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In this edition of the hotstove, we discuss which team down 2-0 is most likely to win their series – or at least make it competitive.
Todd Cordell
I still think Toronto is going to make it a series vs Boston.
The latter has certainly been the better team thus far but a plus-8 goal differential through two games is misleading. At 5v5, the Bruins hold a 42-39 chance advantage. If you include all game states, they hold a 60-57 chance advantage. The difference is *all* of Boston's shots are going in – Toronto goaltenders own a .823 save percentage – and Tuukka Rask has been rock solid posting a .933 save percentage at the other end.
The Bruins have had a lot of things go their way while the Leafs have enjoyed zero (0) luck. At some point it should even out a little bit.
They say you're never in trouble until you lose at home ice. The Leafs haven't done that yet. I think they'll do some damage at the ACC and get back into this thing.
Jared Crozier
I would look at the Kings a veteran team who has a lot of playoff experience in that group. They will get Drew Doughty back from his 1 game suspension and possibly Jake Muzzin, who missed the first two games of the series. They have been so close with the Golden Knights, will be looking to find some offense on home ice after getting just 1 goal in 155+ minutes in Sin City, and having the opportunity to get your best, and possibly second best, blueliner(s) back in the lineup has to give them some confidence to be able to get back in the series.
Adam French
LA Kings?
This has been a war of a series. Game One could have gone either way and Game Two in which the Knights were the better team featured a Kings squad missing Doughty. The Knights are basically unbeatable at home, but all it takes is one game and one lapse. Doughty returning is huge. Game One he played 28 minutes. Game Two featured rookie Oscar Fantenberg and Alec Martinez playing the lion share of minutes. That's not good.
Quick is in playoff mode. Just need Kopitar and Carter to get in the grove.
I still hold to Kings in 6.
Peter Tessier
The Ducks have the best shot. While they played at home and now have to regroup on the road they are easily the most talented of the teams currently down 2-0. Given that they had a chance to win last night they can and should win one of the next two games in San Jose.
That being said 'can and should' are all relative to what the opposition is doing. The Sharks are a good team and Martin Jones may be the most unsung goalie in the league- quietly doing his business with little fan fare.
I'd give the Wild an outside chance only because of the travel disruption for the Jets and a bit of oddity to their game-day preparations.
For the Leafs, Devils, Kings- you're done.
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