The Stanley Cup playoffs have kicked off with a bang, and the physicality is already off the charts. Through the opening round, teams are averaging a staggering 86.9 hits per game, with the Carolina Hurricanes leading the charge with a whopping 57 hits in their victory over Ottawa. This is a stark contrast to last year's playoffs, where the average hits per game were slightly lower at 78. So, what's driving this surge in physicality? Well, it's not just about making a statement; it's about managing emotions and getting involved in the game. As Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog puts it, 'Sometimes, the best way to manage your emotions is to get into it, get physical, give a hit, take a hit.'
But it's not just about the hits. The extracurricular activity after the whistle, the skirmishes, pushes, and face rubs, all add to the intensity of the game. And let's not forget the defending of teammates. Landeskog took exception to Adrian Kempe hitting defenseman Cale Makar in the back, leading to a scuffle between the two. It's a fine line for players to walk, as they must balance aggression with discipline. The Montreal Canadiens' Josh Anderson knocked Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous out of the game with a high hit, and the Sabres' Alex Tuch led the way with 10 hits in their win over the Bruins. The emotions run high, as evidenced by Nic Dowd's pointed words to Logan Cooley, and Sean Durzi's head-butt of Rasmus Andersson, which resulted in a $5,000 fine.
So, what does this all mean for the playoffs? Well, it's clear that teams are willing to get physical to make their point and manage their emotions. But it's also a reminder that the fine line between aggression and discipline can be easily crossed. As Lightning coach Jon Cooper says, 'Game 1s are Game 1s.' It's not just about winning the first game; it's about how you win it. The Knights' plus-47 third-period goal differential in the regular season is a testament to their ability to outscore their opponents, but it remains to be seen if they can maintain this level of play throughout the playoffs. In my opinion, the Avalanche's ability to hold the Kings to two goals is a significant achievement, and it raises the question of whether they can continue to win with such a low goal total. The playoffs are a time for teams to showcase their grit and determination, and so far, the physicality is a key factor in determining who will come out on top. But it's not just about the hits; it's about the strategy, the emotion, and the fine line between aggression and discipline that will ultimately decide the Stanley Cup champions.
