Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored an empty-netter to clinch the victory, which felt fitting since Edmonton controlled much of play and created the majority of the chances. Los Angeles goaltender Darcy Kuemper did what he could with 43 saves on 45 shots, but it wasn't enough.

The Carolina Hurricanes became the first NHL team to advance to the second round when they beat the New Jersey Devils in the second overtime on Tuesday night. Wednesday, they could be joined by the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and the Eastern Conference top-seeded Washington Capitals,