As the NHL playoff push continues, a surprising trend has emerged: several Eastern Conference teams are taking advantage of a brief lull in the schedule leading up to the Eastern Conference Final. With a four-day break preceding the highly anticipated matchup, top-seeded teams are using the downtime to rest and recharge, while lower-seeded teams are getting a much-needed opportunity to catch their breath and regroup after a grueling first-round series. The break has given coaches like Tampa Bay's Jon Cooper and Boston's Jim Montgomery a chance to fine-tune their lineups and make adjustments, potentially giving them a crucial edge in the conference championship series. Will this unexpected reprieve prove to be the difference-maker in the Eastern Conference Final, or will the momentum of the top teams prevail?
Hurricanes taking advantage of break leading up to Eastern Conference Final NHL.com
