2021 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: A Return to Tradition
After a Bubble-Encased 2020
The 2021 NHL playoffs marked a return to a more traditional format after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the previous year's postseason to be held inside a bubble in Edmonton. With fans back in the stands and teams traveling around the league, the 2021 playoffs provided plenty of excitement and drama.
Playoff Format Changes
There were a few notable changes to the playoff format for 2021. The first round was expanded from eight teams to 16, with the top four teams in each division automatically advancing to the second round. The remaining eight teams played in a best-of-five qualifying round to determine the final four spots in the second round.
Another change was the elimination of overtime in the first round. If a game was tied after regulation, it went straight to a shootout. This rule was implemented to reduce the risk of injuries in the early rounds of the playoffs.
Stanley Cup Contenders
The Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights were the two clear favorites to win the Stanley Cup in 2021. Both teams had impressive regular seasons and were loaded with talent. However, the playoffs are always unpredictable, and there were several other teams that had a chance to make a run at the championship.
The Tampa Bay Lightning were the defending champions and were looking to become the first team to win back-to-back Stanley Cups since the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016. The Toronto Maple Leafs were another team with high hopes, as they had not won a playoff series since 2004. The Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, and Edmonton Oilers were also considered to be contenders.
Playoff Highlights
The 2021 playoffs were full of memorable moments. The Montreal Canadiens surprised many by reaching the Stanley Cup Final, thanks in part to the incredible play of goalie Carey Price. The Vegas Golden Knights also made a deep run, reaching the semifinals before losing to the Canadiens in six games.
The Stanley Cup Final was a rematch of the 2020 series between the Lightning and the Canadiens. The Lightning won the series in five games to claim their second consecutive Stanley Cup. Andrei Vasilevskiy was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the playoffs' most valuable player.
Conclusion
The 2021 NHL playoffs were a welcome return to normalcy after a strange and challenging 2020 season. The playoffs were full of excitement and drama, and the Tampa Bay Lightning emerged as the ultimate victors. With the 2022 playoffs just around the corner, fans can expect another thrilling postseason.
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