Rematch round: Panthers-Lightning up next

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) puts a move on Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (42) during the second period in Game 6 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series, May 26, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The second round of the NHL playoffs features two rematches from last year’s first round. The back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning face the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Florida Panthers in the East. And the Colorado Avalanche play the St. Louis Blues in one of two series in the West. The Lightning eliminated the Panthers in six games a year ago, while the Avalanche swept the Blues. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

by: The Associated Press

Posted: May 15, 2022 / 05:27 PM EDT

Updated: May 15, 2022 / 05:27 PM EDT

(AP) — The second round of the NHL playoffs features two rematches from last year’s first round.

The back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning face the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Florida Panthers in the East. And the Colorado Avalanche play the St. Louis Blues in one of two series in the West.

Carolina and Edmonton are also in the next round. The Hurricanes will face off against either the New York Rangers or Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Oilers could get the first Battle of Alberta playoff series since 1991 if the Calgary Flames beat the Dallas Stars. Game 7 in each of those series is Sunday night.