The 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs have delivered exceptional entertainment with multiple overtime thrillers, upsets, and dramatic comebacks. Here's a comprehensive update on each division's playoff picture:

North Division

• Winnipeg Jets swept Edmonton Oilers despite being underdogs
• Connor Hellebuyck's goaltending and Nikolaj Ehlers' return were key factors
• Montreal Canadiens erased 3-1 deficit to upset Toronto Maple Leafs
• Carey Price's stellar performance helped Montreal advance
• Toronto faces crucial organizational decisions after another first-round exit

East Division

• Series tied between Bruins and Islanders
• David Pastrnak's hat trick secured Boston's Game 1 win
• Islanders won Game 2 with Semyon Varlamov's strong return
• Varlamov's seven regular-season shutouts could be crucial going forward

Central Division

• Tampa Bay leads Carolina 1-0 in evenly-matched series
• Regular season head-to-head was split 4-4
• Game 2 expected to be highly competitive

West Division

• Colorado Avalanche dominated Vegas 7-1 in Game 1
• Ryan Reaves suspended 2 games for dangerous play against Ryan Graves
• Controversy over suspension length compared to Kadri's 8-game ban
• Reaves eligible to return for Game 4

The playoffs continue to showcase high-level hockey while raising questions about player safety and disciplinary consistency. Colorado emerges as a strong Stanley Cup favorite, but several competitive series remain undecided.

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