NHL First Round Playoff Update: Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins vs WC2 Florida Panthers

Bruins lead series 3-1

The Bruins had the best regular season in NHL history and were expected to run through the Florida Panthers easily in this first round series. The Bruins had a surprising slip up and lost game two at home in Boston where they had been nearly unbeatable all year. That seemed to be the wake up call the Bruins needed as they went down to Florida and won both games three and four in dominating fashion. The series will return to Boston for game 5 with the Bruins firmly in control and looking to close the series out.

Carolina Hurricanes vs WC1 New York Islanders

Hurricanes Lead series 3-1

The Hurricanes came into this series as a resounding favorite to move on over the New York Islanders and have put themselves in a good position to do so. Despite the 3-1 series lead, it has been a very competitive series. The Hurricanes came away with highly contested one goal victories in both games one and two, with their game two win coming in overtime. As the series shifted back to New York, the Islanders continued to battle and came away with a 5-1 win in game three before dropping a disappointing game four. Now down 3-1 and with the series going back to Carolina, the Islanders will have to dig deep and hope for another offensive outburst to keep their season alive.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning

Maple Leafs lead 2-1

In what has been one of the most explosive series of the playoffs thus far, the Maple Leafs hold a 2-1 lead with the Lightning looking to tie the series up at home in game four. The two teams combined for 19 goals in the first two games. The Leafs blew out the Lightning 7-3 in game one before the Lightning returned the favor with a 7-2 win in game two. Game three had a much different feel as the two battled back and forth before the Leafs came away with the win in overtime. Big hits, physical play and controversial calls have added fuel to an already exciting and highly competitive series. Game four will take place Monday night at 7:30 and is sure to contain plenty of fireworks.

New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers

Rangers lead 2-1

The Rangers hold a 2-1 lead over the higher seeded Devils in the most surprising series in the Eastern Conference thus far.Neither team has been able to secure a win at home through three games. The Rangers went on the road and won both games in New Jersey in impressive fashion. Through games one and two, the Rangers outscored the Devils 10-2. As the series went back to New York, the Devils took care of business on the road with a 2-1 win to cut into the Islanders series lead. The Devils will be looking to even the series on the road while the Islanders will be hoping to take a commanding 3-1 lead in a pivotal game four on Monday night.