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Even if the Canadiens didn’t make the spring dance, it doesn’t mean I’ve lost interest so here are my predictions for the first round.
Boston vs Florida Boston in 5. The Bruins are the heavy favorites and there are many reasons for that. They demolished everything and everyone league wide all season, they’ve got enough experience to know not to be overconfident and they have plenty of depth at every position. Meanwhile, Florida has got problems in net with Spencer Knight still being in the player assistance program and while Alex Lyon has been good of late, Bobrovsky should enter the series at some point and that’s not a winning tandem. The Cats have struggled all season long and things don’t just set themselves straight in the playoffs, far from it.
Toronto vs Tampa Bay Toronto in 6. There, I said it. I think the Leafs’ early elimination run will be coming to an end this season. Tampa has played a lot of hockey over the last few years and no major player took the season off to rest this time around; I believe Matthews, Marner and co. will get their act together and kick the Bolts out. They need to do it before game 7 though, that curse is too strong, and nerves would prevail in an ultimate showdown.
New York vs New Jersey New York in 7. I’ve got to go with experience here. New Jersey had a great season, but they are so young and they need some seasoning. Furthermore, they’ve got Shesterkin and he’s likely to be the difference maker. The only way New Jersey comes out on top is if the Rangers’ star-studded line-up can’t find a way to work together and accept their respective role. I don’t see that happening though, it will be round 2 for Panarin, Zibanejad, Kane, Tarasenko and co. Islanders vs Hurricanes Hurricanes in 6. While I think the Canes have got some issues both in net with their goalies struggling to stay healthy and up front with the gaping hole left by Pacioretty and Svechnikov. The Canes may struggle to put up goals, but the Islanders barely made it to the playoffs and I don’t think they’re good enough to upset the Canes.
Los Angeles vs Edmonton Edmonton in 6. Stuart Skinner has taken hold of the starting job and knows that he needs to step up when it counts to keep hold of it. The front office has made a great move by getting some reinforcement at the back with Mattias Ekholm and McDavid and Draisaitl are as hungry as can be, the Kings won’t be able to stop the two-headed monster.
Minnesota vs Dallas Dallas in 7. This may just come down to goaltending and for me, Jake Oettinger has the upper hand on Gustavsson or Fleury any day. If I’m Ryan Sutter, I’m pumped for this match-up and I’m not missing my chance to make Minnesota regret buying me out.
Winnipeg vs Las Vegas Vegas in 6. There’s only so much Connor Hellebuyck can do and Vegas is the better team overall now that Mark Stone is miraculously healthy in time to join Jake Eichel and co. In net, I think Jonathan Quick has got enough left in the tank for yet another playoffs run and to be honest, I hope he does. It just feels like a lot of players don’t want to be in Winnipeg anymore and that’s never a good sign.
Seattle vs Colorado Colorado in 5. Welcome to the playoffs Seattle but even without Landeskog, the Avalanche is still a force to be reckoned with and will be able to dispatch the pretenders swiftly. I doubt the Avs can repeat, but I do see them making it to the second round at least.
There you go, what are your predictions?