The first round of the NHL playoffs is delivering big storylines on and off the ice. Rick Tocchet has reportedly turned down a 5-year contract offer from the Canucks, with the Flyers and Penguins believed to be circling, while Mike Sullivan looks as though he might land with the Rangers — and could command a massive $30M deal. Meanwhile, Aaron Ekblad was hit with a 2-game suspension for his forearm on Hagel, did the refs have other options to address it in-game?. On the ice, the Hurricanes rolled past the injury-riddled Devils and extended Taylor Hall, while the Oilers have flipped the script against the Kings with three straight wins. Ottawa blanked the Leafs 4-0 to force Game 6, as pressure mounts on Toronto’s stars. In Washington, the Caps are pushing to eliminate Montreal after a game-changing hit by Tom Wilson, and in Winnipeg, concern is growing over Connor Hellebuyck’s form as the Jets prepare for a pivotal Game 5 against a fast, loose Blues squad.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playoff intensity is here, and the storylines are already heating up. Travis Green's message to the Sens is undoubtedly to cool it with the penalties after gifting the Leafs too many powerplay chances—Ottawa looked solid 5-on-5, but inexperience showed. Mitch Marner led Toronto with 3 points in a one-sided opener. Carolina looked strong in their win over New Jersey, though injuries and a bizarre friendly-fire moment for the Devils are already concerns. Winnipeg rallied past a physical Blues team in game 1, an important opener for the Jets to win. LA’s home ice edge looms large against an Oilers squad still trying to find chemistry among injury returns. Montreal’s youth faces a tough, heavy Caps team, and Dallas struggled to keep pace with Colorado’s speed in Game 1.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canadiens showed great resilience in a Game 3 home win, though injuries to both starting goalies could hurt Montreal more than Washington. Tom Wilson and Josh Anderson sparked chaos with a fight on the Caps bench, while the Oilers edged the Kings in a wild game with Cal Pickard in net. Evander Kane’s strong playoff return helped Edmonton capitalize on a costly Kings challenge, could it be series-altering? Meanwhile, Brandon Hagel received a one-game suspension, Tkachuk and Gallagher lead Ray’s chirp rankings, Ottawa faces fines and elimination after some pregame shenanigans, and Winnipeg must regroup fast after a tough Game 3 loss.

Ask R&D Anything looks at dealing with selfish players and stories of friendly fire injuries.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.