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NHL playoffs 2017: Updated bracket after Senators beat Rangers

By Dave Stevenson

May 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; The Ottawa Senators celebrate winning game six of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; The Ottawa Senators celebrate winning game six of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ottawa Senators are off to the Eastern Conference Finals after beating the New York Rangers. Here’s an updated NHL playoff bracket. 

The best storyline of the 2016-17 NHL season has been the Ottawa Senators. They’ve been a very fun group who have overcome a lot of adversity just to make the postseason. After beating the New York Rangers in six games in the second round, Ottawa is in their first Eastern Conference Final since the 2006-07 season.

Erik Karlsson led the way, likely cementing his case as a Conn Smythe contender. Craig Anderson did well enough in net even if he wasn’t outstanding. Moreover, Ottawa got timely goals from their core, especially Kyle Turris. Clarke MacArthur put up two assists in Game 6.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, they will face either the Washington Capitals or the Pittsburgh Penguins. This depends on who wins Wednesday’s Game 7. Either team would be a very difficult matchup for them. But if they have to face the Capitals, that would likely be the worst case scenario for them. While Ottawa did well against them in the regular season, if they win three straight games against the Penguins, Ottawa likely doesn’t stand a chance.

Here’s a look at an updated Stanley Cup bracket after the Senators win.

The Rangers put up a very good fight. However, they couldn’t do enough on offense or defense to stop Ottawa. Game 5’s overtime loss was a huge demoralizer and likely lost them the series. Moving forward, they have some tough decisions to make this offseason.

Next: Each NHL Team's Biggest 'What If' Moment

Henrik Lundqvist did a fine job in net, but wasn’t good enough to propel the Rangers into the Eastern Conference Finals. However, if they fix their defense, they should be back in the postseason next year or so.

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