NHL Playoff Update - First Round

The 2017-2018 NHL playoffs has seen the exit of two teams from the playoffs so far. The Los Angeles Kings fell to the Vegas Golden Knights in four straight games. The Anaheim Ducks fell to the San Jose Sharks also in four straight games.

None of the battles so far are completely lopsided aside from the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins versus the Philadelphia Flyers. While the Flyers did win one game they also lost 3 games 7-0, 5-1, 5-0. Penguins are up 3-1.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are giving the Washington Capitals fits. Columbus has been relying on a relentless attack that finds holes in the Caps defense. Columbus leads the series 2-1.

The Boston Bruins are ahead in their series versus the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1. The Bruins have been smothering the Maple Leafs' transition game and the Bruins' Tuukka Rask has been playing well.

Tampa Bay Lightning is leading their series 3-1 versus the New Jersey Devils. The Lightning has been playing strong on both ends of the ice and frustrating the Devils.

The Winnipeg Jets are leading their series 3-1 versus the Minnesota Wild. Winnipeg has a chance to go to the second round for the first time in their history.

And the Nashville Predators are ahead in their series 3-1 versus the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche has been picking up their play with each game but is it going to be too little too late? We will see. Predators have been playing gritty in your face hockey.

Have you been watching? Who's your team?

If you haven't been watching there are a few options for you:

• Hulu has a free week trial and will cover the games from Round 1 to the Finals
• NHL.tv has a non-live plan for just the playoffs with a flat fee $9.99. This gives you the ability to watch the games after they air.
• NBCSports has streaming available if you have a cable or satellite plan.