Dan Muse, with extensive experience in player development and special teams, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, replacing Mike Sullivan, and will be coaching in the NHL for the first time.
Edmonton Oilers' Zach Hyman is likely out for the rest of the playoffs after an injury in Game 4 against the Dallas Stars, which is a significant loss for the team as they lead the series 3-1. Hyman, known for his physicality and playoff contributions, underwent surgery and will be replaced by Jeff Skinner in Game 5. The team acknowledges the challenge of filling his void but remains focused on advancing in the series.
After being eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Florida Panthers, the New York Rangers are focusing on getting healthy, making key roster decisions, and addressing free agency. With a strong regular season and early playoff success, the team now faces questions about their physical and mental toughness. Key areas of focus include finding a right wing to complement Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, and navigating the 2024 NHL Draft with limited picks.
The New York Rangers were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Florida Panthers in six games, with key factors including over-reliance on goalie Igor Shesterkin, a cold power play, and underperformance from top players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider. The Rangers also struggled in the third period, being outscored 7-3 in the series.
The Dallas Stars are on the brink of elimination after a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Coach Peter DeBoer defended his team's character against criticism, while players like Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin acknowledged their offensive struggles. The Oilers, led by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' two power-play goals, now lead the series 3-2 and are one win away from the Stanley Cup Final.
The Florida Panthers defeated the New York Rangers 3-2 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final, moving within one win of returning to the Stanley Cup Final. Anton Lundell scored the go-ahead goal with 9:38 left, and Sam Bennett added an empty-netter. The Panthers lead the series 3-2 and can clinch it on Saturday in Florida. The Rangers, facing elimination for the first time this postseason, need to win two straight to advance.
Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe was injured during a morning skate before Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers, taking a puck to the face and requiring stitches. Despite the injury, Verhaeghe, a key player for the Panthers, will play in the crucial game with the series tied 2-2. Verhaeghe has been a standout performer in the playoffs, leading the series in points and maintaining a five-game point streak.
The Edmonton Oilers overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Dallas Stars 5-2 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, tying the series at 2-2. Key contributions came from Ryan McLeod, Evan Bouchard, Mattias Janmark, and Leon Draisaitl, with Connor McDavid adding two assists. The Oilers' resilient performance has fans and pundits excited, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic conclusion to the series.
The New York Rangers lost 3-0 to the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, marking their first series deficit in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. Coach Peter Laviolette remains confident, citing missed scoring opportunities and the need for better execution, especially from the defense and the Panarin line. The Rangers also need to make life harder for Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and may consider lineup changes, including possibly adding Matt Rempe or Blake Wheeler, to spark the team in Game 2.
The Edmonton Oilers, led by superstar Connor McDavid, face the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final, with McDavid under pressure to secure his first Stanley Cup. Despite being underdogs, the Oilers are Canada's last hope to end a long Cup drought. Experts and analysts largely favor the Stars, citing their goaltending advantage and the Oilers' fatigue from a previous seven-game series.
The New York Rangers will host the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final at Madison Square Garden, aiming to win their third consecutive Game 1 at home in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Rangers, who have home-ice advantage, advanced by sweeping the Capitals and defeating the Hurricanes, while the Panthers reached this stage by overcoming the Lightning and Bruins. Key factors include goaltending, physical play, and power play strategies. Both teams have their full lineups available despite some players missing recent practices.
The 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs have reached the conference finals, with the New York Rangers facing the Florida Panthers in the East and the Dallas Stars taking on the Edmonton Oilers in the West. ESPN experts are split on their predictions, with a slight consensus favoring the Rangers and the Stars to advance to the finals.
The 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are set for the Eastern and Western Conference Finals with the New York Rangers facing the Florida Panthers and the Dallas Stars taking on the Edmonton Oilers. Analysts predict a tight series between the Rangers and Panthers, with the Panthers ultimately prevailing 4-3 due to their mettle and offensive prowess. Meanwhile, the Stars are favored to beat the Oilers 4-2, with their elite depth, versatile scoring, and strong goaltending giving them the edge in the series.
NHL.com staff members have made their predictions for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the Dallas Stars emerging as the favorite to win it all. The panel of writers and editors have offered their picks for the first-round series, with the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes among the favored teams. The predictions also include potential Conn Smythe Trophy winners, with players like Joe Pavelski, Sebastian Aho, and Connor McDavid being highlighted as potential standouts.
The NHL released the schedule for the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers first-round playoff series, with the Capitals entering as underdogs. The series will begin on April 21 at Madison Square Garden and will be available on local TV. The winner will face the victor of the Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders in the second round.