With the Stanley Cup playoffs bracket locked and the beginning of the final stretch of the season underway, one must wonder which teams will come out on top. From the dominant Colorado Avalanche, who seemed destined for greatness all year round, to the surprizing Philadelphia Flyers, who just barely squeaked in, let’s look at the Courier’s predictions for who will get past Round One.
Colorado v. Los Angeles: This is not a difficult matchup to decide. Although historically the best team in the regular season does not always win the cup, it would be absurd to assume that a Colorado team full of star power and playoff experience would fall to a Los Angeles Kings team that barely made the playoffs and has been crumbling ever since their cup win in 2014.
Prediction: Colorado in 4
Dallas v. Minnesota: Two teams, lots of starpower, hungry for a cup, what more could you ask for in a playoff series? It is almost a crime that these two superpowers are facing off in the first round, given how good they both are. Although I think Dallas could certainly win this series due to their depth and goaltending superiority, with the addition of Quinn Hughes, this Minnesota core is just too fast and has too much firepower to handle.
Prediction: Minnesota in 7
Vegas v. Utah: This one is very interesting. Vegas improved significantly in the offseason with the addition of star Canadian forward Mitch Marner, and their experienced team leads one to believe that they could make a deep run in these playoffs. However, they were slightly underwhelming in the eyes of some because they couldn’t consistently beat playoff-level opponents. While I don’t think Utah has the star power or depth to beat Vegas, I think it will be an interesting series.
Prediction: Vegas in 6
Edmonton v. Anaheim: I despise this matchup solely because of how uninteresting it is. Anaheim is a decent team that took advantage of a weak division to make the playoffs. What they lack in star power, they make up for in depth, but it would be irresponsible of me to really call this a “playoff team.” Edmonton is a bucket of chaos. Draisaitl, the team’s second-best player, is injured until God knows when. And while one would expect a team with this much star power to make the Cup Final for a third year in a row, the goaltending issue still remains. Despite this, I believe Edmonton is the better team, but I would not count Anaheim out of winning a game or two.
Prediction: Edmonton in 5
Buffalo v. Boston: What a story! Neither of these teams was supposed to be very good. Buffalo finally found its stride when it fired their GM midseason. Ever since, they have looked like one of the best teams in the league. Boston features a mix of veteran playoff players and new talent looking to prove themselves. Both of these teams want to prove they are worthy of the playoffs. However, Buffalo is more physical and has more fight in them to go on a run.
Prediction: Buffalo in 5
Tampa Bay v. Montreal: “CA VA BIEN MONTREAL.” This was the phrase that team captain Nick Suzuki shouted to the Montreal faithful when they clinched the playoffs. I like both these teams a lot. Similar to the Stars-Wild matchup, both of these teams have a real shot at winning the cup. However, although I am personally rooting for Montreal in these playoffs, Tampa’s advantage in goal and on defense puts them ahead of the Habs. Even if Montreal has a better offense, their goalie has been atrocious and it’s hard to say they have the physicality to stand up to this veteran Tampa team.
Prediction: Tampa in 6
Carolina v. Ottawa: As a Devils fan, I absolutely despise Carolina. However, one cannot deny that year after year, they make great playoff-runs. It would be irresponsible of me to predict Ottawa to overcome this behemoth of a playoff team, even if I hope the Senators win. The test for Carolina will not be whether they can break the first or second round. The ultimate question is, “Can they finally win the full thing?”
Prediction: Carolina in 5
Pittsburgh v. Philadelphia: Once again as a Devils fan, I hope that a meteor strikes the arena. Neither of these teams will go much past the first round. Pittsburgh has an old, experienced core that lacks a lot of the raw speed needed to win. And Philadelphia does not have the depth or experience necessary to sustain a long playoff-run. Overall, my pick would have to be Pittsburgh due to their experience and better goaltending.
Prediction: Pittsburgh in 7
NOTE: The Stanley Cup Playoffs have not started at the time of writing this article.
