Here are my picks for each series in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
Buffalo vs. Boston: Sabres in Six
Buffalo has proven to be a legit contender this year, and despite having not made the playoffs in 14 years, I don't think nerves will affect them in the first round. The Bruins finished with 100 points in the standings and earned their spot in the playoffs. I see the Sabres winning despite having very little playoff experience on the roster.
Tampa Bay vs. Montreal: Bolts in Five
Tampa is scary good. Despite Montreal having out together a damn good season, I do not see how they can overpower the Lightning. The Lightning are just really really good. I don't think the Habs are quite good enough...yet.
Carolina vs. Ottawa: Canes in Five
Carolina is a better team and should beat the Senators. But the Hurricanes have that anual question mark in goal. Brady Tkachuk could up-end this entire series. Still, the Canes are the more seasoned and experienced team and will make short work of Ottawa and their own questionable goalie situation.
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia: Pens in Six
While the Penguins surprised many by being better than expected this year, I’m not that surprised. Anytime Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Chris Letang are healthy, the Pens are tough to beat. The Flyers just barely made the dance and I don’t think they have the horses to take on the Pens. A Pennsylvania series will be great fun to watch, but ultimately Crosby and the Penguins will win this one.
Western Conference
Colorado vs. Los Angeles: Avalanche in Four
The Avalanche is the best team in the league. The Kings fought their way into the playoffs and are gritty. The Avs will sweep the series. I just don’t see the Kings being able to keep up.
Edmonton vs. Anaheim: Oilers in Six
Anaheim played well this year and adding John Carlson at the deadline has positioned them to make some noise in the playoffs. Too bad they have to play Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers are the better team with more playoff experience, and the best player in the league. Their goaltending is still a question mark, which no one wants to hear before the playoffs begin , so that will be something to watch. Anaheim will make it close, but the Oilers win this.
Vegas vs. Utah: Mammoth in Seven
I love to hate John Tortarella. He rubs me the wrong way but is great for the sport. I don’t like Vegas, so the fact he’s their coach makes it easier to root against them. All the evidence says I should pick Vegas to advance, but I’m not. The Mammoth will win the series and leave Vegas with another frustrating playoff exit.
Dallas vs. Minnesota: Wild in Seven
This is series I am most excited to watch, and the toughest one to call. The way the Wild upgraded their roster (adding defensemen Quinn Hughes and Bobby Brink, among others) since December, I think it is enough to take down the Stars. Despite the Stars depth and goaltending, I think the Wild pull this out in an epic battle.
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