After a bubble-encased 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, we're back to a more traditional setup for the 2021 postseason. However, there are some tweaks. Thanks to a one-year realignment, the first two rounds will be intra-divisional. Then, the four Cup semifinalists will be re-bracketed based on regular season record, with No. 1 facing No. 4, and No. 2 taking on No. 3.

From the first round all the way through the Stanley Cup Final, ESPN has you covered; consider this your homepage for the entire 16-team tournament from start to finish.

Read on for the full playoff picture, including previews, analysis, highlights, scores and more for each team and series.

The first round

Jump to:
East: PIT-NYI | WSH-BOS
Central: CAR-NSH | FLA-TB
North: TOR-MTL | EDM-WPG
West: COL-STL | VGS-MIN

East Division

No. 1 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 4 New York Islanders

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0:38

Matthews' first goal of postseason puts Leafs up for good

Carey Price stops Justin Holl's shot, but Auston Matthews follows on the rebound in Toronto's Game 2 win over Montreal.

Schedule:

Game 1: Islanders 4, Penguins 3 (OT) | Recap | Replay
Game 2: Penguins 2, Islanders 1 | Recap | Replay
Game 3: Penguins 5, Islander 4 | Recap | Replay
Game 4: Islanders 4, Penguins 1 | Recap | Replay
Game 5: Monday, May 24, 7 p.m. | Preview
Game 6: Wednesday, May 26, TBD | Preview
Game 7: Friday, May 28, TBD | Preview

Series preview: While the Penguins' speed could present challenges for New York -- as it did in the regular season -- the Islanders' defensive structure thrives at this time of year. It's now a yearly tradition: discounting the Islanders until they go on a playoff run that forces you to pay attention. Who takes this one?

Consensus pick: Penguins (10/16)


No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 3 Boston Bruins

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0:34

Bergeron's first goal stands as winner as Bruins eliminate Caps

Patrice Bergeron's first of two goals is a wrister to pad the Bruins' lead as they eliminate the Capitals with a 3-1 victory.

Schedule:

Game 1: Capitals 3, Bruins 2 (OT) | Recap | Replay
Game 2: Bruins 4, Capitals 3 (OT) | Recap | Replay
Game 3: Bruins 3, Capitals 2 (2OT) | Recap | Replay
Game 4: Bruins 4, Capitals 1 | Recap | Replay
Game 5: Bruins 3, Capitals 1 | Recap | Replay

Series preview: When Washington hired Peter Laviolette ahead of the season, they wanted to light a fire under the group and instill urgency. This is one of the most star-studded series of the opening round, and it's going to be a tight one. The last time these two met in the postseason, there were seven one-goal games; they also split the season series 4-4.

Consensus pick: Bruins (14/16)

Keys to the offseason for the Capitals

Central Division

No. 1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. No. 4 Nashville Predators

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0:28

Predators win in double OT to even series vs. Hurricanes

Luke Kunin is left unmarked as he cuts to the net, receives the pass and scores to win it for Nashville in double overtime.

Schedule:

Game 1: Hurricanes 5, Predators 2 | Recap | Replay
Game 2: Hurricanes 3, Predators 0 | Recap | Replay
Game 3: Predators 5, Hurricanes 4 (2OT) | Recap | Replay
Game 4: Predators 4, Hurricanes 3 (2OT) | Recap | Replay
Game 5: Tuesday, May 25, 8 p.m. | Preview
Game 6: Thursday, May 27, 9:30 p.m. | Preview
Game 7: Saturday, May 29, TBD | Preview

Series preview: The Predators shouldn't be discounted, but we need to look at this matchup for what it is: a fringe playoff team versus a deep and talented squad that has looked strong all season, and captured the division crown from the defending Stanley Cup champions. Can the Preds pull a giant upset?

Consensus pick: Canes (16/16)


No. 2 Florida Panthers vs. No. 3 Tampa Bay Lightning

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1:07

Tuch, Stone score in transition during 2nd period in win

Alex Tuch and Mark Stone both find the back of the net in the second period leading Vegas to the win over Minnesota.

Schedule:

Game 1: Lightning 5, Panthers 4 | Recap | Replay
Game 2: Lightning 3, Panthers 1 | Recap | Replay
Game 3: Panthers 6, Lightning 5 (OT) | Recap | Replay
Game 4: Lightning 6, Panthers 2 | Recap | Replay
Game 5: Monday, May 24, 8 p.m. | Preview
Game 6: Wednesday, May 26, TBD | Preview
Game 7: Friday, May 28, TBD | Preview

Series preview: The Panthers were one of the best stories of the 2021 season, and have all the right pieces in place to have sustained success. But Tampa Bay has already been through its growing pains; their time is now. As long as health holds up, the Lightning should win this.

Consensus pick: Lightning (11/16)

North Division

No. 1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. No. 4 Montreal Canadiens

Schedule:

Game 1: Canadiens 2, Maple Leafs 1 | Recap | Replay
Game 2: Maple Leafs 5, Canadiens 1 | Recap | Replay
Game 3: Monday, May 24, 7 p.m. | Preview
Game 4: Tuesday, May 25, 7:30 p.m. | Preview
Game 5: Thursday, May 27, 7 p.m. | Preview
Game 6: Saturday, May 29, TBD | Preview
Game 7: Monday, May 31, TBD | Preview

Series preview: The first playoff meeting between these franchises since 1979 will undoubtedly be intense and physical, as the Canadiens try to brutalize and goad the Leafs with physical play. The infusion of reinforcements to the Canadiens' lineup, especially Brendan Gallagher, will be a boost to Montreal. But the Leafs are rolling, and clearly the better of the two teams here.

Consensus pick: Maple Leafs (16/16)


No. 2 Edmonton Oilers vs. No. 3 Winnipeg Jets

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0:36

Jets complete comeback with Nikolaj Ehlers' goal to take 3-0 series lead

Winnipeg comes back from a three-goal deficit, and Nikolaj Ehlers wins it off a faceoff in overtime to put Edmonton in a 3-0 series hole.

Schedule:

Game 1: Jets 4, Oilers 1 | Recap | Replay
Game 2: Jets 1, Oilers 0 (OT) | Recap | Replay
Game 3: Jets 5, Oilers 4 (OT) | Recap | Replay
Game 4: Monday, May 24, 9:45 p.m. | Preview
Game 5: Wednesday, May 26, TBD | Preview
Game 6: Friday, May 28, TBD | Preview
Game 7: Sunday, May 30, TBD | Preview

Series preview: The Jets were really spiraling down the stretch while the Oilers and a next-level Connor McDavid were steam-rolling through teams. Still, the return of Nikolaj Ehlers could be key, and Connor Hellebuyck is capable of a win on his own. That's the optimistic view. The realistic view?

Consensus pick: Oilers (13/16)

West Division

No. 1 Colorado Avalanche vs. No. 4 St. Louis Blues

Schedule:

Game 1: Avalanche 4, Blues 1 | Recap | Replay
Game 2: Avalanche 6, Blues 3 | Recap | Replay
Game 3: Avalanche 5, Blues 1 | Recap | Replay
Game 4: Avalanche 5, Blues 2 | Recap | Replay

Series preview: The Avs have been a top Stanley Cup pick since the season started in January. Can a red-hot Jordan Binnington stymie them?

Consensus pick: Avalanche (15/16)

Keys to the offseason for the Blues


No. 2 Vegas Golden Knights vs. No. 3 Minnesota Wild

Schedule:

Game 1: Wild 1, Golden Knights 0 (OT) | Recap | Replay
Game 2: Golden Knights 3, Wild 1 | Recap | Replay
Game 3: Golden Knights 5, Wild 2 | Recap | Replay
Game 4: Golden Knights 4, Wild 0 | Recap | Replay
Game 5: Monday, May 24, 10:30 p.m. | Preview
Game 6: Wednesday, May 26, TBD | Preview
Game 7: Friday, May 28, TBD | Preview

Series preview: The Wild have played the Golden Knights very tough. The Knights aren't nearly as strong defensively as they were under DeBoer last season, while the Wild are one of the NHL's best defensive teams in terms of limiting high-danger chances. Can Minnesota pull off the upset?

Consensus pick: Golden Knights (15/16)