Stanley Cup Playoffs Buzz: Sharks, Blues set for Game 1

Welcome to the Stanley Cup Playoffs Buzz, a daily in-depth look at the 2019 NHL playoffs. The Western Conference Final between the San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues begins Saturday at SAP Center (8 p.m. ET; NBC, SN, CBC, TVAS):

Need to know

Here are some things to watch heading into Game 1 between the Sharks and Blues.
-- The Sharks will play against Blues goalie Jordan Binnington for the first time this season. Figuring him out is one of
5 keys for the game
Saturday, according to staff writer David Satriano.
-- Though Binnington has played very well all season, Sharks goalie Martin Jones struggled at times, but San Jose stuck with him and it's
paying off now
, writes columnist Nicholas J. Cotsonika.
-- The Blues have
just one candidate for the coaching position
next season and it's not a shock who it is, according to staff writer Mike Zeisberger.
-- Blues rookie forward Robert Thomas is
getting a big help in the playoffs
from Keith Tkachuk and family, writes Mike Zeisberger.
-- Here is a comprehensive
preview of the series
, by David Satriano.

Eastern Conference Final

The Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes will play Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final at TD Garden on Sunday (3 p.m. ET; NBC, SN, CBC, TVAS). Here is the latest from the NHL.com in Boston:
-- Defenseman Charlie McAvoy, suspended for Game 1, will be
back in the Bruins lineup
for Game 2, reports correspondent Matt Kalman.
-- The Hurricanes know they missed an opportunity to win Game 1 in Boston but are
looking ahead to the next game
, writes senior director of editorial Shawn P. Roarke.
-- Members of the 2009 Hurricanes, who defeated the Bruins in the playoffs, are
enjoying this season's run by Carolina
, writes staff writer Tom Gulitti.
--- Moves the Bruins made before the NHL Trade Deadline are
paying off in the postseason
, writes staff writer Amalie Benjamin.

Conference finals quiz

--- Test your knowledge of the final four teams with our
conference finals quiz
.

Conference finals fantasy picks

--- Our fantasy experts have
made their selections
for the Sharks and Blues.
Listen: New episode of NHL Fantasy on Ice podcast