Thursday’s First Round Stanley Cup Tournament Favorites
It is playoff time in the NHL and the first round of the Stanley Cup Tournament is set in stone and will kick off tonight at 7 p.m. ET.
Wild @ Avalanche
Where to Watch:Â Thursday, 9:30 p.m. on CNBC
Who Is The Favorite:Â Colorado Avalanche
What To Follow: Â The Avalanche were among the worst teams in the NHL Â last season and a playoff run seemed to be years away from a team that clearly had some serious rebuilding to do. The Avalanche this year are the favorites to beat the Wild in the Stanley Cup Tournament. Many are saying it is finally Colorado’s time after not making a successful playoff run since 2008.
Blackhawks @ Blues
Where to Watch: Â Thursday, 8 p.m. on NBCSN
Who Is The Favorite: St. Louis Blues
What To Follow: Two powerhouse teams will collide in the first round thanks to each of them going on a major skid as they crosses the season’s finish line. This is likely going to be the most interesting series, and likely to closes series, of the entire first round.
Flyers @ Rangers
Where To Watch: Thursday, 7 p.m. on CNBC
Who Is The Favorite: New York Rangers
What To Follow:Â This is the only game in the Stanley Cup First round between teams that split their regular season series. These two teams really do not like each other. Â The Flyers will be hobbled without starting goaltender, Stave Mason. Â Expect the Rangers to try and take advantage and try and quickly dispatch their rivals from the tourney.
Kings @ Sharks
Where To Watch:Â Thursday, 10: 30 p.m. on NBCSN
Who Is The Favorite: Son Jose Sharks
What To Follow: The Sharks are the big favorites to pass up the Kings  in the first round.  San Jose has had an amazing season, but have never been able to fully break into the Stanley Cup Champions talk as most analysts believe they are not good enough to win it all. Will they prove their naysayers wrong?
