners of the semifinal and due to the temporary playoff restructuring, the Canadiens accepted their first Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, normally presented to the Western Conference playoff champions.NEWS,www.thespec.com/ts/sports/hockey/analysis/2021/06/24/montreal-canadiens-book-ticket-to-stanley-cup-final.html, ‘The job’s not finished.’ Canadiens stun Golden Knights in OT to reach Stanley Cup final, McGran, Kevin, The Hamilton Spectator, 24 June 2021, June 25, 2021, deviated,web.archive.org/web/20210625122417/https://www.thespec.com/ts/sports/hockey/analysis/2021/06/24/montreal-canadiens-book-ticket-to-stanley-cup-final.html, June 25, 2021, {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Vegas Golden Knights|team2=Montreal Canadiens|stadium1=T-Mobile Arena|stadium2=Bell Centre|homeright=yes|date1 =June 14|score1 =1–4|won1 =1|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-vegas-golden-knights-game-1-recap/c-325301270|1-1-1 =09:15 – Shea Theodore (1)|1-1-2 =No scoring|1-2-1 =02:18 – Alec Martinez (3)12:58 – Mattias Janmark (4)|1-2-2 =Cole Caufield (1) – pp – 12:05|1-3-1 =10:06 – Nick Holden (2)|1-3-2 =No scoringMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 28 saves / 29 shots|goalie1-2 =Carey Price 26 saves / 30 shots|date2 =June 16|score2 =3–2|won2 =2|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-vegas-golden-knights-game-2-recap/c-325300652|2-1-1 =No scoring|2-1-2 =Joel Armia (5) – 06:12Tyler Toffoli (5) – 16:30|2-2-1 =18:46 – Alex Pietrangelo (2)|2-2-2 =Paul Byron (2) – 17:45|2-3-1 =14:46 – Alex Pietrangelo (3)|2-3-2 =No scoringMarc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 20 saves / 23 shots|goalie2-2 =Carey Price 29 saves / 31 shots|date3 =June 18|score3 =2–3|ot3 =1|won3 =2|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-montreal-canadiens-game-3-recap/c-325300924|3-1-1 =No scoring|3-1-2 =No scoring|3-2-1 =Nicolas Roy (3) – 03:16|3-2-2 =03:54 – Cole Caufield (2)|3-3-1 =Alex Pietrangelo (4) – 02:22Josh Anderson (ice hockey)>Josh Anderson (2)|3-4-1 =No scoring|3-4-2 =12:53 – Josh Anderson (3)Marc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 24 saves / 27 shots|goalie3-2 =Carey Price 43 saves / 45 shots|date4 =June 20|score4 =2–1|ot4 =1|won4 =1|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-montreal-canadiens-game-4-recap/c-325300700|4-1-1 =No scoring|4-1-2 =No scoring|4-2-1 =No scoring|4-2-2 =18:55 – Paul Byron (3)|4-3-1 =Brayden McNabb (1) – 10:37|4-3-2 =No scoring|4-4-1 =Nicolas Roy (4) – 01:18|4-4-2 =No scoring|goalie4-1 =Robin Lehner 27 saves / 28 shots|goalie4-2 =Carey Price 19 saves / 21 shots|date5 =June 22|score5 =4–1|won5 =2|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-vegas-golden-knights-game-5-recap/c-325300920|5-1-1 =No scoring|5-1-2 =Jesperi Kotkaniemi (5) – 08:45|5-2-1 =No scoring|5-2-2 =Eric Staal (2) – 06:32Cole Caufield (3) – pp – 09:49|5-3-1 =04:09 – Max Pacioretty (5)|5-3-2 =Nick Suzuki (5) – en – 18:54Marc-André Fleury>Marc-Andre Fleury 22 saves / 25 shots|goalie5-2 =Carey Price 26 saves / 27 shots|date6 =June 24|score6 =2–3|ot6 =1|won6 =2|recap6 =www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-montreal-canadiens-game-6-recap/c-325300926|6-1-1 =Reilly Smith (3) – 14:54|6-1-2 =14:06 – pp – Shea Weber (1)|6-2-1 =No scoring|6-2-2 =09:36 – Cole Caufield (4)|6-3-1 =Alec Martinez (4) – 01:08|6-3-2 =No scoring|6-4-1 =No scoring|6-4-2 =01:39 – Artturi Lehkonen (3)|goalie6-1 =Robin Lehner 29 saves / 32 shots|goalie6-2 =Carey Price 37 saves / 39 shots|series = Montreal won series 4–2}}

(2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) New York Islanders

This was the second consecutive postseason match-up and the fourth overall playoff meeting between these two teams; with Tampa Bay winning all three previous series. Both teams were in their second consecutive semifinals/conference finals appearance; Tampa Bay was in their seventh appearance while New York was in their eighth appearance in the semifinals/conference finals since the league began using a 16-team or greater playoff format in 1980. Tampa Bay won the previous year’s Eastern Conference final match-up in six games. This was also the first semifinal/conference final since 2014 to feature a rematch of the previous year’s semifinal/conference final series.The Lightning defeated the Islanders in seven games. In game one, Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov made 30 saves for New York, defeating Tampa Bay 2–1.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-tampa-bay-lightning-game-1-recap/c-325301350, Varlamov, Islanders hold off Lightning in Game 1, Compton, Brian, June 13, 2021, NHL.com, June 14, 2021, live,web.archive.org/web/20210614002018/https://www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-tampa-bay-lightning-game-1-recap/c-325301350, June 14, 2021, The Lightning evened the series in game two, led by Nikita Kucherov’s three assists in a 4–2 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-tampa-bay-lightning-game-2-recap/c-325301424, Lightning defeat Islanders in Game 2 of Semifinals, even series, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 15, 2021, NHL.com, June 16, 2021, Andrei Vasilevskiy was stout for the Lightning in game three, making 27 saves in a 2–1 victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-new-york-islanders-game-3-recap/c-325299048, Lightning defeat Islanders in Game 3, take series lead, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 17, 2021, NHL.com, June 17, 2021, New York spoiled the Lightning’s comeback in game four with Ryan Pulock blocking a shot with 2.7 seconds left in the game to preserve a 3–2 lead, tying the series 2–2.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-new-york-islanders-game-4-recap/c-325301202, Islanders hang on to defeat Lightning in Game 4, even series, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 19, 2021, NHL.com, June 21, 2021, The Lightning dominated in game five, scoring eight unanswered goals, granting Vasilevskiy a 21-save 8–0 shutout victory.WEB,www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-tampa-bay-lightning-game-5-recap/c-325301426, Lightning overwhelm Islanders in Game 5, take lead in Semifinals, Compton, Brian, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 21, 2021, NHL.com, June 22, 2021, In game six, which later proved to be the last game ever played at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Islanders overcame a 2–0 deficit and won in overtime thanks to Anthony Beauvillier’s goal, preserving the series to a seventh game.WEB, Compton, Brian, June 23, 2021, Islanders rally to defeat Lightning in OT in Game 6, even series,www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-new-york-islanders-game-6-recap/c-325301644, NHL.com, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 24, 2021, NEWS, Waldstein, David, June 26, 2021, Islanders Quietly Close Their Door to the Stanley Cup Finals, en-US, The New York Times,www.nytimes.com/2021/06/26/sports/hockey/new-york-islanders-tampa-lightning.html, September 3, 2021, 0362-4331, Yanni Gourde scored the only goal of game seven, short-handed early in the second period, whilst Vasilevskiy made 18 saves in a 1–0 shutout victory for Tampa Bay, advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second consecutive season.WEB, Compton, Brian, June 25, 2021, Lightning shut out Islanders in Game 7, advance to Stanley Cup Final,www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-tampa-bay-lightning-game-7-recap/c-325301670, NHL.com, NHL Enterprises, L. P., June 25, 2021, As the winners of the semifinal and due to the temporary playoff restructuring, the Lightning accepted the Prince of Wales Trophy normally presented to the Eastern Conference playoff champions.{{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Tampa Bay Lightning|team2=New York Islanders|stadium1=Amalie Arena|stadium2=Nassau Coliseum|homeright=yes|date1 =June 13|score1 =2–1|won1 =2|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-tampa-bay-lightning-game-1-recap/c-325301350|1-1-1 =No scoring|1-1-2 =No scoring|1-2-1 =No scoring|1-2-2 =Mathew Barzal (4) – 12:32|1-3-1 =19:06 – pp – Brayden Point (9)|1-3-2 =Ryan Pulock (4) – 05:46|goalie1-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 29 saves / 31 shots|goalie1-2 =Semyon Varlamov 30 saves / 31 shots|date2 =June 15|score2 =2–4|won2 =1|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-tampa-bay-lightning-game-2-recap/c-325301424|2-1-1 =08:58 – Brayden Point (10)|2-1-2 =Brock Nelson (7) – pp – 13:30OndÅ™ej Palát>Ondrej Palat (3)|2-2-2 =No scoring|2-3-1 =02:16 – Jan Rutta (1)09:17 – pp – Victor Hedman (1)|2-3-2 =Mathew Barzal (5) – 16:44|goalie2-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 24 saves / 26 shots|goalie2-2 =Semyon Varlamov 23 saves / 27 shotsIlya Sorokin 6 saves / 6 shots|date3 =June 17|score3 =2–1|won3 =1|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-new-york-islanders-game-3-recap/c-325299048|3-1-1 =Yanni Gourde (3) – 10:05|3-1-2 =No scoring|3-2-1 =Brayden Point (11) – 19:40|3-2-2 =17:01 – Cal Clutterbuck (4)|3-3-1 =No scoring|3-3-2 =No scoring|goalie3-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 27 saves / 28 shots|goalie3-2 =Semyon Varlamov 23 saves / 25 shots|date4 =June 19|score4 =2–3|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-new-york-islanders-game-4-recap/c-325301202|4-1-1 =No scoring|4-1-2 =No scoring|4-2-1 =No scoringJosh Bailey (6)13:46 – Mathew Barzal (6)17:57 – Matt Martin (ice hockey, born 1989)>Matt Martin (1)Brayden Point (12) – 03:45Tyler Johnson (ice hockey)>Tyler Johnson (2) – 06:43|4-3-2 =No scoring|goalie4-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 27 saves / 30 shots|goalie4-2 =Semyon Varlamov 28 saves / 30 shots|date5 =June 21|score5 =0–8|won5 =1|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-tampa-bay-lightning-game-5-recap/c-325301426|5-1-1 =00:45 – Steven Stamkos (6)11:04 – Yanni Gourde (4)15:27 – Alex Killorn (7)|5-1-2 =No scoringpp – Steven Stamkos (7)15:43 – OndÅ™ej Palát>Ondrej Palat (4)17:53 – pp – Alex Killorn (8)|5-2-2 =No scoring|5-3-1 =01:59 – pp – Brayden Point (13)12:05 – Luke Schenn (1)|5-3-2 =No scoring|goalie5-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 21 saves / 21 shots|goalie5-2 =Semyon Varlamov 13 saves / 16 shotsIlya Sorokin 21 saves / 26 shots|date6 =June 23|score6 =2–3|ot6 =1|won6 =2|recap6 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-new-york-islanders-game-6-recap/c-325301644|6-1-1 =Brayden Point (14) – 16:02|6-1-2 =No scoring|6-2-1 =Anthony Cirelli (4) – 12:36|6-2-2 =14:22 – Jordan Eberle (4)|6-3-1 =No scoring|6-3-2 =11:16 – Scott Mayfield (2)|6-4-1 =No scoring|6-4-2 =01:08 – Anthony Beauvillier (5)|goalie6-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 25 saves / 28 shots|goalie6-2 =Semyon Varlamov 22 saves / 24 shots|date7 =June 25|score7 =0–1|won7 =1|recap7 =www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-tampa-bay-lightning-game-7-recap/c-325301670|7-1-1 =No scoring|7-1-2 =No scoring|7-2-1 =01:49 – sh – Yanni Gourde (5)|7-2-2 =No scoring|7-3-1 =No scoring|7-3-2 =No scoring|goalie7-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 18 saves / 18 shots|goalie7-2 =Semyon Varlamov 30 saves / 31 shots|series = Tampa Bay won series 4–3}}

Stanley Cup Finals

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams with Tampa Bay winning two of the three previous series. They last met in the 2015 Eastern Conference second round, which Tampa Bay won in six games. This was Tampa Bay’s second consecutive Finals appearance and fourth overall. They won last year’s Finals against the Dallas Stars in six games. Montreal appeared in their thirty-fifth Stanley Cup Finals. They are the most recent Canadian-based team to win the Stanley Cup, doing so in 1993 (their most recent Finals appearance) against the Los Angeles Kings, winning in five games. They were also the first Canadian team since the Vancouver Canucks in 2011 to reach the Finals. This was the first Finals since 2009 to feature two teams in the same time zone. These teams did not play each other during this year’s regular season. {{NHLPlayoffs|team1=Tampa Bay Lightning|team2=Montreal Canadiens|stadium1=Amalie Arena|stadium2=Bell Centre|homeright=yes|date1 =June 28|score1 =1–5|won1 =1|recap1 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-tampa-bay-lightning-game-1-recap/c-325483436Erik ÄŒernák>Erik Cernak (1)|1-1-2 =No scoring|1-2-1 =05:47 – Yanni Gourde (6)|1-2-2 =Ben Chiarot (1) – 17:40|1-3-1 =02:00 – Nikita Kucherov (6)11:25 – Nikita Kucherov (7)18:50 – pp – Steven Stamkos (8)|1-3-2 =No scoring|goalie1-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 18 saves / 19 shots|goalie1-2 =Carey Price 22 saves / 27 shots|date2 =June 30|score2 =1–3|won2 =1|recap2 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-tampa-bay-lightning-game-2-recap/c-325482492|2-1-1 =No scoring|2-1-2 =No scoring|2-2-1 =06:40 – Anthony Cirelli (5)19:58 – Blake Coleman (2)|2-2-2 =Nick Suzuki (6) – pp – 10:36OndÅ™ej Palát>Ondrej Palat (5)|2-3-2 =No scoring|goalie2-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 42 saves / 43 shots|goalie2-2 =Carey Price 20 saves / 23 shots|date3 =July 2|score3 =6–3|won3 =1|recap3 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-montreal-canadiens-game-3-recap/c-325482494|3-1-1 =Jan Rutta (2) – 01:52Victor Hedman (2) – pp – 03:27|3-1-2 =11:16 – Phillip Danault (1)Nikita Kucherov (8) – 01:40Tyler Johnson (ice hockey)>Tyler Johnson (3) – 03:33|3-2-2 =18:04 – Nick Suzuki (7)|3-3-1 =Tyler Johnson (4) – 15:19Blake Coleman (3) – en – 16:48|3-3-2 =15:58 – Corey Perry (4)|goalie3-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 32 saves / 35 shots|goalie3-2 =Carey Price 24 saves / 29 shots|date4 =July 5|score4 =2–3|ot4 =1|won4 =2|recap4 =www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-montreal-canadiens-game-4-recap/c-325483076|4-1-1 =No scoringJosh Anderson (ice hockey)>Josh Anderson (4)|4-2-1 =Barclay Goodrow (2) – 17:20|4-2-2 =No scoring|4-3-1 =Patrick Maroon (2) – 13:48Alexander Romanov (ice hockey, born 2000)>Alexander Romanov (1)|4-4-1 =No scoring|4-4-2 =03:57 – Josh Anderson (5)|goalie4-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 18 saves / 21 shots|goalie4-2 =Carey Price 32 saves / 34 shots|date5 =July 7|score5 =0–1|won5 =1|recap5 =www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-tampa-bay-lightning-game-5-recap/c-325483294|5-1-1 =No scoring|5-1-2 =No scoring|5-2-1 =13:27 – Ross Colton (4)|5-2-2 =No scoring|5-3-1 =No scoring|5-3-2 =No scoring|goalie5-1 =Andrei Vasilevskiy 22 saves / 22 shots|goalie5-2 =Carey Price 29 saves / 30 shots|series = Tampa Bay won series 4–1}}

Player statistics

Skaters

These are the top ten skaters based on points, following the conclusion of the playoffs.WEB,www.nhl.com/stats/skaters, NHL Skater Stats, NHL Enterprises, L. P., NHL.com, May 18, 2021, {| style="padding:3px; border-spacing:0; text-align:center;” class=“wikitable sortable”! style="width:12em” | Player! style="width:12em” | Team! style="width:4em” | {{abbr|GP|Games played}}! style="width:4em” | {{abbr|G|Goals}}! style="width:4em” | {{abbr|A|Assists}}! style="width:4em” | {{abbr|Pts|Points}}! data-sort-type=“number” style="width:4em” | {{abbr|+/–|Plus/minus}}! style="width:4em” | {{abbr|PIM|Penalties in minutes}} align=leftTampa Bay Lightning >32 >| 14 align=left23 >| 8 align=left18 >| 4 align=left18 >| 8 align=left17 >| 6 align=leftMontreal Canadiens >16 >| 2 align=leftVegas Golden Knights >16 >| 2 align=leftColorado Avalanche >15 >| 2 >Boston Bruins 11 7 8 15 +3 8 align=leftNew York Islanders >14 >| 19

Goaltenders

This is a combined table of the top five goaltenders based on goals against average and the top five goaltenders based on save percentage, with at least 420 minutes played. The table is sorted by GAA, and the criteria for inclusion are bolded.WEB,www.nhl.com/stats/goalies?reportType=season&seasonFrom=20202021&seasonTo=20202021&gameType=3&filter=timeOnIce,gte,420&sort=a_goalsAgainstAverage&page=0&pageSize=50, NHL Enterprises, L. P., NHL Goalie Stats, NHL.com, May 19, 2021, {| style="padding:3px; border-spacing:0; text-align:center;” class=“wikitable sortable”! style="width:12em” | Player! style="width:12em” | Team! style="width:4em” | {{abbr|GP|Games played}}! style="width:4em” | {{abbr|W|Wins}}! style="width:4em” | {{abbr|L|Losses}}! style="width:5em” | {{abbr|SA|Shots against}}! style="width:4em” | {{abbr|GA|Goals against}}! style="width:5em” | {{abbr|GAA|Goals against average}}! style="width:5em” | {{abbr|SV%|Save percentage}}! style="width:4em” | {{abbr|SO|Shutouts}}! style="width:5em” | {{abbr|TOI|Time on ice (minutes:seconds)}}>Toronto Maple Leafs 7 3 4 197 13 1.81 .934 1 {{hs|430-51}} 430:51 align=leftTampa Bay Lightning >1.90 >.937 >1389-33}} 1,389:33 >Vegas Golden Knights 16 9 7 403 33 2.04 .918 1 {{hs|972-52}} 972:52 align=leftCarolina Hurricanes >2.17 >607-31}} 607:31 align=leftWinnipeg Jets >2.23 >.931 >537-45}} 537:45 align=leftMontreal Canadiens >.924 >1341-38}} 1,341:38 align=leftNew York Islanders >.922 >797-26}} 797:26

Television

In Canada, for the seventh postseason under Rogers Media’s current 12-year contract, coverage was broadcast by Sportsnet and CBC under the Hockey Night in Canada brand, and streamed on Sportsnet Now, CBCSports.ca (for games televised by CBC), or the subscription service Rogers NHL Live.For this season, lead play-by-play voice Jim Hughson did not call any of Sportsnet’s playoff games, having opted to work only nationally televised Vancouver Canucks home games during the regular season.WEB, Johnston, Patrick, January 15, 2021, Canucks Notebook: Höglander keeps late sister in his heart, broadcasters stick close to home,theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/canucks-notebook-hoglander-keeps-late-sister-in-his-heart-broadcasters-stick-close-to-home, The Province, May 16, 2021, The Province, Consequently, Chris Cuthbert joined lead colour commentator Craig Simpson on Sportsnet’s lead broadcast team, calling the Canadiens–Maple Leafs series on-site for the First Round, the Jets–Canadiens series in the Second Round, the Golden Knights–Canadiens series in the semifinals,WEB, Sportsnet announces Stanley Cup Playoffs third-round broadcast schedule,www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sportsnet-announces-stanley-cup-playoffs-third-round-broadcast-schedule/, Rogers Media, June 11, 2021, June 15, 2021, Sportsnet.ca, and the entire 2021 Stanley Cup Finals.WEB,www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sportsnet-announces-stanley-cup-final-broadcast-schedule-2/, Sportsnet announces Stanley Cup Final broadcast schedule, Rogers Media, June 25, 2021, Sportsnet.ca, June 28, 2021, Harnarayan Singh and Louie DeBrusk served as the secondary team, doing a similar role for the Oilers–Jets series. John Bartlett and Garry Galley served as the tertiary team, calling a select number of games from the West, Central, and East Division series inside the Sportsnet studios on CBC, while those broadcast on Sportsnet were simulcasts of NBC Sports’ feeds.PRESS RELEASE, May 13, 2021, Sportsnet Announces 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Broadcast Schedule,media.sportsnet.ca/2021/05/sportsnet-announces-2021-stanley-cup-playoffs-first-round-broadcast-schedule/, May 16, 2021, Rogers Media, Sportsnet Media Centre, May 16, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210516124139/https://media.sportsnet.ca/2021/05/sportsnet-announces-2021-stanley-cup-playoffs-first-round-broadcast-schedule/, dead, PRESS RELEASE, May 13, 2021, Sportsnet Announces 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round Broadcast Schedule,media.sportsnet.ca/2021/05/sportsnet-announces-2021-stanley-cup-playoffs-second-round-broadcast-schedule/, June 3, 2021, Rogers Media, Sportsnet Media Centre, June 3, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210603143436/https://media.sportsnet.ca/2021/05/sportsnet-announces-2021-stanley-cup-playoffs-second-round-broadcast-schedule/, dead, This marked the final postseason under NBC Sports’ 10-year contract for American television rights to the NHL. All national coverage of games were aired on either NBCSN, the NBC broadcast network, NHL Network, USA Network, or CNBC.WEB, May 13, 2021, NBC SPORTS’ COVERAGE OF THE 2021 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS BEGINS SATURDAY NIGHT ON NBC,nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2021/05/13/nbc-sports-coverage-of-the-2021-stanley-cup-playoffs-begins-saturday-night-on-nbc/, September 3, 2021, NBC Sports Pressbox, en, WEB, May 14, 2021, MIKE ‘DOC’ EMRICK NARRATES TEASE TO OPEN 2021 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS ON NETWORKS OF NBCUNIVERSAL,nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2021/05/14/mike-doc-emrick-narrates-tease-to-open-2021-stanley-cup-playoffs-on-networks-of-nbcuniversal/, September 3, 2021, NBC Sports Pressbox, During the First Round, excluding games exclusively broadcast on NBC, the regional rights holders of each participating U.S. team produced local telecasts of their respective games.After NBC’s lead play-by-play voice Mike “Doc” Emrick retired at the end of the previous season, NBC split top play-by-play duties between Kenny Albert and John Forslund during the regular season. For the playoffs, Albert, Eddie Olczyk, and Brian Boucher served as the lead broadcast teamWEB, May 17, 2021, FIRST ROUND OF 2021 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS CONTINUES ALL WEEK ACROSS NETWORKS OF NBCUNIVERSAL,nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2021/05/17/first-round-of-2021-stanley-cup-playoffs-continues-all-week-across-networks-of-nbcuniversal/, October 11, 2021, NBC Sports Pressbox, while Forslund, Joe Micheletti, and Pierre McGuire served as the secondary team.WEB, May 24, 2021, 2021 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND CONTINUES TONIGHT AND TOMORROW ON NBCSN AND CNBC,nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2021/05/24/2021-stanley-cup-playoffs-first-round-continues-tonight-and-tomorrow-on-nbcsn-and-cnbc/, October 11, 2021, NBC Sports Pressbox, Brendan Burke and A. J. Mleczko primarily served as the tertiary team. Rounding out NBC’s broadcast crew were play-by-play voices Alex Faust, Ken Daniels, and John Walton, and analysts Keith Jones, Dominic Moore, and Jody Shelley. Most first-round games were called remotely, with a few others called on-site. For the Second Round, all games were called on-site except the Jets–Canadiens series.PRESS RELEASE, May 17, 2021, FIRST ROUND OF 2021 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS CONTINUES ALL WEEK ACROSS NETWORKS OF NBCUNIVERSAL,nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2021/05/17/first-round-of-2021-stanley-cup-playoffs-continues-all-week-across-networks-of-nbcuniversal/, NBC Universal, May 18, 2021, NBC Sports PR, All games were called on-site starting with the semifinals. Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, streamed all remaining games of the Stanley Cup playoffs starting on June 14.WEB, June 13, 2021, PEACOCK TO STREAM ALL REMAINING STANLEY CUP SEMIFINAL GAMES,nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2021/06/13/peacock-to-stream-all-remaining-stanley-cup-semifinal-games/, October 11, 2021, NBC Sports Pressbox, As it had been done throughout the regular season due to COVID-19 protocols, the home broadcaster provided a neutral “world feed” to the other media partners for at the first two rounds: the home team’s regional rightsholder during most first-round games in the U.S., NBC for the rest of the U.S. games, and Sportsnet for all games played in Canada.WEB, Dachman, Jason, In Final NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Outing, NBC Sports’ Ops Team Aims To Go Out on a High Note,www.sportsvideo.org/2021/05/14/in-final-nhl-stanley-cup-playoffs-outing-nbc-sports-ops-team-aims-to-go-out-on-a-high-note/, May 14, 2021, Sports Video Group, SportsVideo.org, en, May 18, 2021, Amazon Web Services debuted advanced shot and save analytics for the playoffs, taking data from the player and puck tracking technology that was first implemented at the start of the regular season.WEB, NHL To Debut Shot, Save Analytics Powered by AWS During 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs,www.sportsvideo.org/2021/05/14/nhl-to-debut-shot-save-analytics-powered-by-aws-during-2021-stanley-cup-playoffs/, May 14, 2021, Sports Video Group, SportsVideo.org, en, May 18, 2021, NBC used a redesigned score bug to display these new statistics.

References

{{reflist}}

External links

• Stanley Cup playoffs

{{2020–21 NHL season by team}}{{Stanley Cup playoffs}}