FIRST ROUND
East
TBL vs CBJ : TB are THE machine this year and seem a lock on being in the final; Columbus barely made the playoffs, even with all the trade deadline tinkering.
Tampa in 4
WSH vs CAR : Washington has something to prove and won’t be too phased by a not-to-be-taken-lightly Carolina squad.
Washington in 5
BOS vs TOR : This is becoming the recurring nightmare for Leafs teams–no relief in sight.
Boston in 5
NYI vs PIT : This match up will be interesting. Can the Islanders’ defensive game stifle the not-what-it-once-was potent Pittsburgh offense. Playoff experience might count as an important intangible.
Pittsburgh prevails in 7
West
CGY vs COL : The Avalanche could present a bit of an upstart challenge….but nothing Calgary, if they play their game, can’t overcome.
Flames in 5
WPG vs STL : Uh oh, this could be trouble for the Jets. They haven’t looked very cohesive over the last 15 games and St. Louis has morphed considerably since the last time Winnipeg faced them. After all those years where everybody expected the Blues to do something…well this could be the year.
Upset, St. Louis in 6
NSH vs DAL : Nashville has had some difficulties of late, but look to be getting it together at the right time. Dallas is a tricky team, the one wildcard squad capable of a round one upset–but it won’t happen.
Nashville in 6
SJS vs VGK : Goalies really could be the determiner in this series. Some might think it would be an upset, but with Vegas rounding into form and with last years experience fresh in the DNA memory bank, the Golden knights should take this match up.
Vegas in 6
Prediction for the Cup final: Tampa Bay over St.Louis in 6