Playoffs Daily: Previews, Stats, Bracket

The Stanley Cup playoffs kick off with matchups that promise chaos from the jump, as powerhouses like the Lightning face confident Canadiens and the Oilers stare down juiced Ducks. Front offices whisper about key injuries and X-factors that could flip series on their heads, while goalie battles steal the early spotlight. Every stat and schedule detail shapes how GMs plot their offseason moves if these first-rounders go sideways.