NHL Playoffs Format, Key Dates, Predictions & More
The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begin tonight. Here’s a mini guide ahead of the Game 1 action. The format is that 16 teams qualify for the playoffs with the top three ranked teams from each division joined by four wild card teams, two per conference.
Leading up to the finals, two lucky teams must successfully navigate three rounds: the quarterfinals, the semifinals and conference finals. Up to five teams in a division can make the playoffs depending on who finishes where in the wild card standings.
It’s best of four out of seven in each round. The first round begins tonight for some teams while the rest begin their Game 1s tomorrow. The Stanley Cup Final will begin on Thursday June 8. A potential Game 7 if necessary is on Sunday June 18. On May 8 is the NHL Draft Lottery which is our Washington Capitals playoff game this year.
It’s time for predictions without further ado here we go.
Round one…
WC 1 Seattle Kraken vs. C1 Colorado Avalanche: Avs in six
CD3 Minnesota Wild vs. CD2 Dallas Stars: Wild in seven.
WC2 Winnipeg Jets vs. W1 Vegas Golden Knights: VGK in five.
P3 Los Angeles Kings vs. P2 Edmonton Oilers: Oilers in six.
WC2 Florida Panthers vs. E1 Boston Bruins: B’s in four.
A3 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A2 Toronto Maple Leafs: Bolts in seven.
WC1 New York Islanders vs. E1 Carolina Hurricanes: Isles in seven.
M3 New York Rangers vs. M2 New Jersey Devils: Devils in seven.
Second Round…
C3 Wild vs. C1 Avalanche: Wild in seven.
P2 Oilers vs. W1 Golden Knights: VGK in six.
A3 Lightning vs. E1 Bruins: Bolts in seven.
WC1 Islanders vs. M2 Devils: Devils in five.
Third round…
C3 Wild vs. P1 Golden Knights: VGK in six.
A3 Lightning vs. M2 Devils: Devils in seven.
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Stanley Cup Final…
Devils over Golden Knights in six. That’s my pick to win the Stanley Cup Final. Who’s yours? Enjoy the action.