NHL playoffs 2017: Updated bracket after Rangers upset Canadiens

The New York Rangers have upset the Montreal Canadiens in six games. Here’s what the Stanley Cup Bracket looks like now. 

Many thought the Montreal Canadiens had an easy path to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, someone forgot to give that memo to the New York Rangers. Behind vintage performances from star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, the blue shirts have pulled off the third upset of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The first wild card seed has eliminated the Atlantic Division champion Canadiens in six games. Here’s the fallout as far as the playoff bracket.

New York will go on to face the winner of the series between the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins. Regardless of who they face, they will not have home ice advantage, as they would still be the lower seed. Mats Zuccarello provided two of the goals in a 3-1 Game 6 win. Derek Stepan iced the game with an empty net goal.

Meanwhile, Montreal is once again stuck without a Stanley Cup. It’s been over 20 years since they lost won one. With Max Pacioretty and Carey Price both becoming free agents very soon, their Stanley Cup window is closing quickly. They also must find a way to afford Alexander Radulov’s next contract. While Montreal will enter next season as serious Stanley Cup contenders, they can’t help but feel their window is shrinking quite quickly.

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New York’s speed proved to be too much for Montreal. They tried every trick in the book but couldn’t match their skating and speed. Price performed admirably, but couldn’t outperform Lundqvist, who is playing like a Conn Smythe candidate. Montreal faces a long offseason, one which could see some change for them. Then again, maybe some changes would be good for the Canadiens.