The first round of the NHL playoffs begins Wednesday when the Columbus Blue Jackets visit the Tampa Bay Lightning (7 p.m. ET, USA) and the New York Islanders host the Pittsburgh Penguins (7:30 p.m., NBCSN). Also on Wednesday: the St. Louis Blues at the Winnipeg Jets (8 p.m., NHL Network); the Dallas Stars at the Nashville Predators (9:30 p.m., USA) and the Vegas Golden Knights at the San Jose Sharks (10:30 p.m., NBCSN). On Thursday, the rest of the series begin with the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Boston Bruins (7 p.m. ET, NBCSN); the Carolina Hurricanes at the Washington Capitals (7 p.m., USA) and the Colorado Avalanche at the Calgary Flames (10 p.m., NBCSN). (Check out our full Stanley Cup predictions here.) USA TODAY Sports’ NHL staff makes its predictions for the first round. EASTERN CONFERENCE (1) TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING VS. (WC2) COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS Kevin Allen: Lightning in 4: The Blue Jackets' effort to make the playoffs should be applauded. But their trade deadline boldness only earned them the opportunity to be humbled by the 62-win Lightning in the first round of the playoffs. Jimmy Hascup: Lightning in 5. There is no better way for Sergei Bobrovsky to change the narrative of his playoff performances (.891 save percentage in 24 games). But the Lightning are too good and too deep. Mike Brehm: Lightning in 5. The Lightning dominated the Blue Jackets in the regular season and the Blue Jackets have never won a playoff series. Those trends will continue, and the Blue Jackets could look very different next season. Jace Evans: Lightning in 5. The Blue Jackets' all-in effort before the trade deadline appears to have produced mixed results. That failure to find another gear sees them slotted into a matchup with one of the great regular-season teams in NHL history. (2) BOSTON BRUINS VS. (3) TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS Allen: Maple Leafs in 6: Everyone is writing off the Maple Leafs. But let's not forget they have John Tavares, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Look for goalie Frederik Andersen to be the difference. Hascup: Bruins in 7. Might be the most entertaining first-round series, and, yes, a repeat of their last two playoffs matchups results. Brehm: Bruins in 7. The Bruins were playing much better down the stretch and could end this earlier, but these teams' last two playoff meetings lasted seven games, so why not again? Maybe even the Bruins will have another big third period to make the difference. Evans: Bruins in 7. The Bruins might have the best line in hockey. The Maple Leafs have a top-five offense with seven 20-goal scorers. There's little that separates these teams on the ice, but the Bruins hold home ice and the mental edge after last year. (1) WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS. (WC1) CAROLINA HURRICANES Allen: Capitals in 6. Want to believe in the 'Canes but the Capitals were a playoff beast just 10 months ago. The Caps have the edge in every category. Hascup: Capitals in 5. Washington beat Carolina in all four matchups this season. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Capitals win a second consecutive Stanley Cup, while the Hurricanes are still too inexperienced. Brehm: Capitals in 5. Odd fact: The Hurricanes have three playoff appearances this century, yet they have won nine series. That's as many series wins as the Capitals have had over the last nine seasons. But the Capitals have the experience of last season's championship run, greater depth and a season sweep going for them. Evans: Capitals in 6. The defending champs enter the postseason with little pressure as the hockey world's attention in the East centers on the Lightning and another Bruins-Maple Leafs series. But this squad may actually be more complete than last year's title-winning group as it features seven 20-goal scorers – led by Alex Ovechkin's league-leading 51 tallies – and zero questions about who the playoff starter in goal will be. (2) NEW YORK ISLANDERS VS. (3) PITTSBURGH PENGUINS Allen: Penguins in 7: The Islanders are the NHL's No. 1 defensive team, but there's a reason why the Penguins have made the playoffs every season since 2007. The Penguins' winning culture and experience makes them a sleeper in this year's playoff pool. Hascup: Penguins in 6. The Islanders were a sensational story this year, but it's hard to bet against the experience of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. Brehm: Penguins in 7. Coach Barry Trotz finally got past the Penguins last season, but that was with a better Capitals team. Though the Islanders are stingy defensively, the Penguins have too many offensive threats. Evans: Penguins in 7. Almost universally picked to miss the playoffs after losing John Tavares, the Islanders responded by putting up their most points since 1984. The Islanders could push the Penguins to the brink thanks to a league-best defense, but the Pens have more difference-makers on offense and their overall experience will win out. RANKINGS:Sizing up the playoff teams 1-16 UPSET:Who can beat the 62-win Lightning SCHEDULE:Dates, times, TV for first round of NHL playoffs WESTERN CONFERENCE (1) CALGARY FLAMES VS. (WC2) COLORADO AVALANCHE Allen: Flames in 7. The Avs were one of the NHL's hottest teams down the stretch, but the Flames were impressive start to finish. The Flames rank tied second in goal-scoring (3.52 per game) and ninth in goals-against (3.72). That's a winning formula. Hascup: Flames in 5. If the Flames' goaltending were more reliable, I'd call for a sweep. Brehm: Flames in 5. Look for Johnny Gaudreau to build on his 99-point season and for Mark Giordano to show why he's the Norris Trophy front-runner. Evans: Flames in 6. While there are some questions regarding who exactly the goalie will be, this team is still the only squad outside the Lightning to finish in the top 10 in both goals for and against. Colorado has excellent top-end talent that could help steal some games in the face of Calgary's net questions. (2) SAN JOSE SHARKS VS. (3) VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS Allen: Golden Knights in 6. If goaltending is still king in the playoffs, then the Golden Knights have have a distinct advantage. The Sharks are a dangerous offensive team, but they give up too many goals to be effective in the playoffs. Hascup: Golden Knights in 6. Did not end the season strong, but Marc-Andre Fleury should be well-rested and his team, now with Mark Stone, will be looking to win one more series than last year when they lost in the Final. Brehm: Sharks in 7. Both teams struggled lately, but the Sharks did so partly because of an Erik Karlsson injury. He returned in the finale and will help the Sharks' offense, which already is formidable with four 30-goal scorers and a rejuvenated Joe Thornton. Sharks goalie Martin Jones will have to play better. Evans: Golden Knights in 7. While Erik Karlsson is back, the Sharks stumbled to the finish in winning just three of their final 12 games. More concerning for the Sharks is their goaltending; Martin Jones' .896 save percentage in 62 games just isn't good enough for a team with title aspirations – and backup Aaron Dell's mark was somehow even worse. (1) NASHVILLE PREDATORS VS. (WC1) DALLAS STARS Allen: Predators in 7: The Preds will need their home-ice advantage to take down a Stars team that knows how to keep the puck out of their net. The Predators are not a top offensive team, but they score more often than the Stars. Hascup: Predators in 6. Defense vs. defense. It's hard to see the Stars and their 28th-ranked offense scoring enough against an experienced Predators group with the third-best defense. Brehm: Stars in 6. A hot goalie can overcome a better opponent, and Ben Bishop has four shutouts since March 5. The Predators' league-worst power play won't help them. Evans: Predators in 6. Goalie Ben Bishop – the NHL's save percentage leader – should be able to steal some games for the Stars, but they lack the Predators' overall depth. (2) WINNIPEG JETS VS. (3) ST. LOUIS BLUES<doc-sep>On the third-last night of the NHL regular season, a lot of things were figured ahead of the 2019 playoffs around 9:30 p.m. (EST). First, a 3-1 win for the Carolina Hurricanes over the New Jersey Devils locked up their first postseason berth since 2009. With the score knotted at one early in the second period, Justin Faulk fired a point shot past Cory Schneider to give Carolina its first lead of the night. B O O M pic.twitter.com/jfJoZhdVCM — Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) April 5, 2019 The blueliner’s 10th of the season stood as the winner, the Hurricanes’ 45th victory of the season. They currently sport a record of 45-29-7 for 97 points with only one game remaining on their schedule (against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday). The excitement within the walls of PNC Arena was high as a result. The wait is over!! pic.twitter.com/VDajOkASZh — Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) April 5, 2019 Minutes later, the final horn sounded at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. After surrendering the game’s opening tally to the Detroit Red Wings, Phil Kessel found the back of the net twice while Jake Guentzel and Sidney Crosby added singles to propel the Penguins to a 4-1 win. The triumph moved their record to 44-26-11 for 99 points with one game remaining (against the New York Rangers on Saturday). WE'RE IN! The Penguins are playoff bound for the 13th consecutive season, the longest streak in the NHL.#LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/38XavCFrpj — Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 5, 2019 We mention those final games because they may determine where the two sides end up after 82 regular season contests. Pittsburgh currently sits third in the Metropolitan, two points up on Carolina. Story continues If, however, the Penguins lose their final game in regulation and the Hurricanes win in regulation or overtime, they would both have 99 points. In that scenario, Carolina would jump over Pittsburgh because they have more wins. Things may also become interesting if the Columbus Blue Jackets are able to win their final two games and the Hurricanes lose in regulation to the Flyers. (More on Columbus shortly.) Elsewhere, a crushing 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals has the future looking pretty grim for the Montreal Canadiens. Nic Dowd’s tally for the Capitals early in the second period proved to be the difference. The loss drops Montreal’s record to 43-30-8 for 94 points. While that total is the same as that of the Blue Jackets (45-31-4), the Canadiens only have one game remaining (against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday) while the Blue Jackets have two (against the Rangers on Friday and the Ottawa Senators on Saturday). With a game in hand, more wins and more ROW (Regulation and Overtime Wins) than Montreal, Columbus is in full control its own destiny. Washington’s win clinches their fourth straight Metropolitan Division crown. The Capitals (48-25-8) have 104 points with one game remaining on their schedule (against the Islanders on Saturday). Lars Eller shared a message with Washington’s fans after the victory. When it comes to the Eastern Conference, a lot has been decided. However, as usual down the stretch of an NHL season, there’s still plenty to figure out. (Getty Images) More NHL coverage on Yahoo Sports<doc-sep>On Thursday night, with a 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils, the Carolina Hurricanes clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2009. It’s a historic moment for a franchise that has too long languished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and fans and players alike celebrated by hugging, kissing and butt-slapping everything in sight. Seriously, it is a joy to watch. Take, for instance, these incredibly emotional embraces among long-suffering fans as it became clear that the playoff drought was over. I can’t be sure, but it certainly looks like tears are being shed. Oh, the FEELS. The @nhlcanes are in the #StanleyCup Playoffs for the first time since 2009 and this shows just how much it means to the franchise. (🎥 @fisherjillian) pic.twitter.com/QKPpIVBhUt — NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) April 5, 2019 Or, this kid’s teary howl of pure emotion after the buzzer. I know he'll kill me for posting this when he's older but I love this kids love of all things @NHLCanes and I want him and I to remember this moment forever. #CanesMadeThePlayOffs pic.twitter.com/qgK3fsRoqO — x – KimB (@K1S3B2) April 5, 2019 There’s also goalie Petr Mrazek’s emotional post-game interview with NBC Sports that’s mostly just him yelling and hooting in victory. My favorite though, is forward Jordan Martinook walking around the Canes locker room and hugging every single person on the team like this is the last time he’ll ever see them. MARTY PARTY IN THE LOCKER ROOM 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZN0vaRhO8d — x – Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) April 5, 2019 Hockey die hards and curmudgeons across the globe will say the team should act like they’ve been there before, even if “before” was 10 years ago, and that the real victory is the Cup itself, but honestly, it should be criminal to begrudge anyone this kind of joy. The world is a mostly miserable and cruel place, and people’s lives are often constantly disappointing, so when there is one bright spark of joy to be found, in the fact that a team no one believed in at the start of the season actually made it to the playoffs, it should be embraced whole heartedly. This is what hockey, and life in general, needs more of. Hugs, kisses and (consensual) butt slaps.<doc-sep>
It's now time for the greatest postseason tournament in all of professional sports — the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs. While we all start off thinking one team is a sure-fire pick to win it all, one bounce or post or bad bounce can alter a team's destiny. Is this the year the Tampa Bay Lightning finally get over the hump after making deep playoff runs — including a Stanley Cup Final in 2015 — three of the last four years? Or is the Carolina Hurricanes, and their "bunch of jerks" the Cinderella story of this year's postseason? How it will all end is still to be determined but Sporting News' NHL experts predict the Eastern Conference playoffs and who will take a lap with Lord Stanley's Cup in June. MORE SN STAFF PICKS: Western Conference | Stanley Cup NHL playoffs bracket 2019 https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/c9/2c/nhl-2019-stanley-cup-bracket-040919-getty-ftrjpeg_otg5tapy0lmt1wkkk7n9od9es.jpg?t=-19489807&w=500&quality=80 NHL playoffs 2019: Eastern Conference predictions Tampa Bay Lightning (A1) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (WC2) The backstory The Lightning are poised to make a run at the Stanley Cup, and they definitely have the firepower and defensive core to do that. Standing in their way in the first round is the Columbus Blue Jackets who are led by the last man to lead the Bolts to a Cup way back in 2004 — John Tortorella. X-factor Columbus' entire postseason rides on its netminder, Sergei Bobrovsky . If the two-time Vezina Trophy winner can finally put his postseason demons behind him (5-14, 3.49 GAA and .891 save percentage in 24 appearances) then this series may be a little tighter than everyone is expecting. The big number 62. That's how many wins the Lightning got in the regular season. Jon Cooper's squad tied the 1996 Detroit Red Wings for the NHL record; however, Detroit didn't win the Cup and all eyes will be on Tampa Bay to see if they can get over the hump. Expert Tampa Bay Lightning Columbus Blue Jackets Jackie Spiegel Winner in 4 Brandon Schlager Winner in 5 Steve Kournianos Winner in 6 Dave McCarthy Winner in 5 Mike Murphy Winner in 5 Murray Pam Winner in 5 Lyle Richardson Winner in 4 Sammi Silber Winner in 5 MORE: Lightning vs. Blue Jackets series schedule, TV info, breakdown (Getty Images) https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/e8/f6/david-pastrnak-101318-getty-ftrjpg_iihx6s97178s1ujaa0k9css1d.jpg?t=1871607198&w=500&quality=80 Boston Bruins (A2) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (A3) The backstory Well, here we are again. A little deja vu, would you say? Last season these two Original Six teams met up in the Eastern Conference' s first round with Boston winning in seven games. However, this is not last season's Maple Leafs. This team now has pure firepower netting 29 more goals this season than Boston, while averaging 3.49 goals-per-game (fourth-best in the NHL). The likes of John Tavares, Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner will have a tough task facing Tuukka Rask, who already has one Stanley Cup under his belt. Also, obviously, never count out Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. X-factor David Pastrnak picked up right where he left off when he returned following hand surgery in mid-March. After missing 16 games the winger netted 15 points (seven goals, six assists) in 10 games. If he can replicate his numbers (20 points in 12 games) from last season's playoff run, with 13 points coming in that seven-game series with Toronto, it'll be hard for the Maple Leafs to counter. The big number This series could come down to special teams and the biggest number is 79.9, which is how effective, or not, the Maple Leafs penalty kill was during the regular season. Not a great stat when you're heading into a match-up with the NHL's third-best power play (25.9). Toronto will need to clamp down on penalties if they want to keep the Bruins game-changing power-play off the ice. Expert Boston Bruins Toronto Maple Leafs Jackie Spiegel Winner in 7 Brandon Schlager Winner in 7 Steve Kournianos Winner in 6 Dave McCarthy Winner in 7 Mike Murphy Winner in 6 Murray Pam Winner in 7 Lyle Richardson Winner in 6 Sammi Silber Winner in 7 MORE: Bruins vs. Maple Leafs series schedule, TV info, breakdown (Getty Images) https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/25/e0/braden-holtby-washington-capitals-040519-getty-ftrjpeg_saskpql584fk198l8pi2lb13x.jpg?t=-209832383&w=500&quality=80 Washington Capitals (M1) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (WC1) The backstory The Capitals finally broke through last year and clinched the franchise's first-ever Stanley Cup and Alex Ovechkin and company are hungry to go back-to-back. They face long-time division foe Carolina for the first time in playoffs history.