Well there was plenty to be excited about with what happened in round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and some very exciting matchups are set for round #2. Round 1 predictions saw a few correct teams and correct # of games but not often together. The only complete correct prediction was Capitals in 5 over the Habs.
Eastern Conference:
A1: Toronto Maple Leafs vs A3: Florida Panthers:
This is a battle of 2 teams I didn’t have coming out of round 1, but here we are. The Maple Leafs didn’t choke away the series and had somethings to hang there hat on but the defending Stanley Cup champions are not a team playing with house money like the younger inexperienced Senators. The Panthers over came injuries and 2 suspensions for their captain Aaron Ekblad, taking out the more favoured Lightning in 5 games. This one will be a true test for the Leafs as the Panthers come with experience and the what I would call a better all around roster notably on defense and in goal, while the forward core can be debated.
Prediction: Panthers in 5
M1: Washington Capitals vs M2: Carolina Hurricanes:
This will be the better series of the East and I do not say that just because I am a Capitals fan. Both teams looked very human in the first round as the Capitals on paper should’ve handled the Canadiens easily as the Hurricanes should’ve done with the Devils. While both series ended in 5 games the teams had some problems with easy opponents. This will be a physical series that will test both teams, but I have the edge to Capitals given the superior depth as well as goaltending is in their favour as well, and in a physical series I want Wilson and Ovechkin on myside.
Prediction: Capitals in 6
Western Conference
C1: Winnipeg Jets vs C2: Dallas Stars:
A battle of the 2 teams that survived going 7 games and the top 2 seeds out of the Central division. Both teams have had to overcome major injuries against tough opponents, so health will be a major factor as both teams are stacked when healthy from forwards to defense to in between the pipes this is set to be a big match up. It is hard to say who will walk away but if the teams can get their star players healthy it could be an all-time series.
Prediction: Stars in 7
P1: Vegas Golden Knights vs P3: Edmonton Oilers:
Edmonton seems to be a team of nine lives as they had a rough start and had to battle from behind in basically every game vs the Kings, whereas the Golden Knights had a test coming from the Wild. In the final game Oilers seem to get the depth scoring going which will be a big thing for them, but while Pickard has been good, he will have to be great to put down Vegas. Vegas appears to be the better team on paper, though the Oilers have the best two players in the series McDavid and Draisaitl. The Oilers will also be without defenseman Mattias Ekholm who has been ruled out for the 2nd round in a row.
Prediction: Golden Knights in 6
– Everett
