RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS

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Another series could be in the books by the end of Thursday night’s second round action of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, while the other seems very up-for-grabs. EASTERN CONFERENCEMetropolitan Division(2) New York Rangers vs. (1) Carolina Hurricanes (Series tied 2-2)Whether you want to call it the Rangers being resilient, or the Hurricanes completely unable to win on the road, New York has found a way to erase a 2-0 series deficit with a pair of wins at MSG. Unlike game three, the Rangers held the Hurricanes at bay for the majority of the game. Now, the Rangers will try and bring momentum into Raleigh, where the Canes have built up a Fortress of Solitude. Watch the NHL Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)WESTERN CONFERENCEPacific Division(2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (1) Calgary Flames (Oilers lead 3-1)Despite much anticipation of a long, seven-game series, the historic Battle of Alberta’s first series in over 30 years might end on Thursday night.

Evander Kane picked up his first hat trick in a Stanley Cup playoff game, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman each had two goals, and the Edmonton Oilers dominated the Los Angeles Kings for the second straight game, posting a 8-2 victory in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.

Evander Kane had a pair of goals and the Edmonton Oilers ended up with a 7-5 victory over the Detroit Red Wings after having an early 3-0 advantage.

Edmonton captain and reigning league MVP Connor McDavid has been placed on on NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list.

The NHL's rebuilding teams are at very different stages early this season.

NHL players could start participating in voluntary small-group workouts, and teams began opening their training facilities Monday. Players learned Thursday training camps can open July 10, pending an agreement on returning to play later this summer. Now, the players are expected to trickle back in preparation of the resumption of the season. Players started skating by the handful this week in places like Boston, Chicago, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Columbus and Edmonton, while some teams waited to open their doors. Veteran Nashville general manager David Poile said that while almost a dozen players remained in the area, the NHL has instructed teams not to ask or encourage players to show up because this stage is voluntary.