The fortuitous turn of events during the 2023-24 NHL Playoffs have made every series in the east and west up for grabs during the second round. Having key players such as Brad Marchand out due to injury, and Valerie Nichushkin being indefinitely suspended for 6 months unexpectedly have both powerhouse  teams on the brink of elimination. 

The New York Rangers have been a dominant force with every motion of the puck going their way up until the last few games, giving the Carolina Hurricanes light at the end of the tunnel to feasibly make a comeback and solidify their spot in the eastern conference. The unforeseen level of tranquility from key players such as McAvoy (BOS), Rantanen (COL), Panarin (NYR), Ekblad (FLA), and Kane (EDM) are having avid fans scratching their heads wondering when their presences will be felt like they have in the past 5 years straight. 

Although, it is a beautiful thing to see players like Zabanejad (NYR), McDavid (EDM), Barkov (FLA), and Heiskanen (DAL) exceeding expectations to keep their teams in position for a deep playoff run for the Stanley Cup, I am more than positive we all would love to see some of the other awe-inspiring role players get back on track to give each team a better chance to have their names engraved in the Lord Stanely Cup.