The highly anticipated 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs are finally here, and hockey fans are buzzing with excitement. As the puck drops on the first round, several intriguing matchups are set to go head-to-head, promising thrilling action and nail-biting finishes. This year's playoffs feature a mix of top-seeded teams looking to clinch their spots in the conference finals, while lower-seeded underdogs seek to pull off major upsets. From the Eastern Conference's top-ranked Boston Bruins taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs, to the Western Conference's Colorado Avalanche facing off against the Minnesota Wild, each series promises to deliver high-stakes drama and intense competition.

What to know about the first-round matchups in the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs  Midland Daily News