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<p>So we’ve officially entered the NHL stretch run, and the Eastern and Western Conference both have some tight Wildcard races.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Let’s say you’re one of the top seeds in either conference, on track to face a Wildcard opponent in Round 1.&nbsp;<strong>Which is the bubble team you don’t want to face as your ‘reward’ for finishing high in the standings?&nbsp;</strong>In other words, which team are you not wanting to make the playoffs if you’re that top contender?</p>



<p><strong>MATT LARKIN: </strong>Even though I was critical of Lou Lamoriello’s long-term planning with the Bo Horvat trade, I wouldn’t want to draw the&nbsp;<strong>New York Islanders&nbsp;</strong>in Round 1. They’re as deep as any team in the league up the middle, they still might get Mathew Barzal back in time for the post-season, they have an enviable top four on defense and, most of all, there’s the Ilya Sorokin factor. How many famous first-round upsets over the years have happened because a sizzling-hot goalie stumped the higher seeded team? Think 2003 Anaheim Ducks, 2010 Montreal Canadiens or 2012 Los Angeles Kings. Sorokin could tip the scales against any team with inferior goaltending or cancel out the star goaltender on another opponent.</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="205"></div>



<p><strong>NICK ALBERGA: </strong>I’ll go with the&nbsp;<strong>Buffalo Sabres</strong>. They have NOTHING to lose. And that’s scary for a team like Boston, who has everything to lose. Furthermore, the Sabres haven’t made the Stanley Cup playoffs in over a decade. Frankly, just getting in will&nbsp;inspire them beyond belief. On top of that, Buffalo possesses underrated top-six depth, and from a matchup point of view, they have a few guys on that roster who could cause some serious problems for the opposition if you know what I’m saying. If Buffalo gets in, they’ll be playing with house money, which is very scary to think about.</p>



<p><strong>STEVEN ELLIS: </strong>The Islanders are a great pick. I think the real fun will be whoever ends up in the Wildcard spots in the west, given how tight it is. Feels like anyone can beat anybody on any given night. As it stands, I know the <strong>Winnipeg Jets</strong> are struggling, but look how good they were for so much of the year. When he’s hot, Connor Helleybuck can be unstoppable. If they played Vegas, for example, that’s a matchup I’d feel confident in for Winnipeg.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="187"></div>



<p><strong>MIKE MCKENNA: </strong>I think the <strong>Seattle Kraken </strong>are destined for a Wildcard spot in the Western Conference. And that team is going to be an absolute handful in the first round for their opponent. Seattle is balanced up front and they can score. I know the goaltending isn’t a strong suit but Martin Jones has had several hot streaks this season when the Kraken figured out how to buckle down defensively in front of him. But what would scare me about playing against Seattle is that they have zero expectations. That’s powerful. There’s no pressure on the Kraken to make a deep run. Right now it’s all gravy. They’re playing with house money. That team has surprised all season long – who’s to say they don’t have another trick up their sleeve? I’m a big fan of what Dave Hakstol has done in his second NHL head coaching gig. And he’s got two very bright assistants in Jay Leach and Paul McFarland. Don’t sleep on Seattle.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="2" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="166"></div>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-daily-faceoff-roundtables">Recent Daily Faceoff Roundtables</h2>



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