Avs, Stars Dominate West, Playoffs Start Now

0:00It's April 18th. Welcome in. This is NHL News today, where team coverage meets AI. Colorado Avalanche looked like the kings of the West heading into playoffs, straight dominating with an 11-win, three-loss, one-tie finish in their last 15 games. Their 5-on-5 play stays elite. Posting expected goals shares above 57% lately, averaging over three expected goals per 60. Minutes while holding foes under 2.5. Nathan McKinnon and Kale McCarr lead a deep squad with rock-solid goalies, making them locks for the conference final. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars pack serious talent to challenge, closing strong at eight wins, five losses, two ties in 15, though injuries to Roup. Heads and Marrow high scum and raised flags. Their 5-on-5 expected goals did below 49%. Edmonton Oilers rebounded to, 942 finish with better defense, and Vegas Golden Knights got hot after firing

1:00their coach 701 under. The interim guy, crushing it at 60% expected goal share. Los Angeles Kings improved late under interim coach DJ. Smith hitting 53% expected goals in 15 games, but drawingly asks first-round spells trouble, especially without Kevin Fiala. Minnesota Wild added Quinn Hughes and Field Dangerous, while Anaheim Ducks and a long drought but limp in at 663. Utah Mammoth and Golden Knights clash in a toss-up. Mammoth solid on paper, but Knights peaking hard. Oilers get friendly. Anaheim first, then maybe Vegas or Utah experience could carry them deep. West shapes up fears, afs and stars as top dogs. Oilers and Knights lurking with paths open, but health and hot streaks decide who advances. Playoff start now. Let's see the drama unfold.