Rest could be the biggest factor in this crazy Stanley Cup playoff tournament.
That was apparent in the series openers for both the Western and Eastern conference finals.
The Vegas Golden Knights, playing their sixth game in nine days, didn’t show any of the speed, quickness and dominance they showed in almost every game of their seven-game series against the Vancouver Canucks.
They’ve scored all of two goals with a goaltender in net in their last four games. Somehow Dallas, which also went to seven games, was playing its third game in six days.
Then in the East, the Tampa Bay Lightning deserved its advantage. The Lightning dusted off Boston in five games, while the New York Islanders needed seven to advance.
But in the Islanders’ way was a travel day for their only day off to get from Toronto to Edmonton. The result was an 8-2 victory.
This condensed schedule for the NHL is starting to prove that these playoffs may be the toughest 16 playoff games to win in the history of the league.