NHL playoffs 2017: Updated bracket after Penguins beat Senators

Here’s a look at the updated NHL playoff bracket after the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Ottawa Senators in seven games. 

The Eastern Conference Finals has finally come to an end. After a Game 7 win over the Ottawa Senators, the Pittsburgh Penguins will get the chance to defend their Stanley Cup title. Thanks to a 3-2 win in overtime, led by two goals from Chris Kunitz, they advance to their second straight Stanley Cup Finals. There, Pittsburgh will have to face the Western Conference champion Nashville Predators.

Matt Murray deserves credit for stepping in for Marc-Andre Fleury. He had to fill some huge shoes considering how well Fleury was playing when Murray was out with an injury. However, Murray’s been clutch so far in his career, and he came up huge for the Pens in the Eastern Conference Finals. Kunitz had zero goals in the playoffs before Game 7, but his two goals have Pittsburgh in a position to contend for their fifth Stanley Cup title.

However, now they will face a very tough team in the Predators. Nashville has a very fast team with plenty of rest on its side. The Predators are the toughest team Pittsburgh has played yet this postseason. However, the Predators will be the ones under pressure, with this being the first Stanley Cup appearance for many of their players. The Penguins, meanwhile, are the veterans.

Next: Best hockey player from each state

Sadly, this means the end for the Senators season. Craig Anderson played out of his mind and the world finally found out how incredible Erik Karlsson is. Head coach Guy Boucher should be proud of his team. They overcame a lot this season and nearly made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. However, the better team won this series. It’s telling of how well Ottawa played that it took Pittsburgh seven games to beat them.