The Eastern Conference Final game between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes kicked off with the Panthers taking a 1-0 series lead. The matchup unfolded at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, resulting in a 5-2 victory for Florida, showcasing their resilience after an emotional series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sam Bennett's role in the game was highlighted along with Sebastian Aho's caffeine habits pre-game, which amusingly coincided with his performance.

Officiating decisions caused a stir, with disputes surrounding goal calls, particularly regarding Petravik's kick. Carolina's struggles in the first period were noted, alongside their strategy to disrupt Florida's goaltending. As the series progresses, questions loom over the mental state of teams with Carolina's past playoff failures and how that might impact their performance. Discussions about contract negotiations for key players in Winnipeg and Toronto were also prevalent, emphasizing the business side of hockey amidst the playoffs.

The NHL playoff action is heating up, with the Toronto Maple Leafs taking a commanding 2-0 series lead against the Florida Panthers after a nail-biting 4-3 victory in Game 2. Slick Willie Knander led the charge for Toronto, scoring his fifth goal in just three games this postseason. The Leafs showcased their depth, with timely contributions from Max Pacioretty and Mitch Marner, who netted the game-winner just 20 seconds after the Panthers tied it. Meanwhile, the defending champions, Florida, seem to be struggling, with their star players not stepping up in crucial moments.

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars opened their series against the Winnipeg Jets with a gritty 3-2 victory, thanks to an impressive performance by Miko Rantanen, who scored a hat trick. With this win, Dallas snapped their trend of losing Game 1s in the playoffs, demonstrating they are ready to make a serious push this year. Both series are shaping up to be thrilling battles with high stakes as they progress towards the conference finals.

In a thrilling display during the latest NHL action, Cole Perfetti showcased his talent, scoring a last-second equalizer that etched his name in history as the latest game-tying goal in Game 7. This remarkable moment came with just 1.6 seconds remaining, cementing a dramatic comeback against his former team, the Winnipeg Jets. Miko Rantanen also impressed, contributing to a decisive hat trick and assisting on the game-winning goal for the Colorado Avalanche.

The match was a rollercoaster, with the Avalanche initially trailing by two goals. Rantanen's clutch performance not only marked his return to form but also highlighted his value in high-stakes situations. As the tension built towards the end, Perfetti's heroics ultimately set the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to this playoff series.

The Stanley Cup playoffs are heating up with thrilling matchups following the first round's dramatic comebacks. The Winnipeg Jets embodied resilience, battling through injuries and overcoming a 3-1 deficit in Game Seven against the St. Louis Blues. Key players like Connor Hellebuyck and Neil Ehlers stepped up, showcasing a team ethos that reflects their playoff journey. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars advanced thanks to Miko Rantanen's outstanding performance, specifically in high-pressure situations like Game Seven, where he proved instrumental in securing the win against Colorado. With injuries impacting both teams, the upcoming series promises intensity and fierce competition as the Jets face the Stars.

Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights' playoff struggles might signal a dip in his fantasy value ahead of the next season's drafts. Historically a high scorer, Eichel's performance has disappointed, tallying just one assist in the first four playoff games against the Minnesota Wild and a -7 plus/minus rating. This underwhelming performance diminishes his expected draft position, which could now fall to the late second or early third round, affecting fantasy managers' strategies.

Other players like Carter Verhaeghe and Miko Rantanen also face scrutiny due to fluctuating performances in the postseason, raising questions about their draft projections for next season. The importance of regular-season performance versus playoff output is highlighted, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation in the context of fantasy hockey drafts.