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NHL: Eastern Conference Playoff Pairs Set, Mikael Granlund's Anaheim Ducks' Poor Form Takes Its Toll
🇫🇮 Finland /Sports

NHL: Eastern Conference Playoff Pairs Set, Mikael Granlund's Anaheim Ducks' Poor Form Takes Its Toll

From Helsingin Sanomat · (1d ago) Finnish

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The NHL's Eastern Conference playoff matchups are set, with the Boston Bruins securing the first wild card spot after defeating the New Jersey Devils.
  • In the Western Conference, the situation remains fluid, with only the Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild series confirmed.
  • Mikael Granlund's Anaheim Ducks are struggling, having won only two of their last ten games, and risk falling to the final wild card spot.

The NHL season is heating up as the playoff picture solidifies, though not without some late-season drama. In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Bruins have clinched their wild card spot, showcasing their consistent performance. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens missed an opportunity to gain home-ice advantage, highlighting the tight competition.

Montreal would have needed a win against Philadelphia on Tuesday to get home ice against Tampa Bay in the playoffs, but the Flyers were better with a 4–2 win.

— Helsingin SanomatContext about the Montreal Canadiens missing an opportunity for home-ice advantage.

Across the league, the Western Conference presents a more dynamic scenario. While the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are set for a marquee matchup, the Anaheim Ducks, featuring Finnish player Mikael Granlund, are in a worrying slump. Their recent poor form could see them slip into a wild card position, potentially setting up a daunting first-round clash against the formidable Colorado Avalanche.

Mikael Granlund's team, the Anaheim Ducks, has fallen into a dismal slump. They have won only two of their last ten games.

— Helsingin SanomatDescribing the Anaheim Ducks' recent poor performance.

For Finnish hockey fans, the performances of Mikael Granlund and Artturi Lehkonen are closely watched. Granlund's Anaheim is facing significant challenges, while Lehkonen continues to contribute offensively for the Avalanche. The upcoming playoffs promise intense matchups, and the fate of these Finnish stars will be a key storyline.

Granlund got one assist.

— Helsingin SanomatNoting Mikael Granlund's individual contribution despite his team's struggles.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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