tourist trophy closer to the edge

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TT3D: Closer to the Edge

Motorcycle racers reveal their motivation to participate each year in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, the most dangerous and deadliest event in the sport. Motorcycle racers reveal their motivation to participate each year in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, the most dangerous and deadliest event in the sport. Motorcycle racers reveal their motivation to participate each year in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, the most dangerous and deadliest event in the sport.

• Richard De Aragues
• Ian Hutchinson
• John McGuinness
• 45 User reviews
• 31 Critic reviews
• 76 Metascore
• 2 nominations

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia The bicycle Guy Martin is seen riding throughout the film is an Orange Alpine 160. The bicycle was stolen shortly before the film's release.

Guy Martin : Different things make different people happy, don't they? Some lads love going to the pub, I don't like being in the pub. Some lads love shagging, I don't like shagging. I don't mind it, but I'm not into it. I'd rather just go and ride me motorbikes or me pushbikes. It's whatever you're into, isn't it? If we was all the same everybody would be at the TT. wouldn't they? But different things make different people tick. And that makes me tick, and that's why I'm gonna keep on going.

• Crazy credits The opening credit with the film title appears as if painted on the road. The closing credits appear as if one looks down to the road while riding fast, with the credits floating over the asphalt.
• Connections References No Limit (1935)
• Soundtracks Blow by The Prom Kings

User reviews 45

• Apr 24, 2011
• How long is TT3D: Closer to the Edge? Powered by Alexa
• April 22, 2011 (United States)
• United Kingdom
• Isle of Man
• Official Facebook
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• TT: Closer to the Edge
• Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
• Isle of Man Film
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

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• Runtime 1 hour 44 minutes

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Closer to the Edge

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TT3D: Closer to the Edge – review

V irtually all the movies currently made under the tax benefits provided by the Isle of Man are set elsewhere in Britain or as far away as Washington DC, so it's good to see one actually set there. This lively 3D documentary celebrates, as did the 1936 George Formby comedy No Limit , the annual Tourist Trophy motorcycle races that have been run there since 1907, resulting in 231 deaths and untold injuries.

The speeds on such narrow, winding public roads are hair-raising and superbly photographed, the crashes spectacular and the riders far more likable than anyone involved in Formula One. Particularly engaging is the zanily amusing, leathered lunatic Guy Martin, a Lincolnshire lorry repair mechanic by day.

• Documentary films
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TT: Closer to the Edge

Cast & crew.

John McGuinness

als er selbst

Ian Hutchinson

Michael Dunlop

• DOCUMENTARY
• Average 7.9

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TT3D: Closer to the Edge

By vividly recounting the TT's legendary rivalries and the Isle of Man's unique road racing history, this 3D feature documentary discovers why modern TT riders still risk their lives to win the world's most dangerous race. The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is the greatest motorcycle road race in the world, the ultimate challenge for rider and machine. It has always called for a commitment far beyond any other racing event, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice in their quest for victory. A story about freedom of choice, the strength of human spirit and the will to win. It's also an examination of what motivates those rare few, this elite band of brothers who risk everything to win.

Stream TT3D: Closer to the Edge Now

Movie trailer, where can you watch tt3d: closer to the edge online, movie score.

April 22, 2011,

Richard De Aragues

Jared Leto, Guy Martin, Ian Hutchinson, John McGuinness, Michael Dunlop, Keith Amor

Documentary

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Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau reaches Al Ahly milestone as Red Eagles edge closer to another Caf Champions League final

• Tau reaches Al Ahly milestone
• The Bafana star joined the team in 2021
• He was brought to the club by Mosimane

WHAT HAPPENED?

Percy Tau's Ahly managed to secure a goalless away draw against TP Mazembe on Saturday, at the Stade TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi in the first leg of the Caf Champions League semi-finals.

The former Club Brugge attacker started the match on the bench. He was introduced at the start of the second-half against the Congolese side.

Tau didn't add anything to his goal and assist tallies on the day as the two teams shared the spoils.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The result leaves Al Ahly in a good position to progress due to home-ground advantage, with a huge number of supporters in Cairo.

The Red Devils are likely to beat the Congolese side in the second leg, considering their home record in the Champions League as they are undefeated in their last 12 games as the hosts.

DID YOU KNOW?

It was Tau's 100th match for Al Ahly. He has scored 24 goals and registered 13 assists since joining from English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in 2001.

The 29-year-old has won the Caf Champions League trophy, two Egyptian Super Cups, three Egyptian Cups, Caf Super Cup, as well as the Egyptian Premier League title.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR TAU AND AL AHLY?

Al Ahly will host Mazembe in Cairo for the second leg on Friday, April 26.

The winner of this tie on aggregate will face either Mamelodi Sundowns or Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the final.

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How Bernardo Silva's goal led Manchester City past wasteful Chelsea and into the FA Cup final

Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea: The Briefing

• Scrappy win a mental boost for City
• Nicolas Jackson wasteful again
• City show clear signs of fatigue
• ...but Chelsea unable to exploit it

The Athletic's Sam Lee and Liam Twomey were at Wembley to deliver The Briefing — which you can find below.

Subscribe to The Athletic using our latest discount code .

Manchester City 1 Chelsea 0: Fatigued City edge through, Nicolas Jackson wasteful

Will it be 140 years in the making?

Getty Images

With Manchester City into the FA Cup final, we're halfway towards a bit of history...

If Manchester United can beat Coventry in the second semi-final tomorrow, we will have a repeat of the 2023 FA Cup climax.

And you'd have to go back almost 140 years to 1885 for the last time two clubs featured in successive FA Cup finals.

More semi-final frustration for Chelsea

Today's defeat was Chelsea's 11th FA Cup semi-final elimination — only Everton (13) and Tottenham (12) have exited the competition at this stage on more occasions.

City, meanwhile, have qualified for back-to-back FA Cup finals for the third time in their history.

Two stats that embody today's game, I feel.

Chelsea's mixed bag; more good news for City?

So Chelsea's men lost their FA Cup semi-final - but at least the women produced an eye-catching 1-0 win at Barcelona, in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final earlier in the day.

As for Manchester City, they could yet follow-up securing their FA Cup final berth with some good news from the Premier League.

Their title rivals Arsenal are currently in action against Wolves at Molineux. It's goalless after the opening half an hour.

You'll be able to follow how that one ends up on our football news feed .

Credit due to Chelsea boss

Mauricio Pochettino could not have coached a much better game. His team got in the positions to win that match twice over, but he was left to rue missed opportunities once again.

Here's a bit more of what he said to BBC Sport :

💬 "It is so easy to explain. We conceded in a moment you should not concede. We were not capable of being clinical in front of goal, we had many chances but we did not score.

"I think in the game we were a little bit better and deserved more, but it is not about deserving it, it is about being clinical and we were not today."

Pochettino taking the positives

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was keeping it light when speaking to BBC Sport after their semi-final defeat, which makes sense given they've still got hopes of qualifying for Europe via a better Premier League finish - and only limited games to achieve it.

💬 "We we're not able to be clinical. We had many chances, but we didn't score. This is why we lost the game. Last Monday we scored six (against Everton). Today we were not able to score with the same chances.

"It was a very tough game. We were playing a very good team. I think we were capable to play a very good game and we competed really well; we need to take the positive things and look forward.

"If we want to build something here, it is about having this type of game. Now the focus is to Tuesday. We are not going to have too many days to recover…but we need to think in a positive way to win games in the Premier League and be in a position maybe closer to being in Europe."

The double is still on for Man City

There will no repeat of last season's extraordinary treble, but the double remains a very real possibility.

Manchester City are top of the Premier League table and will arrive at the FA Cup final as massive favourites to lift the trophy, regardless of whether it is Coventry or Manchester United who they face.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed but another trophy or two look very likely.

But Guardiola was happy with his players

Pep Guardiola certainly wasn't all doom and gloom as he lauded the continued efforts of his players to keep the club fighting on multiple fronts.

He reserved special praise for Rodri (who never seems to miss a game) and Walker (having come back from an injury recently), but his sentiment was made for his whole squad.

At least there haven't been any Champions League games added to the schedule next season, Pep.

Pep consoles Cole

One of the first things Pep Guardiola did after the final whistle was to go over to Cole Palmer to console him.

Palmer had sunk to the turf and sat on his own for several seconds before that, clearly devastated as you would expect.

A club-record unbeaten run for City

While the game in midweek against Real Madrid ended in an exit from the Champions League, the fact it was 1-1 at full time saved Manchester City's unbeaten record.

And that is a record they have added to today, making it 29 games without defeat in all competition.

It is the longest run in the club's history.

Guardiola unhappy with the fixture scheduling

Despite his side's late victory, a very unhappy Pep Guardiola faced the microphone after the match and told BBC Sport exactly how he felt:

💬 "It is unacceptable, really unacceptable. Coventry, United and Chelsea don't play in the week and let us play today. Next week on Friday would have been better, instead of putting it on Saturday to have less recovery.

"It's impossible. For the health of the players. It is not normal, it's not normal. Because we won I have the courage to tell you, it's not possible.

"To go 120 minutes... All of you were football players. The emotion from Madrid, the way we lost and everything. I know in this country it's (the FA Cup) is special for many things but it's the health of the players.

"I don't understand how we survived today."

Fair play to BBC presenter Gary Lineker, who acknowledged the BBC's TV selection may have been at least partially at fault for City playing first.

Will it be City vs United again?

A reminder that holders Manchester City will discover their FA Cup final opponents tomorrow (3.30pm BST, 10.30am ET) when Manchester United host Championship side, Coventry City.

If United win, it will be of course be a Manchester derby - but also a rerun of last season's final.

We showed a lot of character, says Bernardo

Manchester City midfielder and matchwinner Bernardo Silva was also asked by BBC Sport about what today shows about him and his team-mates:

💬 "We've done it throughout the years many times. The way this team reacts to disappointments and defeats is always in the best way. Today again, the team showed a lot of character.

"(The final) is going to tough, of course. Between Coventry and Man United, it's going to be a very good game and the final is the final. We're very happy that we'll be back at Wembley."

The winning moment

Calmness personified.

A player of Bernardo Silva's quality was never going to pass up on that chance, but there aren't many players in that bracket!

Full-time stats zone

Chelsea carried a threat throughout that, yet it was Man City who found a way through to the FA Cup final. Here are the numbers that back that up...

FT: Man City 1-0 Chelsea

• Possession: 62% - 38%
• Shots: 14 - 10
• On target: 3 - 5
• XG: 0.84 - 1.16
• Successful duels: 53 - 42
• Possession lost: 126 - 111

After 120 minutes in midweek, that's a decent effort from City too. Indeed, Pep Guardiola sounds pretty unhappy with his side's schedule...

Bernardo Silva: 'Very happy after a frustrating week'

Match-winner Bernardo Silva has just been speaking to BBC Sport at full time.

💬 "I'm very happy after a very frustrating week for all of us and for me personally.

"The good thing is, if you play at Man City, you play every three days. So, after two or three days, you have a chance for a bit of revenge and to put things right.

"Today, we tried to do that even though we were very tired. We're happy with another final and another chance to win a trophy."

Thiago in tears

The most compelling of these full-time scenes has been Thiago Silva looking close to tears.

You can imagine the 39-year-old would've been desperate to take in this year's FA Cup final, and there's unlikely to be another time.

Guardiola has done it again

On the other side, Pep Guardiola is conducting the Manchester City fans as Wonderwall plays over the Wembley public address system.

The Spaniard is fist-pumping and smiling, which is a long way from the glazed-over expression he was carrying as the game remained goalless into the final five minutes before Bernardo Silva's winner.

The perfect medicine for Champions League heartache

That was not vintage Manchester City, but that doesn't matter.

They were the better team against Real Madrid on Wednesday and lost.

They were outplayed for much of today's game by Chelsea and won.

A funny old game!

No shame for Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino is busy handing out handshakes and looks like a many who knows his side simply didn't take his chances.

He can't put the ball in the net, but he did set them up pretty well to compete. He did his bit.

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Tt3d: closer to the edge.

2011 Directed by Richard De Aragues

Just because you're breathing doesn't mean you're alive.

By vividly recounting the TT's legendary rivalries and the Isle of Man's unique road racing history, this 3D feature documentary discovers why modern TT riders still risk their lives to win the world's most dangerous race. The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is the greatest motorcycle road race in the world, the ultimate challenge for rider and machine. It has always called for a commitment far beyond any other racing event, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice in their quest for victory. A story about freedom of choice, the strength of human spirit and the will to win. It's also an examination of what motivates those rare few, this elite band of brothers who risk everything to win.

Jared Leto Guy Martin Ian Hutchinson John McGuinness Michael Dunlop Keith Amor Bruce Anstey John Barton

Director Director

Richard De Aragues

Producers Producers

Emma Lightbody Marc Samuelson Steve Christian Andrew Fingret Adam May Josh Bloom Richard Hewitt

Editor Editor

Beverley Mills

Cinematography Cinematography

Thomas Kürzl

Composer Composer

Sound sound.

Colin Nicolson

CinemaNX Isle of Man Film

Releases by Date

22 apr 2011, 06 apr 2012, 24 apr 2012, 15 feb 2012, releases by country.

• Theatrical 12

Netherlands

• Physical 12 DVD, Blu ray
• Theatrical 15

104 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Ben Gracewood ★★★★½ 1

This film is what I wanted Senna to be. A behind-the-scenes look at the mentality of motor racing. Why do these guys risk their lives for not much glory, and what happens when it goes wrong?

It's a wonderfully crafted documentary, weaving a story and creating moments of real suspense. If you're vaguely interested in motor racing or the Isle of Man TT, it's definitely worth a watch.

P.S. I didn't watch TT3D in 3D, but like most "3D" movies, didn't feel like I was missing anything.

Review by Matt Waring ★★★★½ 1

A fascinating insight into one of the most dangerous, exhilarating, and truly mental races in the world. I defy anyone who thinks that motorbike racing is a shit version of Formula 1 to watch this and maintain that belief.

Review by Chris Sansbury ★★★★½ 3

Closer to the Edge is a wild ride of a documentary. It's as thrilling and exhilarating as it's subject, yet somehow it remains human and grounded. Beautifully shot and brilliantly directed, this is the king of motorsports documentaries.

Review by johnholmes ★★★

( english part below)

aka Isle of Man

Dokus über Themen die mich nicht interessieren sind meist die besten. Ein neues Feld welches einem eröffnet wird und die Möglichkeit zu erkennen dass in allem was interessantes stecken kann. Was wäre besser für mich geeignet als Motorräder? Die TT war mir durch eine selber fahrende Ex-Freundin bekannt, aber das war es dann auch mit meiner Liebe für den Sport. Leider hängt man sich hier an eine uncharismatischer Hauptperson, der ich den Sieg gar nicht wünsche.

Allerdings wird einem immerhin klar wie oft und wie tödlich es da zu geht. Extrem ja, aber für mich weiterhin wenig interessant.

Documentaries about topics that don't interest me are usually the best. A new field…

Review by Nath_C ★★★★

These people are insane... An average speed of 134mph on rural roads around the circuit... People die every year in this race. As of writing this someone died in it 2 days ago, in 2022 it claimed 6. Fascinating documentary about the kind of mindset needed to compete in something like this. Some of the onboards and crash footage is also unreal.

Guy Martin is certainly an interesting character.

Review by Marcin Wichary ★★★ 1

As a relative newcomer to the world of documentaries, I lack proper vocabulary to talk about the genre – but I can cheat by comparing. The first parallel that I thought of while watching TT3D: Closer to the Edge was those documentaries you only get to see at IMAX theatres. I don’t mean that as a compliment, though – while visually arresting, those are typically just sketches of real movies: insipid, uninspired, ultimately forgettable, with celebrity narrators and predictably catchy titles.

De Aragues’s debut feature, too, has both. The movie talks about the famous – not to mention famously dangerous – Isle of Man TT race, although you won’t learn much of the race history here (there’s not even a…

Review by JP178

Riding a bike is one hell of a drug, that's for sure.

Review by Doug Dillaman ★★★½

I was a bit confused that I'd marked this as watched but not logged when I knew that I'd have had to have seen it off my wife's DVD and we didn't get together until after I joined Letterboxd. I suspect that I bailed on it because I have a real struggle with people who value everything else in their life so little that they're willing to throw away their lives in the name of risky sport endeavours, in part because I've lost two people, one very close, in those contexts (albeit very different situations).

Coming back to this with several years distance, I can see the film admits a critical perspective, but mostly it's just fun hanging out with…

Review by sophielmccall ★★★★

The only reason this doesn’t have 5 stars is because I hate Jared Leto

Review by Jakoh ★★★★

The race footage is absolutely bonkers and it is directed in a way that it will have to at the edge of your seat with your palms sweaty as fuck.

With that said, what TT3D also does, is take a closer look at the characters that choose to ride the Tourist Trophy and what motivates them to risk their lives in one of the most dangerous racing events in the world.

And, perhaps surprisingly, there is a large variety of characters from all over the spectrum. From people that just from the tone of their voice you would not have guessed that their hobby consists of riding over 300km/h in city streets to more stereotypical rogue and eccentric types that…

Review by Mike ★★★★½

If there is one thing the film project 2013 is making me do, is watch things I would have steered clear from. And this is a prime example, I have no real interest in Motorbike Racing, on road or track, so why would I watch this?

Following a group of riders competing in the TT Races on the Isle of Man, we get a behind the scenes look at one of the worlds most famous and deadliest road races. With some stunning on board camera work, we get to see just how fast and how dangerous racing on this track (road) is. Aside the racing we get to see the dedication of these riders, the pit crews, and the local…

Review by Twan ★★★★½

Cool documentatay about the loons that ride the Isle of man TT bike races. Basically bombing around streets at 200mph. Follows a few of the top boys around but mostly focuses on Guy Martin, the guy in the trailer because he is a funny guy. A cross between Wolverine and the guy with the twitch that goes out with Julia Davies in series 2 of Nighty Night. Now as you know, I'm one cool cumcumber and cool people don't like motorsports because they are for losers but this film revved my engine. Nor did I watch it in 3D. The only place 3D needs to be is on a 3DS, all the rest of it can go to hell and die.

Evil Kneivel out of Barry Sheen.

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Stanley Cup playoffs 2024: NHL postseason team predictions

The 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs are here! It took until the final two games of the regular season to determine final seeding for the bracket, but with the puck ready to drop Saturday on our first playoff action, it's time for our jumbo-sized preview.

We've got all the angles covered to get you ready for the playoffs as ESPN hockey reporters Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton take a look at each of the 16 postseason teams, offering the reasons each team could win it all, along with the (potentially) biggest flaws, players to watch and a bold prediction for every contender.

Note: Profiles for the Atlantic and Metropolitan playoff brackets were written by Shilton, while Clark analyzed the Central and Pacific clubs. Also note that wild-card teams are listed according to the playoff bracket in which they're playing (so the Nashville Predators are in the Pacific, for instance).

Stats are collected from sites such as Natural Stat Trick , Hockey Reference and Evolving Hockey .

Jump to a team: Atlantic: FLA | BOS TOR | TB Metro: NYR | CAR NYI | WSH Central: DAL | WPG COL | LA Pacific: VAN | EDM VGK | NSH

Greg Wyshynski breaks down all you need to know going into the Stanley Cup playoffs.

ATLANTIC DIVISION

A1. Florida Panthers

Record: 52-24-6, 110 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Florida was an eleventh hour addition to the postseason field last year and wound up going all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. This year's Panthers have been anything but underdogs, and their chances of returning to the Final are better than ever. Florida ran it back this season with nearly the same roster intact -- including 15 skaters from that Cup Final lineup -- and have since added more experience with Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola among others.

Florida's real strength, though, comes through its star performers, and those top-tier skaters can do serious damage. Sam Reinhart had a career year, picking up 52 goals and 92 points, Aleksander Barkov remains an outstanding two-way center; Matthew Tkachuk found his feisty form again; and a rejuvenated Sergei Bobrovsky is Florida's game-changer in the crease. Confidence? The Panthers should be full of it.

Biggest flaws: Florida has top-end scoring talent. But will it make the team too top-heavy? After Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe (with 33 goals) and Tkachuk (with 26), there's a drop-off around who's putting pucks in the net. The Panthers don't have a standout offensive defenseman ( Gustav Forsling leads the way there with 10 goals and 38 points) and could be exposed in the playoffs if their elite skaters are neutralized and there's no one behind them to answer the scoring bell.

The Panthers were middle-of-the-pack this season offensively (averaging 3.21 goals per game, 14th overall) and there's a scoring premium in the playoffs for every club regardless of regular-season success.

Player to watch: Aleksander Barkov. There are few players in the league with Barkov's unique skill set. He can win key face-offs, break up passes and execute in seemingly small areas that can make or break a team's outcome. This is when Barkov should be his most powerful.

Bold prediction: Florida will barely survive a first-round series that goes the distance, and fatigue will weigh heavily as the Panthers are ousted from the second round in five games.

A2. Boston Bruins

Record: 47-20-15, 109 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: The Bruins showed again this season that they're a resilient bunch, grappling with the loss of key players (i.e., Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci), transitioning to a new leadership group (led by newly anointed captain Brad Marchand ) and, despite being among the NHL's older teams, still staying on pace with the younger crowd. The Bruins boast a deep lineup on both sides of the puck that goes well beyond their stars -- like Marchand, David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy . Coach Jim Montgomery will have an enviable number of options to choose from when formulating Boston's attack.

Boston also secured home-ice advantage to start the postseason, and the local help alone can be an advantage. The Bruins didn't tap into it last season -- losing in the first round to Florida -- but should have learned plenty from their prior disappointment. The Bruins are aware their contending window could snap shut at any time. They squandered a Presidents' Trophy-winning season a year ago by falling flat in the playoffs. That's motivation enough to fuel Boston's next chapter.

Biggest flaws: The Bruins have had issues closing out games. Boston is tied for the league lead in overtime or shootout losses (with eight) when leading after two periods. It's a damning statistic, and Montgomery has talked throughout the season about Boston finding ways to "push through" even when tired at the end of a game. That's especially important in the playoffs, when overtime can extend for hours.

Speaking of emotion, will the Bruins carry any demons from their past failure into this postseason? Boston has repeatedly handled questions about its first-round flop last spring. It's on the veterans who went through that to ensure there are no lingering effects impacting how Boston goes about its business from here on out.

Player to watch: David Pastrnak. Boston's stars must be stars. And there is no one who can rise to the occasion for the Bruins quite like Pastrnak. Whether it's scoring a critical goal, elevating his linemates or creating a matchup nightmare, Pastrnak is Boston's jack-of-all-trades who will lead the charge through a tough first-round slog -- and possibly well beyond it.

Bold prediction: Boston will get outworked (again) in the first round and won't be able to match the intensity of a hungrier opponent. The Bruins will fall in six games and head into another long offseason to think about making major changes.

A3. Toronto Maple Leafs

Record: 46-26-10, 102 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Toronto took its time finding a sweet spot, where all the elements from consistent scoring to stable goaltending to solid defense came together and steered the Leafs closer to their full potential. That it happened late in the year, right before the playoffs? Well, that just might be Toronto's secret sauce.

Unlike seasons past, when the Leafs could coast at times on the goal-scoring prowess of Auston Matthews or the playmaking magic of Mitch Marner , the Leafs have successfully weathered adversity to emerge as perhaps the strongest collective version of themselves. Sure, GM Brad Treliving actively added some sandpaper to the lineup with Ryan Reaves and a big-bodied defenseman in Joel Edmundson , but it's the overall grit Toronto has earned throughout the year that should help in the postseason.

Another Leafs edge? Their first line -- helmed by Hart Trophy contender Matthews -- has finally found its rhythm. After months of tinkering, Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi have combined with Matthews to make their unit elite. That has given coach Sheldon Keefe the opportunity to spread out some of the other top skaters -- such as Marner and William Nylander -- so Toronto isn't as vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of its star performers. Nicholas Robertson has been improving up front lately, and so has Matthew Knies . The Leafs were felled by a lack of postseason scoring in the past, and if they've got that covered now, it could carry them well beyond one round.

Biggest flaws: Toronto has question marks on defense -- including who, exactly, will actually be in the six-man rotation come playoffs. TJ Brodie , once a top-pairing staple, has slipped down the depth chart, and Keefe's been regularly reworking his back end to see what sticks. The Leafs have averaged 3.13 goals against this season and nearly 30 shots against while struggling to defend off the rush. In a tight-checking postseason contest when desperation is at its peak, Toronto's defense could be exposed if it can't find the right mix of players to handle the job ahead.

Player to watch: Ilya Samsonov . Toronto's starter has been through the wringer and came out the other side playing some of his best hockey. The Leafs can only hope Samsonov stays on that path when the playoffs begin. He projects to be their starter in the first round, with rookie Joseph Woll looking over his shoulder, ready to take over.

Bold prediction: Toronto will escape the first round and then explode with a second-round sweep. The Leafs will reach their first Stanley Cup Final since 1967 and finally win it all in a dramatic Game 7 victory.

WC1. Tampa Bay Lightning

Record: 45-29-8, 98 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Tampa Bay has an unparalleled playoff pedigree, and that's why the Lightning can never be counted out of contending for a Stanley Cup. Yes, the Lightning faltered in the first round last year, but that's still the exception to their rule. Before that, it was three straight trips to the Cup finals, with two victories. Tampa Bay can turn it on when it's time to go.

The Lightning have also woven in some fresh bodies (namely Anthony Duclair and Matt Dumba ) and remained fairly healthy, so strong chemistry could build up over time. The results since early March speak for themselves -- Tampa Bay is averaging four goals per game (best in the league); it is top-10 in goals against and top-five on the power play; and the goaltending under Andrei Vasilevskiy is elite once more (.910 SV%, 2.61 GAA). Oh, and Nikita Kucherov ? He leads the league in points with 144 and will be a momentum-shifting, series-defining threat.

Biggest flaws: Tampa Bay was dealt a tough blow when top-pairing defenseman Mikhail Sergachev suffered a broken leg in February. He won't return unless the Lightning go deep into the playoffs. Sergachev's absence has left the blue line exposed.

Victor Hedman is carrying the group, but it now includes more up-and-comers (such as Nick Perbix and Emil Lilleberg ) than established skaters who have helped the team win in the past. Dumba's been a fine third-pairing guy, but it'll take more than just OK for the Lightning to not be drowned by defensive problems.

Player to watch: Brayden Point . While it's Kucherov gathering the points (and accolades) this season, Point has quietly had a phenomenal season of his own with 46 goals and 90 points. Having Point healthy and rolling like he is now is a major flex for the Lightning and adds to their depth scoring capabilities.

Bold prediction: Kucherov will be held off the score sheet through Tampa Bay's first two games, and the Lightning will get knocked out in the first round a second consecutive time.

METRO DIVISION

M1. New York Rangers

Record: 55-23-4, 114 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: New York knows how it feels to fall short. It happened two years ago in the Eastern Conference finals. It happened again last season in the first round. Those disappointments led to a coaching change and roster turnover and to a battle-tested New York that became this season's Presidents' Trophy winner.

How did the Rangers get there? By becoming one of the league's elite offensive squads. Artemi Panarin -- who tallied just two assists in that first-round loss against New Jersey last spring -- exploded with a 120-point regular season; Chris Kreider popped in 39 goals; and Adam Fox is a point-per-game skater on the back end. New York's depth is stronger, too, particularly since adding Alex Wennberg at the deadline to fill the third-line center role. Rookie Matt Rempe gives the Rangers some needed size and toughness. All that, along with an excellent goaltending tandem in Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick , gives New York a superb opportunity to reach a Stanley Cup Final.

Biggest flaws: The Rangers have had their issues structurally and defensively this season. There were stretches around the midseason when New York was bafflingly poor in its own end, prone to turnovers and generally playing a dangerous game of hot potato with the puck. The Rangers are at their best playing a collective team defense. When that's lacking, things can go south quickly. Shesterkin and Quick are good, but they can't be left hung out to dry, either.

Being the Presidents' Trophy winner has not, historically, led to strong results in the playoffs. The Rangers have their own demons (as mentioned above) from lackluster showings on the game's biggest stage. How they push past those potential barriers will help determine their playoff success.

Player to watch: Artemi Panarin. It's time for Panarin to close the book on last season's awful playoff performance by writing a fresh new chapter -- this one centered on his ability to dominate opponents. That's how New York will stretch this postseason out for weeks to come.

Bold prediction: New York's stars will turn up in the first round, but the Rangers' depth will fail to match, and a hungrier Washington team will oust the Presidents' Trophy winners in a dramatic Game 7 finale.

Check out the numbers behind recent Presidents' Trophy winners and how they've fared en route to the Stanley Cup.

M2. Carolina Hurricanes

Record: 52-23-7, 111 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Carolina has waited in the wings long enough. The Hurricanes are perennial contenders and then don't quite live up to playoff expectations, like in last season's Eastern Conference finals sweep against Florida. Well, consider this Carolina's time to shine. The Hurricanes are built to go all the way in every phase. Jake Guentzel has been a great addition to the lineup post-deadline; Sebastian Aho is a bona fide star averaging well over a point-per-game; Seth Jarvis has come to life with a 33-goal effort; and Andrei Svechnikov made up for lost time with 52 points in 59 games. There's a strong blue line led by Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns to go along with complementary defensive performances throughout the lineup.

Carolina is also dynamic on special teams, owning the second-ranked power play (26.9%) and top penalty kill (86.4%) in the regular season. That combination alone is a terrifying edge in the team's favor. The Hurricanes' goaltending has been a source of strength, too. Frederik Andersen returned from his blood clotting issue in fine form (13-2-0, .932 SV%, 1.84 GAA), and rookie Pyotr Kochetkov has provided terrific showings in the crease.

Biggest flaws: The Hurricanes have to be careful with Andersen. Although the veteran has been strong since his recovery, there's no denying Andersen's history of injuries. If Carolina expects to go far, it will need a solid tandem in place to lean on, and Andersen should be part of it. But if Andersen were to miss games, would Kochetkov survive carrying the load on a long postseason run? The Hurricanes' options to help Kochetkov in that regard are fairly limited. Depth, in all facets, can be the difference between winning and losing a tight series. Carolina must hope it doesn't face a goaltending dilemma anytime soon.

Player to watch: Jake Guentzel. The former Pittsburgh Penguin wasted no time proving his worth on a new roster with eight goals and 25 points in 17 games. If that was the start of Guentzel's production in Carolina, then consider the Eastern Conference playoff field on notice that an actual offensive hurricane is headed its way.

Bold prediction: Carolina will chart an unstoppable course straight on to the Eastern Conference finals, but once again the Hurricanes will lose steam and won't be able to make the Cup Final.

M3. New York Islanders

Record: 39-27-16, 94 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: New York found its rhythm from late March into April, and that secured a playoff spot and powers the team's postseason hopes. The Islanders have a white-hot goaltender in Semyon Varlamov (8-1-1 in starts since March 10) leading the way. What the Islanders lacked in identity earlier this year has finally come together under new coach Patrick Roy. There's a stability to New York's structure that has revealed itself further with each passing game. The Islanders often favor physicality, and now they're more opportunistic offensively to add dimension where it wasn't before. New York should be confident heading into the postseason.

Biggest flaws: The Islanders have long faced criticism for their low scoring output, and this season -- as a whole -- has been no exception. New York ranked 23rd in offense through the regular season, averaging under three goals per game. The Islanders' attack is top-heavy when it does ignite, with only five skaters surpassing the 20-goal mark and only one ( Mathew Barzal ) working at a point-per-game pace. New York has to work hard for the offense it does get, and that can weigh a team down in a playoff series.

New York is also vulnerable on special teams. The Islanders cobbled together a league-worst penalty kill (72.2%), and their power play ranked 21st overall (19.7%). That puts serious pressure on them to stay disciplined and not let opponents use the mediocre special teams against them.

Player to watch: Bo Horvat . The Islanders' forward had a solid regular season with 33 goals and 68 points. But this time of year is why New York traded for Horvat in the first place. He must produce a high-caliber effort nightly in the postseason for the Islanders to go far.

Bold prediction: New York will try to ride Varlamov's hot hand, but the goalie will stumble early and be replaced by Ilya Sorokin . He will nearly guide the Islanders to a first-round victory, but they'll fall in Game 7.

WC2. Washington Capitals

Record: 40-31-11, 91 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: The Capitals never gave up. That attitude earned them a return bid to the playoffs in mind-blowing fashion. Washington somehow has both the worst goal differential (minus-37) of any postseason team in history and the chance to prove it means nothing when it opens another first-round series. Washington has received contributions from everywhere and everyone this season, from established veterans (such as Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson ) to rising stars (including Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre ). The Caps are in capable hands between the pipes, too, with Charlie Lindgren emerging as a stable starting option who can swing a game in Washington's favor.

The Capitals' overall buy-in under first-year coach Spencer Carbery (who has done a masterful job righting the ship for Washington through several rocky stretches this season) is also what makes them dangerous. Yes, every team wants to be successful in the playoffs, but Washington is already driven by its underdog status. If the Caps keep that mentality at the forefront, they could take the playoff field by storm.

Biggest flaws: Washington will have to turn up the heat offensively. The Capitals ranked 28th in total offense (with 2.63 goals per game) and 29th in 5-on-5 goals (143), and Dylan Strome paced the team with just 67 points on the season. Where will Washington get consistent scoring from in a playoff series? Even if it manages that, can it keep the puck out of its own net, too? Lindgren has been terrific for much of the year, but the Caps allow over 30 shots on net per game. How will that affect them when some of their key contributors have little to no postseason experience? It's a recipe for preventable mistakes, and those can quickly become series-defining problems.

Player to watch: Alex Ovechkin. Like there's anyone else you'd be watching anyway. Ovechkin is in the late stages of a Hall of Fame career, and this opportunity to be in the playoffs looked like a long shot even last month. He won't take this chance for granted, and that should not only fuel a stellar showing from him but also provide motivation to every player in Washington's dressing room.

Bold prediction: The Capitals will give a rousing first-round effort to unseat the Presidents' Trophy winners and advance to an unexpected second-round showing that will end with a Game 6 defeat.

CENTRAL DIVISION

C1. Dallas Stars

Record: 52-21-9, 113 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Practically every team that wins a Stanley Cup encounters some sort of crucible before eventually capturing a championship. The Stars have done just that. Back in 2020, they reached the Stanley Cup Final. In 2022, they struggled to score in a first-round loss. The 2023 postseason saw them get within two games of the Stanley Cup Final, which is part of what makes them one of the NHL's most legitimate Cup challengers.

Depth is everything in the postseason, and the Stars have it. They have eight players who scored more than 20 goals this season and 13 players who finished with more than 20 points. But it's not just the ability to score. Trading for Chris Tanev at the deadline gave the Stars that right-handed partner they had sought for Miro Heiskanen , giving them a pairing capable of shutting down an opponent's top two lines.

Biggest flaws: Strange as it sounds, there are questions about Jake Oettinger . Even though he has a third straight season of more than 30 wins, Oettinger's consistency has been a topic of conversation. His 2.72 goals-against average and .905 save percentage are outliers, given he has a career 2.52 GAA and .912 save percentage.

That said, he had a 1.66 GAA and a .940 save percentage in April. If that's the version of Oettinger the Stars can get in the playoffs, it could ultimately see them take the next step and advance to their second Stanley Cup Final in four seasons.

And of course, matching up against the Golden Knights in Round 1 brings questions too; namely can they take the lessons learned from last year to win this time around?

Player to watch: Wyatt Johnston . Several executives around the NHL stress the importance of being able to build through the draft. Johnston is the latest example from the Stars' assembly line that shows why they place such a premium on draft picks. He has gone from being a rookie who was a significant contributor to a second-year player who led them with 32 goals -- and he doesn't turn 21 until May.

Bold prediction: Thomas Harley will be the breakout star of a playoff run that will at least reach the second round. Harley finished the regular season with 15 goals and 47 points, and he will give the Stars another standout on both ends.

C2. Winnipeg Jets

Record: 51-24-6, 108 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Losing in the first round to the Golden Knights last year exposed a number of the Jets' issues. Namely, they needed to add as much scoring help as possible, and that's what they've done over the past 12 months. The Pierre-Luc Dubois trade allowed Winnipeg to land Alex Iafallo and Gabriel Vilardi , who have been part of the team's balanced scoring attack.

Altogether, the Jets had 13 players who scored more than 10 goals this season. They've received contributions from established figures such as Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele , while seeing new faces like Iafallo, Vilardi and Sean Monahan add to those totals. Combine that with what they have in goal in Connor Hellebuyck and it makes Winnipeg a team that could pose problems if it can get out of the first round.

Biggest flaws: Can the Jets parlay their regular-season success into the sort of results that get them beyond the first round? It's an even more relevant question heading into Round 1, given what they've done against the Avs in the regular season (winning all three games). But it's a question Winnipeg has been trying to answer for the past few years. Back in 2017-18, the Jets lost in the Western Conference finals to the Golden Knights, and getting to that round created the belief that they could become one of the West's long-term contenders.

Since then, Winnipeg has made it out of the first round only once. What has separated the Jets from teams such as the Avalanche, Golden Knights and Stars, among others, is that they haven't been able to go on those extended runs that show they are ready to challenge for a Stanley Cup. Is this the season the Jets take off?

Player to watch: Connor Hellebuyck. He has had one of the strongest individual campaigns of his career and stands to capture what would be his second Vezina Trophy. Last year's playoffs were a challenge, as Hellebuyck finished with a 3.44 GAA and .886 save percentage. Still, Hellebuyck's previous postseason experience has shown he can make a difference for a team that's seeking to take the next step in its playoff evolution.

Bold prediction: Vilardi will lead the Jets in scoring through at least one round of the playoffs. In a full, 82-game season, Vilardi was on pace for a team-high 37 goals, and his projected 62 points would have been second. Going to Winnipeg has allowed him to further tap into his promise, and it could once again benefit the Jets in the postseason.

C3. Colorado Avalanche

Record: 49-25-7, 105 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Having Nathan MacKinnon , Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar allows the Avalanche to be top Cup contenders on an annual basis. But having those three is not enough, which is what the Avs learned last year when the then-defending champions were ousted in the first round.

Avs general manager Chris MacFarland and his front office staff have used the time since to strengthen their depth. This is a team that isn't reliant on its stars, and it can receive contributions from everyone on a nightly basis. That's what allowed the Avs to win the title back in 2022, and it's what has them in contention for a second championship in the past three years.

Biggest flaws: Could it be the fact they're opening the playoffs against the Jets? The Jets' 7-0 victory this past Saturday raised questions about what could happen once the playoffs started. Losing by a rather large margin wasn't the only talking point after the game. There was also a discussion about how the Jets were 3-0 against the Avalanche in the regular season -- and had outscored them 17-4 in those contests.

It's possible that what happened in the regular season could have little bearing once their first-round series starts. The Golden Knights won only one of their eight combined games against the Oilers and Stars in the 2022-23 regular season, only to then beat those two teams en route to winning the Stanley Cup. Could it be a similar situation for the Avs, or can the Jets parlay their regular-season success into winning the series?

Player to watch: Gabriel Landeskog . The biggest question regarding the team has been: Can the captain return this postseason? Landeskog has missed the past two seasons recovering from a persistent knee injury that saw him undergo cartilage transplant surgery last May. Avs coach Jared Bednar said Tuesday that Landeskog is "not close" to participating in practices, while having noted previously that the Avs captain could return at some point in the playoffs.

Bold prediction: Casey Mittelstadt will average a point per game in the first round. After coming over in trade from Buffalo, Mittelstadt filled the second-line center gap Colorado had been trying to fill since the departure of Nazem Kadri . His arrival gives the Avs another player who could make a massive impact in what will be the first playoff series of his career.

WC2. Vegas Golden Knights

Record: 45-28-8, 98 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Much of the system that allowed the Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup last season is back. They have the reigning Conn Smythe winner in Jonathan Marchessault . They have players who have excelled in top line and/or top pairing roles such as Jack Eichel and Alex Pietrangelo . They have Adin Hill , the goaltender who played a significant role. They also have the unsung heroes such as Nicolas Hague and Zach Whitecloud , who were among the most used defensive pairings in the playoffs last season.

And then Vegas supplemented all that by having one of the most advantageous trade deadlines in recent memory. It added a top-nine winger in Anthony Mantha and a top-pairing defenseman in Noah Hanifin , then made the shocking trade to get another top-six forward in Tomas Hertl , creating a team that looks as if it can certainly defend its title.

Biggest flaws: Could the additions of Hanifin, Hertl and Mantha be too many new moving pieces at once? One thing that has allowed the Golden Knights to go from being an expansion team to a full-on juggernaut is their ability to have players seamlessly fit into their system as if they've been there the whole time. That's how it has worked with Ivan Barbashev , Mark Stone , Chandler Stephenson , Eichel, Pietrangelo and Hill.

It's uncertain whether Hanifin, Hertl and Mantha can follow suit. Hanifin had 12 points through his first 18 games, and Mantha had 10 points in his first 18 games. Once Hertl was cleared to play after his recovery efforts from knee surgery, he had three points in his first four games, including the winning goal against the Avs this past Sunday. So far, so good.

Player to watch: Noah Hanifin. Yes, the idea of Stone coming back from injury to appear in the playoffs makes him a strong candidate to be the answer here. But we know what Stone can do in the postseason. Seeing what Hanifin can do in the playoffs could be rather important, considering Vegas just signed him to an eight-year extension. He has eight points while averaging 21:03 of ice time per game in 27 career playoff contests; those numbers should both rise this spring.

Bold prediction: Hertl will lead the Golden Knights in points throughout the entirety of their playoff run. Even if there are questions about how all the new pieces fit, Hertl will find a way to answer them by being the team's most prolific performer.

PACIFIC DIVISION

P1. Vancouver Canucks

Record: 50-22-9, 109 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Few teams have been as consistent as the Canucks in a season that has watched them go from a surprise team to one that could win the Cup. Other than a four-game losing streak in February, Vancouver has looked the part of a serious championship challenger that relied upon its entire roster to reach this stage.

J.T. Miller has 100 points and Quinn Hughes appears to be the Norris Trophy favorite, but there is so much more to the Canucks. Brock Boeser 's 40-goal campaign led the way among 10 players who finished the season with more than 10 tallies. The team also has 14 players who finished the year with more than 20 points.

Biggest flaws: Can Vancouver make it work in the playoffs? Rarely does a team go from missing the playoffs in seven of its past eight seasons to winning a Stanley Cup. But that's the narrative the Canucks are seeking to rewrite as they've made it beyond the second round only once since the 2010-11 season that saw them reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Vancouver also is trying to do this in a crowded Western Conference landscape that has seen quite a few teams encounter years of frustration before finally claiming the game's ultimate prize. Although the argument could be had that maybe all those years of missing the playoffs is the struggle that has set the stage for the Canucks this postseason.

Player to watch: Thatcher Demko . Before he sustained a knee injury on March 9, Demko was performing like one of the NHL's best goaltenders. He led the league with 34 wins while posting a 2.47 GAA and a .917 save percentage at the time of his injury. Demko returned to the lineup this Tuesday and finished with 39 saves and a .975 save percentage in a win against the Calgary Flames .

Bold prediction: Elias Lindholm will reach double figures in points during the playoffs. Although his time with the Canucks has had its challenges, Lindholm will play a major role in Vancouver's bid to get beyond the first round.

P2. Edmonton Oilers

Record: 49-26-6, 104 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Since Kris Knoblauch was hired to replace Jay Woodcroft in November, the Oilers have seemingly found answers to many of the questions facing them after their slow start. At times, they've looked like the most dangerous team in the league, evidenced by the fact they're third in goals scored per game and have given up the fifth fewest goals per game since Knoblauch was hired.

Could this be Edmonton's year? It was just two years ago when the Oilers reached the Western Conference finals before losing to the eventual champion Avalanche. Last year, they reached the second round, where they were knocked out by the eventual champion Golden Knights. Could the lessons from the past few years lead this team to future glory?

Biggest flaws: Do the Oilers have the supporting cast that can help them win a championship? That remained a question throughout that second-round series against the Golden Knights. One of the avenues that allowed Vegas to beat Edmonton, and the rest of its playoff opponents, was that it could rely on its depth to win games.

This has been a challenge for the Oilers. Outside of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid , the only Oilers to score goals in those losses to the Golden Knights were Zach Hyman and Warren Foegele . Receiving consistent secondary scoring, along with the ability to parlay the success they've created with their defensive structure under a new coaching staff, could prove crucial to the Oilers' title aspirations.

Player to watch: Stuart Skinner . Among the questions Edmonton faced last postseason: Can Skinner be the goalie who leads it to a championship? His maiden playoff voyage was rocky. There were postseason games in which he had a save percentage exceeding .960, and there were also games in which he was pulled in favor of Jack Campbell. He looked solid this regular season, but until he proves his mettle in the postseason, those questions will linger.

Bold prediction: Adam Henrique will finish among the top five Oilers in playoff points. Again, secondary scoring will be crucial, and this is also a big opportunity for Henrique to make his mark after playing for non-playoff teams for most of the past decade.

Emily Kaplan sets up the chase for the Stanley Cup as the NHL's second season gets underway.

P3. Los Angeles Kings

Record: 43-27-11, 97 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: Returning to the playoffs for a third straight season was thanks in part to the depth of the Kings' roster. They have four players who had more than 20 goals in the regular season, nine players who reached double figures in goals and 11 players who finished with more than 20 points. Four of those 11 players were defensemen.

Like a number of teams, Los Angeles also made a coaching change this season, replacing Todd McLellan with interim coach Jim Hiller. His arrival has led to the Kings becoming one of the stronger defensive teams in the NHL. Since he took over on Feb. 2, L.A. has allowed the third fewest goals per game and the fifth fewest shots per game and has a top-six penalty kill.

Biggest flaws: Do the Kings have enough to win a first-round series -- particularly against a team that has beaten them two years in a row? All the moves the front office has made over the past few years have made Los Angeles one of the more intriguing teams in the NHL, but getting beyond the first round has been the biggest challenge facing a franchise that's trying to cement itself as one of the West's elite teams.

Beating a conference power like the Oilers would emphatically answer those questions. But if the Kings don't prevail, general manager Rob Blake and his front office staff will be asking quite a few questions about what potential changes need to be made.

Player to watch: Pierre-Luc Dubois . Landing Dubois in a megatrade with the Jets -- and then signing him to a long-term contract -- was one of those moves that signaled the Kings' intent when it came to their aspirations. So far, Dubois' first season in L.A. hasn't gone as planned, given the 40 points he had through 80 games is the fewest he has had in a season in which he has played at least 70. Dubois is averaging 0.68 points per game in 38 career postseason contests, and he could use these playoffs to reframe his first season in Southern California.

Bold prediction: Dubois will lead the Kings in points during the playoffs. It'll allow them to force a Game 7 against the Oilers in a series that will see L.A. make another first-round exit.

WC1. Nashville Predators

Record: 47-30-5, 99 points

Case for a Stanley Cup run: There are two arguments that could explain why the Predators will go on a long run. The first is that the gulf between higher-seeded and lower-seeded teams isn't that wide anymore. Or at least that was the case last season when the Panthers upset the Bruins while the Seattle Kraken knocked out the Avs.

The second is that the Predators have been one of the NHL's most consistent teams since Feb. 17 -- the day their 18-game points streak started. Only the Hurricanes have won more games than the Preds since then. They're fourth in goals per game while allowing the fourth fewest goals per game in that time. Finding that sort of cohesion, while having experienced Cup winners such as Ryan McDonagh , Ryan O'Reilly and Luke Schenn on the team, makes Nashville one of the more intriguing teams to watch.

Biggest flaws: Could a general lack of playoff experience be a problem? One thing that has allowed the Preds to change their fortunes this season is the contributions made by players such as Luke Evangelista , Michael McCarron , Tommy Novak , Kiefer Sherwood and Cole Smith , among others. It's a group that also doesn't have much -- and in some cases, any -- playoff experience.

McCarron and Sherwood have combined to play in five games. Evangelista is a rookie, whereas Novak and Smith haven't played in the postseason before. Seeing how that particular group can handle the demands of the playoffs could play a sizable role in whether Nashville can get beyond the first round for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

Player to watch: Juuse Saros . He's one of the few goaltenders in the NHL who has started more than 60 games in each of the past three seasons. Even though the Preds haven't made it out of the first round in a few years, Saros was strong in his most recent postseason, back in 2021-22, when he finished with a .921 save percentage. And with one year left on his contract and the emergence of Yaroslav Askarov, there's added pressure to perform.

Bold prediction: The Predators will push the Canucks to seven games. Last year's postseason showed that lower-seeded teams can not only challenge the higher seeds in the first round but beat them. It's possible Nashville could be the next lower seed to advance to the second round or at least know it exited the first round on the brink of a major upset.

April 19, 2024

How to See the Lunar Far Side Right Here on Earth

Perspective and subtle motion allows us to peek over the moon’s edge and into its far side

By Phil Plait

In my most recent article for Scientific American , I may have lied to you.

In my defense, I didn’t so much lie as maybe oversimplify a tiny bit. I wrote that because of the effects of the tidal force from Earth, “the moon always shows one face to Earth.” That turns out to be only mostly true. We actually see more like 59 percent of the moon’s total surface from Earth , not strictly half, as you might expect. What I didn’t get into last week was the slow rocking and nodding motion our satellite makes with respect to Earth, which together we call libration. (That shouldn’t be confused with libations, which can cause similar motions in people.)

As I explained in that article, the moon spins once for every one time it orbits Earth. This is the outcome of the inexorable force of our planet’s gravity, which has slowed the moon’s spin and moved our satellite farther and farther from Earth until both angular rates matched. (We sometimes call this spin-orbit resonance, if you want to get technical.)

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Some people have a misconception that the moon doesn’t spin at all, but this is easily debunked: Take a spherical object such as an orange and place it on a table—this will be our model moon—and put some small object near it to represent Earth. Now move the orange around the other object. If you don’t spin the orange, you’ll find that someone on the ersatz Earth will see the entire surface of the orange over the course of one orbit. You have to carefully spin the orange once per revolution to ensure only one side is seen, thus proving that the moon does indeed spin and that this rotation takes the same amount of time as its orbital period.

The overall effect is that the moon is apparently split into two halves: the hemisphere that always faces Earth, which we call the near side, and the half that always points away, known as the far side. Another misconception is that the far side is literally the dark side, but the sun shines for half the time on the lunar far side, giving it two weeks of light and two of darkness , just as on the near side. I’m willing to give some metaphorical ground here because “dark” can mean unknown or unexplored; most of the moon’s far side is forever hidden from Earth, so the metaphor is apt. It wasn’t until the former Soviet Union sent the spacecraft Luna 3 around the moon in 1959 that the first images of the far side were ever seen by human eyes.

Libration is the reason this near- and far-side dichotomy isn’t quite so clear-cut. The phenomenon chiefly arises because the moon’s orbit isn’t a perfect circle but is instead quite elliptical (oval-shaped). Perigee, the closest point in the moon’s orbit to Earth, is about 356,000 kilometers distant, while apogee, its farthest point, is 407,000 km, a difference of roughly 13 percent. This means that from Earth, the moon can appear about 13 percent larger at perigee than apogee—but this also has orbital implications as well.

The speed at which, say, a moon orbits a planet depends on its distance from that planet. The farther out it is, the slower it moves along its trajectory, and conversely, the closer it is, the faster it moves. Because the moon is a huge, massive object, however, its spin doesn’t change at all; it always rotates at the same rate.

This means that when the moon is at apogee, its spin rate is a bit faster than its actual orbital rate, and vice versa at perigee. At apogee it rotates its western side a little bit more into our view, and at perigee we see a little bit more of its eastern side. The amount of extra lunar territory we see is about 7.5 degrees on each side.

So we can, in effect, peek over the edges of the moon’s near side—but only a little. An odd geometric effect makes this difficult to discern: on the moon’s edge, that extra rotation is mostly in a direction straight toward Earth, so the actual extra surface we see is hugely foreshortened and difficult to spot. The effect is greatest for landmarks near the meridian, the moon’s central line that divides east from west. There we see features rock back and forth by 15 degrees, which is quite easy to spot in photographs. When I was in high school, I shot a lot of photographs of the moon using my telescope and camera, and I remember seeing Mare Crisium , a dark impact feature near the moon’s eastern limb, clearly closer to the moon’s edge in one shot than the other. I had discovered libration!

And I found it only 330 years after astronomer Johannes Hevelius first explained it . I will accept partial credit.

This effect is called longitudinal libration, the libration seen east to west. But there’s also latitudinal libration north to south as well. This is because the moon’s orbit is not directly above Earth’s equator but is instead tilted by about five degrees. (The technical term for this is inclination.) When the moon is at the northernmost point in its orbit, we can see a little bit more surface past its south pole, and at its southernmost orbital point we can see farther into the far side at the north.

Together this means we can see 59 percent more moon than if the orbit were perfectly circular and aligned with Earth’s equator. Over the course of the monthlong lunar orbit, the moon appears to wobble east to west and nod north to south. This effect can be seen quite clearly in a video NASA puts out every year showing the moon’s physical motion and phase; the resulting animation is quite mesmerizing .

I’ve known about libration a long time, but it can still surprise me. I’ve always heard that from the moon, spin-orbit resonance means Earth never moves in the sky, as if nailed to a single spot. But libration means that can’t be true: the effect, in fact, makes Earth move in the moon’s sky up to 15 degrees! That would be very noticeable if you were at the extreme eastern or western moon edge of the moon; you could actually see Earth slowly rise and sink back down below the horizon over the course of a few hours every month. That wouldn’t be a bad place to set up a tourist spot. How much would you pay for a cozy spot from which to watch earthrise?

In astronomy—in everything —we take mental shortcuts, such as saying we only see half of the moon, to simplify situations. In general these are fine; they help us grasp what can be complex situations. But we need to be careful not to let these be over simplifications because there can be very cool science, and poetic beauty, in discovering the details.