The Avalanche and Hurricanes have swept their way into the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Other series will hopefully wrap up this week.

The first round of the playoffs has been filled with some surprises, upsets, and more. Some series have already been decided, and others may go to seven games. Here is a breakdown of the Avalanche, Hurricanes sweeps, and other series updates.

Second Round Teams (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

The Avalanche arrived in Los Angeles equipped with their brooms, which they used to advance to the second round. They swept the Kings out of the first round of the playoffs with a dominating 5-1 win in game four. The first two games were hard-fought battles for the Avalanche, who took a 2-1 win, and the power play was powerless until game four, when they scored two big power-play goals. Colorado’s power play kill unit was flawless, and goal-tending was amazing for both teams.

The Carolina Hurricanes, who are the top seed in the Eastern Conference, advanced to the second round after they successfully eliminated the Senators on Saturday night.  Even though the top line and power play went quiet, the other three lines stepped up. Carolina had some elite goaltending, and their special teams unit killed many power plays effortlessly. The Senators struggled in all aspects of their game its like they didn’t show up to play. The Hurricanes will see either the Penguins or the Flyers.

First Round Updates (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

The Wild and Stars series has been a drag-out battle, which, as hockey fans, we appreciate the excitement. Both teams are scoring big goals and playing physical defense. The team that wins this series will go on to the Avalanche, which will be no easy task. The Flyers have dominated the Penguins the whole series as they look to lock it up in game six. Elsewhere, the Sabres have taken a 3-1 series lead over the Bruins.

The Avalanche is sending a message that they are still the favorites going into round two. While the Hurricanes, as the Eastern Conference top seed, are living up to the hype. Stay tuned for more sports and entertainment content.

Featured Image: Photo by Gary How via Getty Images

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