Here are my playoff predictions for the second round of the NHL playoffs:
Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers
Prediction: Ducks in 6
Connor McDavid is Connor McDavid so I'm not 100% confident but I really like the Ducks in this series. They haven't lost in regulation once in their last 18 games, John Gibson is giving them lights out goaltending, and their offense has taken off since they added Patrick Eaves and were able to balance out their lines (they have one of Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler or Corey Perry on each of their top-3 units). They also just swept a solid Calgary Flames team despite playing without Cam Fowler, who doesn't seem far away from returning.
St. Louis Blues vs Nashville Predators
Prediction: Predators in 5
Vladimir Tarasenko is a god and I love him with all my heart but I am not remotely sold on this Blues team. They were out-attempted by 50 and out-chanced by 40 against the Minnesota Wild but won four of five because Jake Allen stood on his head and posted a near .960 save percentage. He is due to regress and I am really high on this Preds team (I picked them to beat the Hawks in the opening round) so I think they'll take care of business in relatively short order.
Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Prediction: Capitals in 7
This may be the best series of the playoffs and could definitely go either way. I'm going with the Capitals, though, because they have a) home ice; b) the better goaltender; c) the better defense core and; d) fewer injuries to worry about.
I expect the Penguins to give the Caps everything they can handle but, ultimately, I see them getting through.
Ottawa Senators vs New York Rangers
Prediction: Sens in 7
I think the Rangers have a more talented roster than the Senators but I was impressed by the latter in the opening round. Guy Boucher has them playing a suffocating defensive system and Erik Karlsson is playing some of the best hockey of his career. I think this is going to be a long series and could go either way but the Sens have the best player, and home ice, so I'm rolling with them.
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