NHL Playoffs Predictions: Eastern Conference Picks, Round One
Alright, Buffalo Sabres fans. Though the regular season is now behind us, and the Buffalo Sabres’ season is over, the NHL season plays on, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs beginning April 13.
This season, as always, has some potentially exciting match-ups. No doubt there will be some thrilling, close games, and maybe even some blowouts in a few of the series.
As usual, fans can go ahead onto NHL.com and complete the league’s bracket challenge. Brackets can be changed up until the first game starts on Wednesday night.
In the end, maybe we’ll see some surprises…. or maybe we won’t.
My bracket has the Washington Capitals making it all the way, eventually topping the Western Conference Champion Los Angeles Kings to win Lord Stanley’s Holy Grail.
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Here, we’re going to briefly look at each of the first-round Eastern Conference matchups and see just who might end up moving on.
Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders
If anything, this is the series that makes me scratch my head the most.
The Panthers technically have the upper hand here, with the Isles coming in as a wildcard. But really, their records were only three points apart, with Florida going 47-26-9 and the Isles going 45-27-10. Both had 40 regulation wins throughout the regular season.
In the end, I gave the edge to the Panthers. They had a solid, all-around effort throughout the season, and I think they’ll take this one in five.
Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Clearly, the Caps are the favorite here, having been first in the conference AND winning the President’s Trophy.
And while that doesn’t necessarily mean success, I think they’ve got a good chance here.
And yes, Alex Ovechkin is a huge part of that. How can you deny that? He’s such a good player and if you don’t think he’s a force to be reckoned with, I don’t know what game you’ve been watching lately.
The Flyers have perhaps the more physical team, but I’ve got Washington taking this one in six.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
Ah, the infamous Pens/Rangers NHL playoff matchup.
This is the first series I’ve got heading to seven games, and here’s why:
It won’t be easy one way or the other. I don’t see any blowouts between the teams – though perhaps if either/both Marc-Andre Fleury or Henrik Lundqvist isn’t able to play, that makes this quite different.
I imagine lots of just good, hard-fought hockey with this one. Each team faces its own challenges, both in and of itself and in the other team. That’s why it’ll head to seven, and in the end, the Penguins will win.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings
This was one of the first NHL playoff matchups that was set, and one of the first things that came to mind?
It’s been an interesting hockey journey with Stevie Y in my days of hockey fan-ness. From his days with the Red Wings, the absolute glory days, to his now position with the Lightning. And now – those two teams facing off.
At any rate, I see this as a close series. Just four points separated the two in the regular season, with Tampa notching four more regulation wins than Detroit.
The Lightning, of course, are currently challenged by the absence of Steven Stamkos, out with blood clots, and potential Tyler Johnson. That’s two undeniably big pieces of their roster that are out, and the rest of the team will have to step up in their absence.
In my view, I see that happening, but it being a close series, with the Lightning winning in seven.
Next: Buffalo Sabres Season Reflections: Firsts
Stay tuned as we predict the NHL’s Western Conference first round and stay tuned for coverage throughout the playoffs and the offseason!