Dunkel Index - National Hockey League Rankings

We have seen a week and a half of the postseason in the National Hockey League, and the action just continues to heat up. There are 3 teams as of Wednesday that has reached the second round. In the next couple of days, we will get the remaining 5 and be on our way to the second round of the quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup. Here is a look at the latest Dunkel Index NHL Rankings!

1. Carolina Hurricanes vs. 14. Nashville Predators

In one of the most entertaining series of the first round, the Carolina Hurricanes are ahead of Nashville 3-2 in the series. The last three games, including both games in Nashville, have gone to overtime. The Hurricanes will look to close out the series but will have to do it on the road in Nashville on Thursday.

2. Colorado Avalanche 4-0 over 16. St. Louis Blues

This was a mismatch from the start. The St. Louis Blues limped into this postseason series and limped out even harder. The Avalanche dominated from start to finish, and there is a ready they won the President's Trophy. Now, Colorado will await their second-round opponent, while the Blues go home after the first round for the second straight season.

3. Vegas Golden Knights vs. 6. Minnesota Wild

This has been an entertaining series. The Golden Knights were unable to put the Wild away in Game 5, and now will have a chance on the road Wednesday night. Vegas is a team that can get hot quick, but cool down even quicker. If this series goes 7, look for all the pressure to turn to Vegas.

4. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. 5. Florida Panthers

The battle of Florida has been solid so far. The Panthers held off elimination at home in Game 5. The question is - can they do it again - this time in Tampa Bay? If not, the Lightning will need to win in Sunrise again in Game 7. These two teams are both very talented, which goes to show why the Central was a dogfight all season long.

7. Pittsburgh Penguins 12. New York Islanders

The Penguins are on the brink of elimination. After early on, Pittsburgh has not played great hockey. Now, the Islanders will look to eliminate them at home on Wednesday night. The winner of this series will move on and take on the Boston Bruins in the second round.

8. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. 18. Montreal Canadiens

The battle of Canada was interesting early as Montreal pulled off a Game 1 upset. Since then, Toronto has won three straight games. The Maple Leafs get to go back home with a chance to advance on Thursday. The underdog Winnipeg Jets await the winner of this series.

9. Washington eliminated 4-1 by 10. Boston Bruins

After the Capitals won the first game of the series, the Bruins won four straight games. Boston seems to be picking up stride and starting to look like the team that won the Eastern Conference in 2019. The Bruins are awaiting their second-round opponent but get a chance to rest and gain some health while waiting.

13. Edmonton Oilers eliminated 4-0 by 19. Winnipeg Jets

Connor McDavid and company are Connor McGone. The Oilers were swept in four straight games by the Jets. That’s awfully frustrating for Edmonton fans, and also very mind-boggling.

There you have it. Keep up the great NHL play, and we will be happy fans once there is a team crowned Stanley Cup Champions. From the last time we spoke last week - three teams have been eliminated, the St. Louis Blues, the Edmonton Oilers and the Washington Capitals. Who will be next? Be sure to check out the latest NHL rankings!