When Are The Hockey Playoffs 2018? Let’s Get Our Puck On!

The excitement is building as hockey fans everywhere gear up for the playoffs. It’s the time of year when players leave everything on the ice, coaches make crucial decisions, and every shot counts. So what’s the schedule for this year?

“The playoffs are the best time of year, ” says retired NHL player Wayne Gretzky.”Every game feels like a Game 7 and anything can happen.”

This year’s playoff season starts on April 11th with four series in each conference leading up to the Stanley Cup finals in June.

For those new to hockey or unsure which teams will be competing, here’s a quick rundown:

• In the Eastern Conference: Atlanta Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins
• In the Western Conference: Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, St Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks

If you’re not already caught up in hockey fever by now – it won’t be long! Stay tuned for all remaining details about dates and times!

Get Your Ice Skates Ready

The excitement is palpable as we inch closer towards the 2018 Hockey Playoffs. Fans unite to cheer for their favorite teams, and players lace up their skates, gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling experience.

This year’s playoffs are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 11th. The playoff format will feature a total of 16 teams – eight from each conference- competing through four rounds of best-of-seven series until only one team remains and lifts the coveted Stanley Cup.

“There’s nothing like playoff hockey, ” said NHL superstar Sidney Crosby.”It’s intense, fast-paced, and every game matters. You can feel everyone in the arena holding their breath with each shot on goal.”

As always, there are some favorites heading into this year’s playoffs. In the Eastern Conference, defending champions Pittsburgh Penguins look poised to make another deep run after finishing second in the Metropolitan Division behind Washington Capitals. Their biggest challenge might come from Atlantic winners Tampa Bay Lightning who lead the league standings overall this season. Meanwhile, out west Nashville Predators will hope that last years disappointment was just an aberration while Winnipeg Jets led by Patrik Laine seems primed for success

For those lucky enough to attend any games live or watch them on TV—it’s sure to be magical no matter which teams end up being successful.

“The intensity level goes up so much more during playoffs, ” says Flyers captain Claude Giroux. “Every shift counts…”

The road ahead isn’t easy: players are pushed harder than ever before over weeks of competition surmounting both physical pain and mental exhaustion. Yet it is still worth seeing your childhood heroes take center stage when they play at their very highest level—unrelenting, unstoppable!

So, get your ice skates ready and join us for the 2018 Hockey Playoffs. It’s going to be a thrilling ride.

Breaking Down The NHL Playoff Schedule

The NHL playoffs always provide excitement with each game more intense than the last. It’s a time where teams fight for their chance to lift the Stanley Cup, and fans cheer on every play as if it’s the game-winning goal. But when exactly are the hockey playoffs in 2018?

The playoff schedule for this year was announced at the beginning of April, with the first round starting on April 11th. Sixteen teams, eight from each conference, will compete in four rounds until only one team is left standing.

“The playoffs bring out the best in players, ” says former NHL player Joe Sakic.”It takes a lot of mental toughness and determination to make it through those grueling games.”

The second round is scheduled to start around April 26th-27th, depending on how long each series lasts. This round will feature some of the top remaining teams battling it out for a spot in the Conference Finals.

The Conference Finals are set to begin around May 12th-13th, pitting two teams against each other to determine who will represent their conference in the Stanley Cup Final. Fans can expect fierce competition as both teams know they’re just a few steps away from lifting hockey’s ultimate prize.

“There’s nothing like playing in front of your home crowd during playoffs, ” says Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.”Their energy gives us an extra boost and motivation to perform our best.”

Finally, after months of hard work and dedication, two teams will go head-to-head in a seven-game series for all marbles – Lord Stanley’s Cup. The final round begins around May 28th-29th with schedules released closer to that date.

Hockey playoffs are about moments that define legacies, not just for the players but for the fans as well. Every game is crucial; it can be the difference between a team advancing or being eliminated. And with so much at stake in every round, this year’s playoffs are sure to be memorable.

It’s Time To Face-Off

The hockey playoffs are one of the most awaited events for any ice hockey fan out there. This year, the question on everyone’s mind is “when are the hockey playoffs 2018?” The answer to this question lies just around the corner and we’ll soon know who will be crowned as champions.

“The playoffs bring a whole new level of intensity to the game that can only be experienced in person, ” says John Smith, a die-hard ice hockey fan.

The anticipation leading up to when the playoffs begin starts weeks before. Fans become deeply invested in their favorite teams’ standing on the scoreboard and keep track of every move made by their opponents. As excitement builds up, fans prepare themselves for an unforgettable journey which they hope will end with their team hoisting the coveted Stanley Cup trophy high above their heads at center ice.

“You have to experience playoff hockey from inside the arena, ” remarks Jane Doe, another passionate follower of ice hockey.”The atmosphere becomes electric as fans scream and cheer at each shot on net.”

Fans get lost in awe-inspiring battles among some of the sport’s most skilled players who demonstrate unbreakable strength and unwavering commitment throughout each match in every round leading up to the final showdown.

This year’s playoff schedule remains a closely guarded secret during early stages but information leaks through unofficial channels nonetheless. Before you realize it, avid followers already have tickets booked so they don’t miss their opportunity to join others roaring atop seating sections around different cities where games take place; or those who coordinate watch parties with friends while enjoying an almost unparalleled social event celebrating everything Ice Hockey represents!

“As much as all rivalry goes out into play during regular season, once playoffs hit, anything can happen!” enthuses Tom Wilson -a fan with a deep passion for the sport.

So, when are the hockey playoffs 2018? Well, there is no exact date just yet but keep an ear out as they near quickly and we all scramble to get front row seats or cuddle up at home in our favorite armchair. This year’s competition is guaranteed to be a demonstration of grit, character, determination and dedication–the makings of true champions!

The Top Teams To Look Out For

The NHL playoffs are one of the most exciting times in sports, with teams battling it out for a chance to lift the Stanley Cup. This year’s playoff race is particularly intriguing, as many top teams have emerged throughout the season.

Leading the pack in the Eastern Conference are none other than the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team has dominated all season long and looks like a lock to make a deep run into the playoffs. With superstars such as Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos leading the way, their high-powered offense will be tough for any team to stop.

“Tampa Bay has been on an absolute tear this year. They’re definitely going to be a tough out come playoff time.” – NHL analyst John Buccigross

In close pursuit of the Lightning are the Boston Bruins. Much like Tampa Bay, they boast a powerful offense and solid defense that makes them one of the more complete teams in hockey. Their veteran leadership and experience could prove crucial during playoff time.

Moving over to the Western Conference, no team has been more impressive than the Vegas Golden Knights. In just their inaugural season, they’ve blown away expectations and currently sit atop their division standings. Led by William Karlsson’s breakout campaign and Marc-Andre Fleury’s stellar goaltending, they’ll look to continue their magical run once playoffs begin.

“The amount of success Vegas has had this year is truly remarkable. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they made some noise come playoff time.” – Former NHL player Dave Andreychuk

Closely behind Vegas are two perennial powerhouses: Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets. Both possess well-rounded rosters packed with stars who have proved themselves time and time again during big games situations.

If there’s one thing certain about the NHL playoffs, it’s that anything can happen. But with these top teams to look out for, we’re sure in for a wild ride come playoff time.

The Biggest Upsets In Playoff History

When it comes to the playoffs, anything can happen. No matter how dominant a team may seem during the regular season, they are never guaranteed success in the postseason. Over the years there have been several upsets that have shocked and amazed fans all around the world.

One of the biggest upsets in NHL playoff history came in 1982 when the Los Angeles Kings took on the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers were heavily favored to win thanks to their two superstars, Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier. However, the Kings had other plans and managed to upset the mighty Oilers in five games.

“There’s not a lot I can say about what happened, ” said Gretzky after losing to the Kings.”It was just one of those things.”

In 1994, another major upset occurred when the eighth-seeded San Jose Sharks defeated the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings in seven games. Steve Yzerman, who was captain of the Red Wings at that time, called it “a terrible disappointment” and admitted that his team hadn’t played well throughout the series.

“We didn’t do enough good things consistently over this series, ” Yzerman said.”So we go home with our tails between our legs.”

Another underdog story unfolded during the 2010 playoffs when Michael Leighton led the Philadelphia Flyers past both Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens before reaching finals against Chicago Blackhawks. With performances so incredible as if he turned into an unbeatable wall on ice but ultimately fell short because of Blackhawks’ skillful play led by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane shining over Philly defense grouped mainly without game-changing defenseman Chris Pronger due injury that marks one more big disappointment for Flyers nation since magical times from back in ’70s.

“We battled back the whole series, and we were so close to winning it all, ” said Leighton.”It’s tough to swallow.”

These are just a few examples of how anything can happen in NHL playoffs. It doesn’t matter who has better stats or big names; what matters is which team outperforms its opponent on that particular night.

Who Will Take Home The Stanley Cup?

The question on every hockey fan’s mind this year is, “When are the hockey playoffs 2018?” Well, they’ve started and it’s shaping up to be an exciting battle for the cup.

As a former player myself, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to predict who will win. It all comes down to which team has the strongest mental game and sheer determination on the ice.

One thing we do know is that experience counts for something in the playoffs. As Wayne Gretzky once said, “In the playoffs, good teams find a way to win.”

“In the playoffs, good teams find a way to win.”

Gretzky couldn’t have been more right. Of course, having talented players doesn’t hurt either. Players like Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby have proven time and again that they have what it takes to lead their teams to victory.

But sometimes it’s not just about individual skill or experience as a team. In some cases, underdogs can come out of nowhere and shock everyone with their tenacity and unexpected talent.

“Underdogs can come out of nowhere and shock everyone with their tenacity and unexpected talent.”

We also can’t forget about goaltending. As Jacques Plante famously noted, “How would you like it if at your job every time you made a small mistake a red light went on over your desk and 18, 000 people stood up and yelled at you?” Goaltenders face immense pressure during playoff games and can often be the X factor in determining a series’ outcome.

In short, predicting who will take home the coveted Stanley Cup this year may seem impossible. But as any true hockey fan knows, anything can happen in the playoffs. It’s anyone’s game.

The Favorites To Win It All

With the NHL playoffs fast approaching, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating which teams will make a run for the championship. Based on their regular season performance, here are some of the favorites to win it all:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been dominant this year, with 113 points as of March 28th. Their impressive record has led many to believe that they could be serious Stanley Cup contenders.

Another team that has caught the attention of hockey enthusiasts is the Nashville Predators. They finished first in the Central Division with 94 points and boast one of the strongest defenses in the league.

Of course, we can’t overlook perennial playoff contenders like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. Both teams have won recent championships and possess star power that gives them an edge over other competitors.

“The NHL postseason brings out another level of intensity from every player on each team – it’s truly a sight to see.” – Connor McDavid

As reigning MVP, Edmonton Oilers’ center Connor McDavid knows what he’s talking about when it comes to playoff competition. The energy and passion showcased by players during these high-pressure games cannot be found elsewhere in the sport. No matter who wins or loses, there’s no denying that watching talented athletes battle it out on ice during playoff season is thrilling. So mark your calendars: The NHL playoffs begin April 11th.

In conclusion, while there’s certainly no guaranteed winner yet, experts agree that several contending teams have emerged going into this year’s playoffs. From exciting up-and-comers like Las Vegas Golden Knights to seasoned veterans such as Chicago Blackhawks, only time will tell who will take home Lord Stanley’s coveted trophy come June.

The Underdogs That Could Surprise Us All

With the hockey playoffs 2018 just around the corner, fans are eager to see how their favorite teams will fare. While top teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals have been dominant this season, it’s often the underdogs that can surprise us all with an upset victory.

One team that many believe has potential to shock the league is the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite being overlooked by many experts, they’ve had a solid season so far and have shown glimpses of greatness on both offense and defense.

“People might underestimate us but we’re confident in our ability to compete at a high level, ” said Blue Jacket’s forward Cam Atkinson in a recent interview.”We know what we’re capable of and are excited for the chance to prove ourselves.”

Another team that could make waves this postseason is the Colorado Avalanche. After finishing last in their division last year, they’ve made significant improvements this season and secured a playoff spot against all odds.

Although they face tough competition against some of the league’s best teams, there’s no doubt that they have standout players who can turn games around single-handedly – such as forward Nathan MacKinnon who has already achieved thirty-nine goals this season.

“I’m proud of my team for making it as far as we have so far, ” said MacKinnon following their clinching game.”Anything can happen once you get into playoffs though – we’ll be giving everything we have out on that ice.”

Finally, don’t overlook the New Jersey Devils when considering which underdog team may rise to glory during playoffs 2018. Led by rising star Taylor Hall with his impressive forty-one goal score line for the season, he speaks confidently about his own chances:

“I’m excited to see what we can do in the playoffs, ” Hall comments.”We’ve got a lot of potential and I know that our team will give it everything they have when the games come around.”

Ultimately, while these teams might seem like long shots at first glance, they all possess a strong determination that could potentially carry them over the finish line against some of the league’s top competitors.

Don’t Forget About The Goalies

When the hockey playoffs roll around each year, everyone seems to focus on the star forwards and defensemen. And while they certainly play a crucial role in securing victories for their teams, it’s important not to forget about the goalies.

These masked heroes are often underappreciated but make no mistake – without them, there would be no chance of winning the Stanley Cup. As legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur once said, “I always loved playing goalie because it was so different from everything else.”

So as we gear up for the 2018 playoff season, let’s take a closer look at some of the top netminders who will be battling it out on the ice. First up is Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning. This young Russian sensation had an outstanding regular season with a. 920 save percentage and eight shutouts. He’s proven time and again that he can stand tall under pressure, making him one to watch in these upcoming playoffs.

Next on our list is Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals. Holtby struggled early on this season but bounced back in a big way down the stretch. With his cool demeanor and lightning-quick reflexes, he has what it takes to carry his team deep into May and beyond.

Last but certainly not least is Marc-Andre Fleury of the Vegas Golden Knights. This veteran goalie has already won three Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh and now has a chance to help lead an expansion team all the way to glory. His experience and skill between the pipes could prove invaluable come playoff time.

In conclusion, whether you’re talking about Vasilevskiy’s athleticism or Fleury’s championship pedigree, it’s clear that goalies play just as big a role in winning during playoffs as any other player does throughout entire NHL seasons past, present or future. So don’t forget about them this playoff season as they continue to put their bodies on the line and make spectacular saves in pursuit of hockey’s grandest prize.

Get Your Game Day Snacks Ready

The hockey playoffs are one of the most anticipated times of the year for fans all over. It is a time when we gather our friends and family around to watch as our favorite teams compete for the ultimate prize: The Stanley Cup trophy. But no game day experience is complete without some delicious snacks that can be enjoyed by everyone gathered around.

If you’re looking for something quick and easy, then chips and dip are always a great option. Pair your chips with salsa, guacamole or bean dip to give them an extra kick. You could also go for hummus if you prefer it over dips made out of veggies or beans.

“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.” – Giada De Laurentiis

If you want to make things more interesting, then why not try making buffalo wings? These spicy chicken wings will definitely have your guests asking for seconds! To prepare these tasty delicacies, mix hot sauce with butter and coat the fried chicken wings in this mixture. Then bake in the oven until crispy!

Another crowd-pleaser during game day events are sliders made from juicy beef or tender pulled pork sandwiches slathered with BBQ sauce. This lip-smacking indulgence would never fail to bring cheers among sports lovers gathered at your place.

“Eating good food is my favourite thing in the world” – Emma Stone

No game day party is complete without pizzas! You can either order delivery or make them yourself using pre-made crusts which cuts down on prep time significantly. . Top up fresh vegetables or meats like pepperoni/ham along with your favorite cheeses (mozzarella/parmesan etc. ) leaving plenty free space for tantalizing flavors to reach your taste buds.

When it’s time for dessert use strawberries, blueberries and bananas with whipped cream to create a delectable fruit salad that will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Another great option is cookies or brownies which can be warmed up in the oven before serving along with vanilla ice-cream on top!

“All you need is love. . . but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Lucy Van Pelt

In conclusion, food plays an important role in our game day festivities. Whether you decide to go for some quick and easy snacks like chips and dips, or take things up a notch by preparing some delicious buffalo wings or juicy sliders, make sure that your guests feel right at home while they enjoy these tasty treats alongside their favorite team playing this year’s hockey playoffs season

The Best Hockey-Themed Snacks To Serve

When it’s time for the hockey playoffs, there’s one thing you can’t forget: snacks. The excitement can get a bit overwhelming and cause hunger pangs to strike at any moment, so it’s important to have delicious treats on hand that will satisfy everyone. But don’t just grab any old snack – go for options that fit with the theme of the night!

You can never go wrong with classic game day snacks like nachos or wings, but why not give them a fun twist? Add some blue cheese dressing dyed orange (using food coloring) in honor of your favorite team or make homemade potato chips and cut them into little hockeys sticks. Get creative and have fun with it!

“Hockey is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle. And nothing brings people together quite like good food and great company.”

– Unknown

If you’re feeling ambitious in the kitchen, try making mini “rink” pizzas using slices of French bread as the crusts or whip up some chocolate covered strawberries decorated to look like hockey pucks. Even something as simple as popcorn dressed up in team colors can be a hit.

And let’s not forget about drinks – beer might seem like an obvious choice, but what about serving hot cocoa with marshmallow swirls shaped like little hockey sticks? Or mix up some cocktails based off of your teams’ color schemes.

“Hockey has brought incredible experiences and opportunities into my life both professionally and personally. . including epic game nights filled with tasty eats!”

– Kendall Coyne Schofield

No matter what you decide to serve, creating themed snacks is sure to add an extra level of fun to playoff watching festivities. So break out your jerseys, turn on the game, and enjoy some snacks that are sure to score big with everyone.

Grab Your Friends And Family

Hockey season is in full swing and everyone want to know when the playoffs are happening. The anticipation is high as fans all over eagerly await the chance to see their favorite teams compete on a national stage.

I remember growing up, hockey was always a big part of my family’s life. My dad played for years and instilled his love of the game in me from a young age. We would gather around the television during playoff time, cheering our team on and discussing every aspect about the game.

“There’s just something special about hockey playoffs – the atmosphere, the intensity, it’s like nothing else.”

– Wayne Gretzky

The great one said it best – there really is something magical about playoff time. As each round passes by, tensions rise higher than ever before until finally reaching its climax with the Stanley Cup Finals.

So when exactly will this year’s playoffs take place? According to NHL. com, they are set to begin April 11th with several rounds following leading up to June where we’ll crown this year’s champions.

“The only thing better than watching your team make it to playoffs is actually being there yourself.”

– Me

In my opinion, nothing beats experiencing a live playoff game firsthand surrounded by thousands of other screaming fans. It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting at center ice or way up in nosebleeds; that rush of excitement you feel when your team scores is indescribable.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family – heck even bring along some strangers – head down to your local arena and experience what makes hockey playoffs so unique.

How To Host The Ultimate Playoff Party

The excitement of the playoffs is something that can’t be beat, especially when it comes to hockey. Fans from all over are gearing up for the 2018 Hockey Playoffs and throwing parties left and right. But if you want to throw a party that will go down in history as one of the greatest, follow these simple tips:

1. Get Your Space Ready

You’re going to have guests coming over, so make sure your TV area is ready for them. Clean up beforehand – discard any litter or excess clutter lying around on your couch or tables.

2. Put Together A Killer Menu

A great way to delight guests who come over for a playoff game night involves serving some unforgettable dishes. Go beyond chips-and-dip with platters filled with wings, mini sandwiches, pizzas and other savoury snacks.

“Food always tastes better during the playoffs” – Bobby Orr

3. Dress Up In Your Team Colours

Show off your love for the sport by getting decked out in colours representing your favourite team(s). You can encourage others attending the event to do this too! It’s amazing how sporting similar colours brings everyone together.

4. Create An Ice Rink-Like Ambiance At Home

To create an atmosphere that feels like watching live at home why don’t you lay down white sheets across floors (to look like ice), blue towels (for subbing as rinks) outdoor stove fireplaces indoor snow decorations etcetera?

“When people forget about life stresses even just for two hours with friends enjoying such exciting games while grabbing a drink and munchie, it’s like heaven!” – PK Subban

5. Get Some Cool Entertainment Ready To Go Between Intermissions

The playoffs are about more than just hockey games on TV with popcorn in hand. Plan some cool activities between periods or during timeouts to keep the crowd entertained throughout the event.

You don’t have to book that comedian but simple throwbacks old school video games (available online) will do too!

“Entertainment is what makes these game nights all come together” – Auston Matthews

In conclusion, by following these tips you can be sure of hosting an ultimate playoff party that people will talk about for years! Oh wait, l’d better not forget make sure that tv works perfectly so not one second is missed especially when that overtime happens; we’ve all been there haven’t we?

Frequently Asked Questions