Deen’s Daily: A Shift In The West; Carolina Plays Saturday, What About Colorado?; Lady Byng Finalists

Nick Wosika-Imagn ImagesNick Wosika-Imagn Images

The Avalanche’s second-round opponent has been determined. The first game of the second round is scheduled for this weekend. Also, Lady Byng Trophy finalists were announced, and three other series could either end tonight or extend to a Game 7.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — May 1.

The Colorado Avalanche are facing the Minnesota Wild in the second round! Please consider donating to the Colorado Hockey Now Playoff Travel Fund via PAYPAL BY CLICKING HERE or VENMO BY CLICKING HERE to help our beat writer continue to provide road coverage during a must-see second-round series.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche and Minnesota Wild will battle for the right to represent the Central Division in the Western Conference Final.

Earlier in the day, the Avalanche practiced at Family Sports. It was their second day in a row on the ice, but they’ll take Friday off as they prepare for what might be a Game 1 on either Sunday or Monday. Are they watching other hockey games while waiting? I asked some of the guys in the room. Here’s what they had to say.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap

Game 6 Recap —Stars 2 at Wild 5 — (MIN wins 4-2)

The Wild eliminated the Dallas Stars in six games after trailing the series 2-1 after Game 3. Minnesota advances to the second round for the first time since 2015. Meanwhile, the Stars have played in the Western Conference Final for three consecutive seasons. The last time they were eliminated in the first round was in 2022.