The 2018 National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs have been full of one goal games that kept fans on ice while watching their teams succeed or fall in the first round. Hockey is a one of a kind sport,” sophomore Edie Lamantia. “It has more fights than any other sport which makes it fun to watch.”

The Washington Capitals took the first round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets four games to two. Shocking many fans after the Capitals fell into an early 0-2 deficit and being known to have little playoff success, but they bounced back and won the next four games to take the series. “I went to the second game in the series and the environment in the stadium was electric,” sophomore Mia Thomson. “They ended up losing the game but I knew they would pull through and win the series.”

Around the rest of the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights took all four first round games from the Los Angeles Kings. The San Jose Sharks also swept the Anaheim Ducks in their first four first round games. The Tampa Bay Lighting shocked the New Jersey devils 4-1, the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Minnesota Wild in 4-1 in five games, and the Nashville Predator beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-2. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated cross state rivals Philadelphia Flyers 4-2, and the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in the only series that went all seven games 4-3. “The first round was very exciting,” sophomore Isaac Endo said. “I can’t wait for round two.”

The Winnipeg Jets are now tied with the Nashville Predators 2-2, the Vegas Golden Knights and the San Jose Sharks are tied 2-2, and the Boston Bruins are tied with the Tampa Bay lighting 1-1. The Capitals are now facing off with Metropolitan Division rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have a large fan base in the D.C. area. The Capitals dropped Game One but took the next two at home. The series is now tied 2-2 after a Capitals victory last night. “Watching the Caps play the penguins is on of my favorite and least favorite things to do,” junior Anna Williams said. “I love it because the games are some of the most interesting to watch and both teams have incredible players but I hate it because the penguins have won the last nine of ten postseason series against the caps which puts our odds pretty low.”

The series has now faced some controversy after a hit by Capitals’ Tom Wilson broke the jaw of Penguins’ Zach Aston-Reese. Wilson was suspended for three games, which could prove to be crucial in the series. “Wilson has a history of being a big hitter and often has more penalties than goals,” sophomore and Penguins fan Ely Constantine said. “He really deserved his suspension because it was his third hit to the head of the playoffs, including one in the first round and one in Game 2 that weren’t called.”

The city of D.C. has been rallying behind their Stanley Cup hopeful, Capitals. Residents can be seen repping their team during the day and members of the Washington Nationals baseball team can be seen wearing Capitals gear during press conferences and during warm-ups. “The Caps have been putting out great energy, aggression and playing very well,” Williams said. “I still have hope that this time can be the one in ten opportunity and they will win.”