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The second round of the NHL playoffs is underway with four of the “Original six” still in it. Hard hitting and high scoring, this round is going to be a knock-down drag-out. What does this have to do with beer, you ask? Have you ever watched hockey?
Hockey fans love beer. Which is why we are going to break down round 2 in the best way we know: through beer.
The Pilsner Matchup
#1 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #7 Ottawa Senators
This’ll be a great matchup, as the top two scoring teams in the playoffs meet each other in round 2. They are fast, goal-scoring beasts that should light up a scoreboard. Smooth at the start, quick to finish, just like the easy-drinking nature of a good, golden-hued craft pilsner. Oh, and with them being in a blue-collar town and the Canadian capital city, you can’t get more apropos than that!
Recommendation
Pennsylvania’s own Stoudt’s Brewing Gold Lager offers a tasty Munich-style Helles that will keep you refilling your red plastic cup.
The Beach Brew Matchup
#5 LA Kings vs. #6 San Jose Sharks
We know, we know, another beer based on the location of the teams. Can you really blame us, though? You have a team from LA and a team from San Jose meeting in the second round; we can’t pass up the obvious connection. This matchup may not be a “day at the beach” (groan) for either of these teams. Though both rank in the top 8 in goals allowed (SJ #6, LA #8) in the regular season, only LA cracked the top 10 in goals (#10, SJ #24). This is going to be a defensive, low-scoring struggle, so kick back, crack open something “beachy,” and watch as these two battle for West Coast supremacy!
Recommendation
Although 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon is not from LA or San Jose, this seasonal from San Fran truly is “summer in a can.”
The Imperial Stout Matchup
#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Detroit Red Wings
The NHL lost their minds a little when this matchup happened: you have two of the original six in a second round matchup. Not to mention that these two have no love lost between them. No…seriously. So…how do we categorize something with so much history? Especially when it’s the last time they will meet in the same conference? Strong rivalry, medium bitterness, dark color (bruises anyone?), and a play on the word “tough”…that screams “Imperial Stout.” Now the Presidents’ Trophy winning Blackhawks take on a “stout” top 5 scoring defense in Detroit. This is going to be a great series.
Recommendation
Grab a bottle of Cigar City’s Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout if you can find one – definitely worth the search.
The Imperial IPA Matchup
#4 Boston Bruins vs. #6 New York Rangers
Two MORE of the original six in a matchup for the ages. Again, between two cities that have a strong rivalry, one that seems to outlast any others. This isn’t the Bruins versus Rangers, it’s Boston taking on New York. Bitterness flows between the cities like a vein of molten lava escaping Mount Vesuvius. Oh, and they have the #3 and #4 scoring defenses in the league (respectively). If you can’t feel the strength boiling up in this matchup, then you need to start paying attention.
Recommendation
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA is what you want. This 15% behemoth will blow out your palate and leave you wondering who actually played the games.
Enjoy the playoffs folks! We’ll be back for the conference finals!
