NHL Playoff Bracket 2018: Complete Dates and TV Schedule for Conference Finals

The Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets were the dominant forces in Game 1 of the conference final stage in the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs.

While the Capitals and Jets have plenty of confidence from their victories, they both expect a response from the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights in their respective Game 2s.

Washington took advantage of mistakes by the host Lightning to take a series lead on the road, while Winnipeg's offense, which seems unstoppable, overpowered the Golden Knights on home ice.

The second games of each series, set for Sunday and Monday, will give us a better look at how each matchup will play out, but the Capitals and Jets have to feel good about where they stand.

TV Schedule

All Times ET

Sunday, May 13

Game 2: Washington at Tampa Bay (8 p.m., NBCSN) 

Monday, May 14

Game 2: Vegas at Winnipeg (8 p.m., NBCSN) 

Tuesday, May 15

Game 3: Tampa Bay at Washington (8 p.m., NBCSN) 

Wednesday, May 16 

Game 3: Winnipeg at Vegas (9 p.m., NBCSN) 

Thursday, May 17

Game 4: Tampa Bay at Washington (8 p.m., NBCSN) 

Friday, May 18

Game 4: Winnipeg at Vegas (8 p.m., NBCSN) 

Saturday, May 19

Game 5: Washington at Tampa Bay (7:15 p.m, NBC)*

Sunday, May 20

Game 5: Vegas at Winnipeg (3 p.m., NBC)*

Monday, May 21

Game 6: Tampa Bay at Washington (8 p.m., NBCSN)*

Tuesday, May 22

Game 6: Winnipeg at Vegas (9 p.m., NBCSN)*

Wednesday, May 23

Game 7: Washington at Tampa Bay (8 p.m., NBCSN)*

Thursday, May 24

Game 7: Vegas at Winnipeg (8 p.m., NBCSN) 

*If necessary.

Tampa Bay Searching for More Consistency 

The Lightning seemed to be in the perfect situation entering Game 1 against the Capitals, as they looked dominant in their first two series and had plenty of rest. 

But Jon Cooper's team fell flat Friday, as mistakes and penalties allowed Washington to score the first four goals of the contest. 

Defenseman Victor Hedman admitted Saturday the whole team needs to be more consistent moving forward, per the team's official Twitter account:

The good news, if there is any, for the Lightning is they scored a pair of third-period goals to create a tiny bit of momentum rolling into Game 2.

Although Tampa Bay won its previous series over Boston Bruins, it lost the first game, which is a trend Cooper doesn't think is ideal, per the team's official Twitter account:

There are plenty of fixes the Lightning need to make to contend in Game 2, which include avoiding the penalty box.

The first two penalties committed by Tampa Bay in Game 1 turned into power-play goals for the Capitals, who have 15 tallies on the man advantage in the postseason.

When the game is at even strength, the stars of the Lightning attack must set the tone with pressure on Braden Holtby in the Washington net.

If Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov find gaps in the Washington defense, it will show the other forwards which weaknesses to exploit.

Mike Carlson/Getty Images

When it comes to silencing the Capitals attack, the Lightning must focus on Evgeny Kuznetsov and T.J. Oshie, who both had two assists in Game 1.

If the Lightning clean up their poor play from Friday, they should level the series at one game apiece entering a crucial Game 3 at Capital One Arena.

Scheifele Showing No Signs of Slowing Down

While many people were busy fawning over the offensive production of the Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel in the first two rounds, Winnipeg's Mark Scheifele was putting on a show. 

Scheifele's second-period tally in Game 1 against Vegas was his 12th in 13 postseason games. His goals-per-game rate is the highest of any player who has played at least 10 playoff contests in the past 25 years, per ESPN Stats & Info:

The 25-year-old center also picked up an assist on the opening goal scored by Dustin Byfuglien, which gave him his eighth multiple-point game of the postseason.

With his goal and assist, Scheifele became the 16th player in NHL postseason history to record eight multiple-point games in his team's first 13 playoff games, per NHL PR:

Scheifele, who missed all of January with an injury, scored 23 goals and notched 37 assists in 60 regular-season games.

At full strength for the whole season a year ago, Scheifele picked up 32 goals and 50 assists, which are his career bests in each category.

Although most casual hockey fans aren't aware of his name, Scheifele has progressively gotten better each season, and he's using these playoffs as his coming-out party on the national stage along with right wingers Blake Wheeler and Patrik Laine.

Wheeler, who leads the league in postseason assists with 15, played a role in three of the Jets' four goals in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final, as he handed out a trio of assists.

Jason Halstead/Getty Images

Winnipeg's strategy for the rest of the series is simple while Scheifele and Wheeler are in terrific form. As long as the two stars, and the 19-year-old Laine, are producing chances in the attacking zone, the Jets will score goals.

The challenge for the Jets will come from the Vegas defense and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. If the Golden Knights achieve defensive success in Game 2 , Paul Maurice's side must make the proper adjustments in order to advance to its first Stanley Cup Final.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.