Once again, it's elimination Monday. The Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins -- two popular Stanley Cup picks -- both need to win out in their series, or they'll leave the bubble. That also means the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning are a win away from making it to the conference finals.
Meanwhile let's give it up for the New York Islanders, on the cusp of their first conference final in 27 years, thanks to a big Sunday win that flexed two underrated strengths: third period prowess and goaltending depth.