NHL Playoff Schedule 2016: Remaining Stanley Cup TV, Live Stream Coverage Guide
It's hard to find more drama these days than in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, especially with so many games coming down to the wire.
The second round of the playoffs alone has already seen 10 one-goal games, including six ending in overtime. There was even a three-overtime battle Thursday night. The fans watching along have enjoyed some outstanding matchups, assuming the diehards can handle the emotional stress that comes with them.
As the stakes get higher, you can expect the games to only get more competitive. The right to earn a spot in the conference finals will be on the line in the next few days, so make sure you keep up with all the action in each series.
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Note: All games available for viewing online at NBC Live Extra.
| 4 | May 6 | Lightning at Islanders | 7 p.m. | NBC Sports |
| 5 | May 8 | Islanders at Lightning | 3 p.m. | NBC |
| 6 | May 10 | Lightning at Islanders | TBD | TBD |
| 7 | May 12 | Islanders at Lightning | TBD | TBD |
The New York Islanders are only down 2-1, but if they want to even up the series they will need John Tavares to get back to playing the hero.
Tavares was a star in the first series against the Florida Panthers, tallying five goals and four assists in six games. Neil Best of Newsday had high praise for the 25-year-old star:
He followed it up with two points in a Game 1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning but has since been quiet in back-to-back losses as the Islanders fell behind in the series.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is getting plenty of production from its young stars as Nikita Kucherov and Tyler Johnson have combined for 21 points in eight games this postseason, including six against New York.
Everyone needs to play well in order to get to the next round, but it would be a major help if Tavares can come through once again.
| 5 | May 7 | Penguins at Capitals | 7:15 p.m. | NBC |
| 6 | May 10 | Capitals at Penguins | TBD | TBD |
| 7 | May 12 | Penguins at Capitals | TBD | TBD |
This could be the first series to end, which really would be a shame; it has been the best of the bunch to this point.
Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals have star power and playoff experience to make this an entertaining battle, and the teams have lived up to expectations with four one-goal games. The Penguins have just done a slightly better job of getting it into the net when it matters.
T.J. Oshie got the game-winner for the Caps in Game 1, but Eric Fehr in Game 2 and then Patric Hornqvist in Game 4 helped the Penguins take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Sidney Crosby is happy about the situation, although he knows the series isn't over:
Washington was the best team in hockey throughout the regular season and still have two more games at home. If Alex Ovechkin and Company play to their ability, the Capitals still have a good chance of coming back and winning it in seven.
| 5 | May 7 | Blues at Stars | 1 p.m. | NBC |
| 6 | May 9 | Stars at Blues | TBD | TBD |
| 7 | May 11 | Blues at Stars | TBD | TBD |
The Dallas Stars were the highest-scoring team in the NHL this season but have had to rely on their defense so far in this series. They haven't scored more than three goals in a game after averaging 3.2 during the regular season.
Jamie Benn is still doing his job, leading all players with 14 points this postseason. However, the Stars have had a hard time getting the puck past St. Louis Blues goalie Brian Elliott. Although the veteran split time with Jake Allen during the season, he is clearly showing his worth during the playoffs.
Still, this is a Dallas offense that can break out at any moment. Even without Tyler Seguin, players like Benn, Jason Spezza, Patrick Sharp and others are capable of racking up points. The latest win also showed that a guy like Cody Eakin can step up for a game-winner in overtime.
St. Louis has done a good job of keeping the Stars on check while showcasing their own offensive prowess, but it seems like only a matter of time before the Western Conference's best team lives up to expectations.
| 5 | May 7 | Predators at Sharks | 10 p.m. | NBC Sports |
| 6 | May 9 | Sharks at Predators | TBD | TBD |
| 7 | May 12 | Predators at Sharks | TBD | TBD |
The San Jose Sharks have been so close to taking control of this series. They won the first two games, and even after losing Game 3, a win in Game 4 would have given them a commanding 3-1 lead.
Thursday's game featured a late lead that was squandered and many missed chances to win in overtime, leading to a historic matchup for both sides, per Jon Morosi of Fox Sports:
In the end, it was Mike Fisher who broke the tie and gave the Nashville Predators the win in three overtimes, sending everyone to bed and evening the series at 2-2.
Both these teams are relatively lucky to be here, as they are two of the three squads remaining with fewer than 100 points on the season. However, they have played like they have nothing to lose to this point, which has led to a lot of success. With both sides having plenty of balance throughout the roster, it is difficult to predict what will happen next.
No matter what happens, though, you can be certain the next team will not underestimate the winner.
Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round sports analysis.
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