What Clinches NHL Playoff Series

Goaltenders steal series when the regular-season stars fade under playoff pressure, but special teams swing the momentum in ways that separate contenders from pretenders. Coaches dial in matchups that exploit weaknesses you've seen in scouting reports all year, turning neutral-zone traps into game-changers. Front offices know one hot power play or penalty kill can flip a seven-game war, and that's why every faceoff feels like a chess move with Cup stakes.