Bleacher Report · May 10, 2018
NHL Playoffs 2018: Updated Stanley Cup Outlook Before Conference Finals
Three-fourths of the conference final field is set in the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Washington and Tampa Bay start the Eastern Conference final Friday, while Vegas awaits the winner of Thursday's Game 7 between Nashville and Winnipeg in the Western Conference final.
Each of the three confirmed conference finalists took different paths to the third round of the playoffs, but they're all deserving of the success they've achieved.
With the prospect of the Stanley Cup final looming in front of the remaining playoff participants, the pressure is ratcheted up.