The Carolina Hurricanes became the first NHL team to advance to the second round when they beat the New Jersey Devils in the second overtime on Tuesday night.
Wednesday, they could be joined by the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and the Eastern Conference top-seeded Washington Capitals, who lead their series 3-1.
The Panthers, missing suspended defenseman Aaron Ekblad, visit the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning will be without Brandon Hagel, who was injured on Ekblad’s hit.
The Capitals host the Montreal Canadiens with a chance to reach the second round for the first time since their 2017-18 championship season.
Here are the playoff matchups, schedule and results for the first round of the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs (all times p.m. ET, series are best of seven):
Fubo carries ESPN games. Sling carries TNT games
Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals, 7, ESPN
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7:30, ESPN2
St. Louis Blues at Winnipeg Jets, 9:30, ESPN
Key: M-Metropolitan; A-Atlantic; WC-wild card; x-if necessary
Capitals lead series 3-1
Hurricanes win series 4-1
Maple Leafs lead series 3-2
Panthers lead series 3-1
Key: C-Central; P-Pacific; WC-wild card, x-if necessary
Series tied 2-2
Stars lead series 3-2
Golden Knights lead 3-2
Oilers lead 3-2
