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 Round 1 match-ups…

Round 1 Match-ups:

1. Buffalo WINS vs. 30. Toronto
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3

2. Chicago WINS vs. 29. Washington
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3

3. Carolina WINS vs. 28. Boston
Game 1
Game 2

4. San Jose vs. 27. Tampa Bay WINS
Game 1
Game 2

5. Calgary vs. 26. Minnesota WINS
Game 1
Game 2

6. Ottawa WINS vs. 25. Florida
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3

7. Philadelphia WINS vs. 24. Arizona
Game 1
Game 2

8. Colorado WINS vs. 23. New Jersey
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3

9. Montreal vs. 22. Pittsburgh WINS
Game 1
Game 2

10. St Louis vs. 21. Edmonton WINS
Game 1
Game 2

11. Vancouver WINS vs. 20. Los Angeles
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3

12. Detroit WINS vs. 19. Dallas
Game 1
Game 2

13. NY Rangers WIN vs. 18. Nashville
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3

14. NY Islanders WINS vs. 17. Anaheim
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3

15. Winnipeg vs. 16. Columbus WINS
Game 1
Game 2
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.

Prizes are as follows:
Round 1 win = $250K
Round 2 win = $250K (consolation) & $500K (championship)
Round 3 win = $375K (consolation) & $750K (championship)
Round 4 win = $500K (consolation) & $1m (championship)
Round 5 win = $1m (consolation) & $2m (championship)