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.

Game 6 Recap — Oilers 2 at Ducks 5 — (ANA wins 4-2)

We are going to have a completely different Western Conference Final this year. After two consecutive years of Edmonton vs. Dallas in the third round, both teams were eliminated on the same day. Anaheim joins Minnesota as a second-round team for the first time in years. The Ducks’ last appearance was in 2018.

Meanwhile, the Avalanche last played in the second round in 2024, while the Vegas Golden Knights, who could advance with a win tonight over Utah, were in the second round last year.

Tonight’s Schedule

• Game 6: Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens (5 pm MT on ESPN 2)

• Game 6: Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins (5:30 pm on ESPN)

• Game 6: Vegas Golden Knights at Utah Mammoth (8 pm MT on ESN)

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It might be time for sweeping changes in Pittsburgh after falling to the Flyers in six games.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Lady Byng Trophy finalists were announced, and one of the Canadiens’ forwards was among them.

Boston Hockey Now: The latest on Viktor Arvidsson, who was injured in Game 5.

Carolina Hockey Now: We now know when the second round will officially begin. Philly and Carolina will play on Saturday, even though the first round could extend until Sunday. The NHL was smart to do this. Dallas and Edmonton both falling on Thursday means that there wouldn’t have been any games scheduled for tomorrow. There was no reason to let Saturday remain open without games.

The post Deen’s Daily: A Shift In The West; Carolina Plays Saturday, What About Colorado?; Lady Byng Finalists appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.