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As the Colorado Avalanche are still waiting to learn their second round opponent following the conclusion of tonight’s game seven between the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild at least they now have a day and time for their next game. After not getting any national spotlight in round one the Avalanche will open their next series on NBC this coming Sunday at 6pm MT.
The Second Round of the 2021 #StanleyCup Playoffs will begin this weekend.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 27, 2021
Details: https://t.co/SV0jLQal1h pic.twitter.com/nsqnIskZf1
Brandon Saad recently joined NHL Network to discuss sweeping the first round series against the St. Louis Blues and the early playoff success he’s had which has included three goals through the first four games.
In other Avalanche news, Nazem Kadri is still awaiting word on step one of his eight-game suspension appeal. Bowen Byram has been officially taken off injured reserve, talked to the media and said he’s feeling great and ready to go plus Jared Bednar confirmed he is a definite consideration for round two. The Avalanche also surprisingly named a new scouting director in Wade Klippenstein who joined the organization ahead of the 2017 draft and has been primarily in the WHL and Western Canada region.
The Avalanche are making a change in their amateur scouting department. Alan Hepple, director of amateur scouting the last six years and in the organization for 19, will not be renewed. An experienced free agent now available.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 27, 2021
The Avalanche organization has named Wade Klippenstein as Director of Amateur Scouting.#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/kb1FAog4cX
— p - Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) May 27, 2021
Despite the layoff for the Avalanche there were still two critical and possible elimination games on the docket last night. The Toronto Maple Leafs were able to erase a three goal deficit in order to force overtime but the Montreal Canadiens scored quickly in the extra frame to win 4-3 and to force a game six back at the Bell Centre on Saturday night. It will be an enormous moment for the province of Quebec as they are allowed to welcome back 2,500 fans into the arena for the first live viewing in Canada.
Over in the Central Division the Nashville Predators jumped out to a quick lead over the Carolina Hurricanes to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, Carolina stormed back and finally found the victory in another quick overtime which resulted in a 4-3 final. This eliminates Nashville and sends Carolina to a second round meeting with the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning.