How to watch today’s NHL playoff matchups & Game Thread

The NHL playoffs are closing in on the conference finals, and two teams are looking to punch their tickets to the final four.

In the early matchup, the New York Islanders will try and finish off the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 6 of their second-round series. Scott Laughton’s overtime goal kept the Flyers alive with a 4-3 win in Game 5. Philadelphia got a big boost for captain Claude Giroux, who finally netted his first goal of the playoffs. The Flyers are hoping to carry over the momentum so they can try and force a deciding seventh game.

Meanwhile in the Western Conference, the Las Vegas Golden Knights will look to close out the young Vancouver Canucks. Goaltender Thatcher Demko was sensational in Game 5, making 42 saves for his first-career playoff win as the Canucks hung on to beat the Golden Knights 2-1. Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson continued his red-hot play, scoring the game-winner early in the third period. Vegas dominated the play, outshooting Vancouver 43-17, but couldn’t solve the 24-year-old goaltender. Golden Knights’ forward Reilly Smith didn’t hold back when he was asked about Game 6.

One for the bulletin board from Golden Knights winger Reilly Smith: “We’re going to come into tomorrow’s game just to try to step on their necks and end this.” #Canucks

— Ben Kuzma (@benkuzma) September 2, 2020

The Canucks will need Demko to steal another game for them. Starting netminder Jacob Markstrom is expected to miss his second-straight contest with a groin injury.

Here’s how to watch today’s action:

Eastern Conference second-round, Game 6: New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers (NYI leads series 3-2)

Time: 4:00 p.m. PT

TV: NBC Sports Network

Western Conference second-round, Game 6: Vancouver Canucks vs. Las Vegas Golden Knights (VGS leads series 3-2)

Time: 6:45 p.m. PT

TV: NBC Sports Network

Which teams will win the games today?

Join in the discussion throughout the day in the comments below!