Mikko Rantanen, Calvin Pickard and Canada's hope: Checking in on NHL playoffs | Evan's take

While the present-day Avalanche are out of the playoffs, former Avalanche players are having a major impact on the NHL playoffs.

No, it's not just Mikko Rantanen.

With the second round about halfway done, let's take a look at what's still happening in the postseason: Edmonton Oilers led the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1 entering Monday night Rantanen is getting all the attention, and deservedly so, but perhaps the best story of the NHL playoffs revolves around former Avalanche goaltender Calvin Pickard.

Now 33, Pickard stepped in and saved Edmonton's bacon in the first round, stabilizing things after starter Stuart Skinner fell apart.

His numbers are far from great, but he's made huge saves at key times to keep the Oilers in games, which is all that team really needs.

And it's easy to cheer for Pickard, because he's one of the true nice guys in the NHL.

Unfortunately, he suffered an injury towards the end of Game 2 and is now out for the immediate future.

That's bad news for the Oilers.

Skinner got the net back in Game 3 and, once again, fumbled the bag.

Goaltending, in general, is a huge story in this series because Skinner and Adin Hill statistically have been two of the three worst goalies in the playoffs.

Hill has consistently let the Golden Knights down and could be sabotaging what is a Stanley Cup-caliber roster.

Dallas Stars lead the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 entering Game 4 on Tuesday Oh, Mikko.

Avalanche fans are sick of hearing it, but he sure does look motivated at the moment.

He scored a goal in Game 3 that was reminiscent of prime Jaromir Jagr, cutting through defenders from his off-wing and sending a shot over Connor Hellebuyck's shoulder.

He leads the playoffs in scoring and Pete DeBoer has been taking advantage of this hot streak, double shifting him on the fourth line at times during games.

One of those extra shifts led to the game-winning goal in Game 3.

Hellebuyck is just a different goalie away from his home arena this postseason.

Jake Oettinger is making his case to be Team USA's starter at the 2026 Olympics, but it helps that Winnipeg is basically a one-man offense at the moment.

If you can slow down Kyle Connor, you're in good shape.

As an aside: how does Mason Marchment not get suspended for tapping an official on the shins with his stick? You're not supposed to touch an official, ever, and he knew exactly what he was doing.

It's especially strange when it's obvious the refs in the NHL are sick of Marchment's diving routine.

That should have been an easy call for the league to make, but they (again) moved the goalposts.

Carolina Hurricanes led the Washington Capitals 2-1 entering Monday's Game 4 No one could blame you for not watching this series.

Washington has not been competitive in its two losses while the Hurricanes play a style of hockey that isn't easy on the eyes.

If the Capitals are going to have any chance in this series, Alex Ovechkin needs to get going.

He's been held without a point in the first three games.

The less is said about this series, the better.

Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs tied 2-2 entering Game 5 on Wednesday If you have the defending champions on the ropes, you better make sure to finish them off.

Toronto failed to do that with a 2-0 series lead and wouldn't you know it, a proud Panthers squad has life again.

Florida followed up an overtime win in Game 3 with arguably its best game of the playoffs in Game 4.

That's causing everyone in Toronto to panic, leading all Maple Leafs fans to ask: Where is Auston Matthews? He still sits at a point-per-game but has yet to find the back of the net against the Panthers.

Going head-to-head against Alex Barkov has something to do with that, but don't tell that to Toronto fans.

This has been a highly competitive series and certainly more entertaining to watch than the other East matchup..

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