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

The Dallas Stars and New York Islanders will try to advance to the second round with a win today.

The NHL playoffs are getting closer to the second-round. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Las Vegas Golden Knights have all punched their tickets to the final-eight, and could be joined today by the Dallas Stars, and New York Islanders

In Game 4, defenseman John Klingberg scored the game-winner just 1:12 into the third period, as the Stars edged the Calgary Flames 2-1 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead. Dallas goaltender Anton Khudobin made 28 saves to preserve the win. Calgary forward Sean Monahan will look to score his first goal of the series. If the Flames want their season to continue, Monahan needs to find the back of the net. Matthew Tkachuk will be a game-time decision after missing the last three contests. The 22-year-old has just two points in six games in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the great Alex Ovechkin scored twice to help the Washington Capitals stay alive with a 3-2 win over the Islanders in Game 4 of their series. The Capitals will need another strong outing from their best players if they want to keep their season alive, and turn up the pressure on the Islanders.

Eastern Conference first-round, Game 5: New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals (NYI leads series 3-1)

Time: 5:00 p.m. PT

TV: NBC Sports Network

Western Conference first-round, Game 6: Calgary Flames vs. Dallas Stars (DAL leads series 3-2)

Time: 7:30 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!