Based on last season’s standings and using the following sorting criteria: (1) Points, (2) Wins, (3) Goal Differential, and (4) Goals Scored, here are the Preliminary round match-ups…

Preliminary Round Match-ups:

1 Buffalo – bye
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16 Arizona v 17 Vegas
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2

8 Philly v 25 Rangers
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2

9 Boston v 24 TampaBay
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2

4 Calgary v 29 Anaheim
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2

13 Winnipeg v 20 Carolina
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2

5 Colorado v 28 Washington
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2

12 Chicago v 21 Ottawa
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2

2 LosAngeles v 31 St.Louis
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2
Game 3 (if necessary): GAME 3

15 Nashville v 18 Columbus
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2
Game 3 (if necessary): GAME 3

7 Toronto v 26 Minnesota
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2

10 Islanders v 23 Edmonton
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2
Game 3 (if necessary): GAME 3

3 Florida v 30 Dallas
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2
Game 3 (if necessary): GAME 3

14 Pittsburgh v 19 Detroit
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2
Game 3 (if necessary): GAME 3

6 NewJersey v 27 Montreal
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2

11 Vancouver v 22 SanJose
Game 1: GAME 1
Game 2: GAME 2
Game 3 (if necessary): GAME 3

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The winners of each best-of-three first round match-up move forward through the Championship Bracket. The losers of each best-of-three first round match-up are re-seeded and compete in the Consolation Bracket.