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Why the first round is the most intense time on the NHL calendar

It’s the most intense two-week interval of the 12 months. The center beats at a special fee, all the pieces appears sooner, increased, hotter, higher. It impacts everybody related to the game in the identical method — house owners, administration, coaches, gamers, assist employees, and followers. It could have an effect on followers probably the most.

It’s the first spherical of the Stanley Cup playoffs: clear slates for 16 groups, optimism abounding, the potential for huge disappointment looming. Makes an attempt are made to divert strain and level it elsewhere however, to these concerned, it’s actual, omnipresent and unavoidable.

I used to be lucky to play in 13 first rounds, making the playoffs in every of my NHL seasons. I’ve received and misplaced in each spherical, save for my three journeys to the ultimate. And I do know firsthand that nothing rivals what the subsequent two chaotic weeks promise to ship.

Sixteen groups have averted the emotional post-season curler coaster solely. They’ve already moved on, coping with their respective logistics — ultimate gatherings, locker room cleanouts, year-end pressers. They’re already trying forward or making an attempt to determine precisely what occurred. They know they’re lacking out on the very best time of the 12 months. Some will select to painfully watch, others will escape to faraway islands and dream of what could have been.

Groups have been positioning and posturing for weeks now, significantly within the East the place the highest eight had been established early. They’ve watched out of the corners of their eyes to see what matchup awaited. What had been the outcomes through the common season, and did that matter? What key gamers didn’t play throughout these earlier video games, and the way may issues be totally different now? Prognosticators will make their choices, however the video games will refute any logic or previous historical past and write their very own narrative.

The important thing facets of what separates the primary spherical from people who comply with are many, with the regular-season level hole a place to begin. Upsets are at all times lurking. My group completed as many as 51 factors forward of a first-round opponent and nonetheless battled via a tough fought sequence. We misplaced to a group that completed 38 factors in our rearview mirror. How is that doable? It’s the possibility for retribution for the underdogs. They’ll dismiss what occurred in 82 video games in a single fell swoop. One fast run of excellence makes you a winner. You’re transferring on, they’re going residence.

A sizzling goalie is usually a vital think about a short while body. In a sport that always undervalues the place, there is no such thing as a extra vital participant when the post-season arrives. A goalie could not be capable of maintain his stage via two months and 4 playoff rounds, however he can shine for 2 weeks. He can steal a spherical.

The highlight intensifies on the highest skaters conversely, as a result of simply as a participant can warmth up, one can go chilly for a modest time period. Everybody does. Even the league’s prime scorers have stretches of mediocrity over the course of the season. It’s understood and anticipated, until it occurs through the first spherical. Playoff failures demand fall guys, and zeroes on the non-public scoreboard scream out.

The suddenness and depth of the primary spherical could finest be exemplified by the parable of home-ice benefit. Groups toil over 82 video games to achieve the benefit of residence ice, promising the sting of taking part in a possible deciding Sport 7 in pleasant confines. That may be stolen on the opening evening of a sequence. One unhealthy bounce, a tricky begin to a interval, or a single play of opposition excellence can swing that residence ice and the consolation that accompanies it.

All of it occurs so quick. There are the bodily and psychological calls for of taking part in each second day, with journey combined in because the sequence shift locales. There’s a large ebb and circulation of feelings when the possibility to maneuver on dances tantalizingly forward.

It will probably solely imply one factor. It’s the primary spherical of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Dave Poulin is a former NHL participant, government and TSN hockey analyst based mostly in Toronto. He’s a contract contributing columnist for the Star. Observe him on Twitter: @djpoulin20



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