The NHL playoffs opened the doors with five games and one upset. The Columbus Blue Jackets came from 3-0 down to shock the Tampa Bay Lightning on the road. The opening games also offered a lot of excitement and some great performances, so make sure you check out the latest NHL posts, including Joe Pavelski, Jordan Binnington and many more.
Joe Pavelski scores with his face
The San Jose Sharks beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 to take a 1-0 lead in the series but the way Joe Pavelski opened the scoring wasn’t orthodox as the captain redirected a shot to the goal with his chin, losing a couple of teeth as a result.
Joe Pavelski scoring with his … chin?pic.twitter.com/773h3b1Ywz
— SI NHL (@SI_NHL) April 11, 2019
Binnington with the save of the night
The Winnipeg Jets tried to equalize the score in the final seconds of the opening game with the St. Louis Blues but goalie Jordan Binnington was all over the ice and didn’t let the hosts force overtime. Check out his game-winning save.
What a save! 😲@binnnasty earns @pepsi Save of the Night honors with this incredible stop to secure the win in Game 1. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/PosLVs2nZO
— NHL (@NHL) April 11, 2019
The teenage sensation
The Dallas Stars surprised the Nashville Predators with a 3-2 road win to open the series but they have to thank 19-year-old defenseman Miro Heiskanen. Heiskanen became the third defenseman in the NHL history to score two goals in a playoff game after Glen Wesley and Phil Housley.
Miro Heiskanen is the name. Don't wear it out. #StanleyCup
🇺🇸 Watch: https://t.co/eIPpYyofQZ @USA_Network
🇨🇦 Watch: https://t.co/Ru1tdgCszT @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/etGr0qUoez— NHL (@NHL) April 11, 2019
Carolina is ready
The Carolina Hurricanes are playing the opening game of the series with the Washington Capitals on the road tonight and although they are underdogs in the series, they are more than ready for the challenge.
Our State. Our Team. Our Time. #SurgeTogether pic.twitter.com/W2fobXtIEN
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 11, 2019
The Rapids’ message to the Avs
Sports teams in Denver are known for being supportive among themselves and on this occasion, Colorado Rapids’ players Axel Sjoberg, Cole Bassett, and Keegan Rosenberry wished all the best to the Colorado Avalanche in their opening series of the NHL playoffs with the Calgary Flames.
🏒 Playoff hockey is back, let's go @Avalanche!#Rapids96 | #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/ppoY18aHuB
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) April 11, 2019