As the NHL's first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs comes to a close, many fans are left reeling from the stunning upsets that shook the hockey world. From a Cinderella story in the form of the Florida Panthers' improbable run to the top of the Eastern Conference to the shocking collapse of the heavily favored Vegas Golden Knights, the first round was filled with drama and unpredictability. The Toronto Maple Leafs' disappointing exit, meanwhile, has raised questions about the team's ability to perform under pressure. As the playoffs enter their second round, one thing is clear: anything can happen in the NHL, and this year's tournament is shaping up to be one for the ages.
The Stanley Cup playoffs' biggest shocks of the first round ESPN