The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes put themselves one win away from earning first-round sweeps, while three Canadian teams set out to take the lead in their series on Friday. Here are five things to know entering Friday’s post-season action: HOSTILE TERRITORY The Vancouver Canucks might have taken both games in Nashville in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different animal. After an impressive regular season, Vancouver finds itself in a 1-1 series against the Predators after
Boston Bruins (47-20-15, second in the Atlantic Division) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (46-26-10, third in the Atlantic Division)Toronto; Saturday, 8 p.m. EDTBETMGM SPORTSBOOK: LINE Maple Leafs -114, Bruins -106; over/under is 6NHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Bruins lead series 2-1BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Bruins visit the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the NHL Playoffs with a 2-1 lead in the series. The teams meet Wednesday for the eighth time this season. The Bruins won 4-2 in the previous match
Florida Panthers (52-24-6, first in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (45-29-8, fourth in the Atlantic Division)Tampa, Florida; Saturday, 5 p.m. EDTBETMGM SPORTSBOOK: LINE Panthers -122, Lightning +102; over/under is 6NHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Panthers lead series 3-0BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers visit the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the NHL Playoffs with a 3-0 lead in the series. The teams meet Thursday for the seventh time this season. The Panthers won 5-3 in the