Stanley Cup race full of first round chaos

The first round of the NHL playoffs is usually chaotic. This year is no exception. The Stanley Cup favorite, the defending NHL champion and the team that made three consecutive trips to the final are all out.

May 1, 2023 - 1:30 PM

Seattle Kraken teammates celebrate a goal by right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (22) during the second period of Game 7 of round 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs at Ball Arena on April 30, 2023 in Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Chaos is usually the name of the game in the first round of the NHL playoffs, with eight series rolling and plenty of upsets. This year was no different.

The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Boston Bruins who set records for the best regular season in hockey history? Gone.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche? Also gone.

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