Let’s go. The Stanley Cup playoffs begin April 19, featuring an array of tasty matchups, including the Battle of Florida, the Battle of Ontario and a juggernaut clash between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche.
The postseason has taught us time and again that nothing plays out exactly as expected. What surprises will Round 1 of the playoffs bring? Time to make some predictions and start the debates.
The panel of prognosticators:
Frank Seravalli, DFO president of hockey content and co-host of The DFO Rundown podcast
Steven Ellis, DFO associate editor & prospect analyst
Jason Gregor, Co-host of The DFO Rundown podcast
Matt Larkin, DFO managing editor & senior writer
Jonny Lazarus, DFO writer & co-host of Morning Cuppa Hockey
Scott Maxwell, DFO feature writer
Paul Pidutti, Founder of Adjusted Hockey & DFO feature writer
Brock Seguin, DFO managing fantasy editor
Anthony Di Marco, DFO contributing writer
Tyler Yaremchuk, host & senior producer of The Nation Network
Round 1 picks
Almost all of us see the Ottawa Senators putting a scare in the Toronto Maple Leafs, but most of us believe finally earning a high seed and easier draw in the Eastern Conference will help the Leafs reach Round 2 for the second time since 2004. The Tampa Bay Lightning played hotter hockey in April, so they earn a slight majority over the Florida Panthers from the panel. Interestingly, while the Washington Capitals are the consensus pick, 30 percent of the panel expects the Montreal Canadiens to party like it’s 2010 and pull the monster upset. No one gives the Jack-Hughes-less New Jersey Devils a chance against the Carolina Hurricanes.
All but one of us believe the St. Louis Blues’ late-season magic will run out against Connor Hellebuyck and the Presidents’ Trophy winning Winnipeg Jets. The Stars, missing top defenseman Miro Heiskanen and perhaps top left winger Jason Robertson, inspire little confidence, with nine of 10 voters leaning toward the Avs. Nine of 10 expect the Vegas Golden Knights to have an easy time against the Minnesota Wild, while the one series in either Conference dividing the panel is the Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers, locking horns in Round 1 for the fourth consecutive year. The Kings are the NHL’s top defensive team, but will the Oilers’ superstars turn it on when it matters after resting down the stretch?
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POST SPONSORED BY bet365
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