Former UND players begin chase for the Stanley Cup

Hakstol, Nelson and the Avalanche, who won the President's Trophy for having the NHL's best regular-season record, will play the Los Angeles Kings in the first round.

Nelson played in his 1,000th NHL regular-season game this week,

becoming the eighth former UND player

to hit that milestone. He had a productive year, scoring 33 goals and tallying 65 points in 81 games.

The Senators, who ended a seven-year playoff drought last season, are back. They take on Carolina in the first round.

Sanderson, a defenseman, scored 14 goals and tallied 54 points in 67 games for the Senators.

Kleven, a defenseman from Fargo, scored three goals and tallied 18 points in 70 games. He has been out with an injury since April 2, but

could return for the series

against the Hurricanes.

Pinto, a center, scored 23 goals and tallied 46 points in 72 games.

Blake, in his second full season with Carolina, scored 22 goals and had 53 points in 81 games. He played 15 playoff games a year ago, helping the Hurricanes reach the conference final.

Kiersted has split time between the NHL and the American Hockey League this season, but is currently with Minnesota in the NHL. The Wild are playing Dallas in the first round.

Smith, who was sent from Nashville to Vegas at the trading deadline, will be in his second Stanley Cup Playoff. Smith has eight goals and 12 points in 63 NHL games this season.

Livanavage's Pittsburgh Penguins are playing the Philadelphia Flyers.