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Well, my first-round predictions were not perfect, far from it but how many people correctly predicted that both the Bruins and the Avalanche would be bounced in the first round? I expect the answer to this one is not a whole lot…I also had the Rangers and their star power vanquishing the Devils on account of their lack of experience but apparently, that’s not an issue for the New Jersey outfit who bounced back after losing its first two games.
Toronto vs Florida
Toronto in 6. I underestimated Florida in the first-round and they’ve clearly got momentum right now, but it probably won’t be enough to beat the Leafs. Matthews and co. finally exorcised their first-round demon and I think they’ll have enough in the tank to get by the Panthers. I’m picking in 6 because I feel like they perform better away from home where the scrutiny and the pressure is perhaps less intense.
Carolina vs New Jersey
New Jersey in 7. I had picked Carolina in the first-round mainly because I didn’t think the Isles could beat this depleted version of the Canes but I feel the Devils can. Without Pacioretty, Svechnikov and Teravainen, Carolina lacks firepower and it doesn’t help that Jesperi Kotkaniemi is taking his sweet time to step up. In 6 games, he’s only got one assist to his name and a -1 rating. Furthermore, the Canes situation in net is unsettled with both Raanta and Andersen being in the mix. Meanwhile, the Devils are currently firing on all cylinders after beating the Rangers and they’re using a young goalie who faces no pressure whatsoever in Akira Schmid.
Dallas vs Seattle
Dallas in 5. The Kraken was the feel-good story of the first-round but it only had to contend with a depleted version of the Stanley Cup champions Avalanche who was without Landeskog and Nichushkin. Now, they’ll take on the full version of the Dallas Stars (although they are without Pavelski) who can count on who’s arguably the best goaltender left in this tournament in Jake Oettinger. Dallas’ best players have stepped up in its match-up with the Wild and there’s no reason to think they won’t for this one.
Edmonton vs Las Vegas
Edmonton in 6. This won’t be won in net that’s for sure. Stuart Skinner featured in all 6 of the first-round games and has a GAA of 3.43 and a SP of .890, on most teams that would spell big problems but with an offensively gifted squad taking on Laurent Brossoit, I don’t feel it is. With so many of the favorites to go all the way being knocked out of the tournament early, the door is wide open for Edmonton’s two-headed monster and I for one believe they’ll burst through it.
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