Barilla The Gorilla here giving you my predictions for the NHL playoffs and of course we have to start with round #1. There will be some tough series to predict but I will do my best.
Eastern Conference:
A1: Toronto Maple Leafs vs WC 1: Ottawa Senators:
For the first time in such a long time we will see the Battle of Ontario in the postseason. This will be a test for both teams especially given the Leafs struggles to make the 2nd round over the years, basically since the lock out 20 years ago. Ottawa is playing with house money so much will be rely on Brady Tkachuk to set the tone for the Sens, and if he can stay healthy.
Prediction: Sens in 7
A2: Tampa Bay Lightning vs A3: Florida Panthers:
The Battle of Florida to go alongside the Battle of Ontario. This one will for Tampa is to use the first 2 games, with home ice, to really take a stranglehold on the series as the Panthers have a major injury question and a player who won’t be back until game 3 if my memory is correct in Aaron Ekblad who is serving a suspension for drug ban. For the Panthers it will be surviving until the captain returns as well as how healthy Matthew Tkachuk is as he is possible for game 1 but missed quite a while battling injuries.
Prediction: Lightning in 5
M1: Washington Capitals vs WC2: Montreal Canadiens:
This is one most people see as a cake walk for Ovi and the Capitals but it might be a little tougher than that. Montreal has their new player in Ivan Demidov who has impressed in his few games in the NHL since coming over from Russia very late in the season, and will need to rely on him to really keep them going as they nearly choked away their playoff spot. Capitals will need to get healthy as they have had issues late in the season with some major contributors going down, and will want the series done quickly in order to give rest their players, especially with more seasoned veterans.
Prediction: Capitals in 5
M2: Carolina Hurricanes vs M3: New Jersey Devils:
This is another series that might just be blink and you miss it. Hurricanes are the superior team, especially with Jack Hughes out for the year on the Devils. This will be a surprise if it gets to 6 games.
Prediction: Hurricanes in 4
Western Conference
C1: Winnipeg Jets vs WC2: St Louis Blues:
Get ready for a battle, possibly the biggest in the first round. Winnipeg once again comes into the postseason with tremendous pressure to perform and with their goaltending who can blame those expectations. Blues are a team that was red hot at the end of the year and are well balanced, and will look to really pressure the Jets who lost a key player to start the playoffs.
Prediction: Jets in 6
C2: Dallas Stars vs C3: Colorado Avalanche:
Once believed to be a major first round match up has changed due to health. While the Avalanche are getting better, their captain finally back after 3 years of injuries, the Stars are in the opposite direction losing key players. The Stars ended the year on a massive losing skid that is likely going to continue in the post season unless the “Otter” can steal games for the them.
Prediction: Avalanche in 5
P1: Vegas Golden Knights vs WC1: Minnesota Wild:
This series will be challenging if the Wild make it one. Vegas should handle this one with some ease but the Wild are no slouches with some young guns looking to make a run. Vegas is the better team on paper, there is no doubt but will they get caught looking past the Wild to the big 2nd round match up? That will have to be seen but I think the Wild can give them a bit of a run for their money in keeping things close.
Prediction: Golden Knights in 5
P2: LA Kings vs Edmonton Oilers:
Death, Taxes and it seems the Kings vs Oilers in the opening of the NHL playoffs. This makes the 4th year in a row this match up is happening and the Kings look to change their fortunes. The Kings are a team that is built for playoff hockey, while not having the major star power many playoff teams have, they bring balance and depth and not to mention a strong goalie to the fight. The Oilers, who have 2 of the leagues best in McDavid and Draisaitl and will need to rely on them given injuries that have plagued a team that is noted for a lack of depth. The Oilers will need big nights from the goalies, who are hit and miss as it is. Unless the Oilers stars shoot out the lights I think the Kings might be able to change their fate.
Prediction: Kings in 6
– Everett
