Western Conference First Round Predictions
Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators
This is arguably the most uninteresting series in the first round of the playoffs. While it is remarkable that the Avalanche have come this far in a rebuilding year, they have the unfortunate truth of having to face the Presidents’ Trophy winning Predators. Nashville has an advantage in almost every category and should win this series with ease.
Prediction: Nashville in four
Minnesota Wild vs Winnipeg Jets
Had this series started a couple weeks ago, it would have been one of the more interesting series in the first round. However, during that time, the Minnesota Wild lost their star defenseman, Ryan Suter, for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Jets have an incredible crop of talented forwards and a goalie who has played well all season. I would have taken the Jets in this series no matter what, but no Suter for the Wild drastically changes the duration of this series.
Prediction: Winnipeg in five
Los Angeles Kings vs Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights were the biggest surprise of the 2017-18 season. From beginning to end, they played like a team that belonged in the postseason, and not only are they in it, but they also won the Pacific Division. It truly was a historic season for an expansion team. However, it is about to strike midnight on the Knights Cinderella season. While the Kings are a wild card team, they have a deeper and more experienced roster that has won Stanley Cups. I smell an upset in this series.
Prediction: Los Angeles in seven
San Jose Sharks vs Anaheim Ducks
This is one of the more evenly matched series in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams have depth and playoff experience. However, the difference in this series will be the moves that San Jose made at the deadline. In adding Evander Kane, the Sharks have a young and talented scorer ready for action in his first postseason appearance. I expect the Sharks to win a close series.
Prediction: San Jose in seven
Eastern Conference First Round Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Washington Capitals
This should have been a pretty easy one. Washington is loaded with scoring depth and obviously has playoff experience. Their struggles in the second round have been noted, but Washington is rarely eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. While Columbus is talented, they should not be able to keep up with the Capitals over seven games. However, that may be the case after the controversial decision to bench Braden Holtby. Holtby is second all-time in playoff save percentage and has been the Capitals’ starting goalie since 2012. Phillip Grubauer will be taking his place, and with minimal experience this could present a problem. I still expect Washington to win this series, but it will be much more difficult than it should be.
Prediction: Washington in six
Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
It’s always exciting when one on the NHL’s best rivalries ups the stakes—and make no mistake, this is one of the best rivalries in all of sports. However, it has been one sided this season, with the Penguins winning every meeting. Both teams have struggled in net, however the Penguins have the experience to supplant a goaltending issue for at least one round. However, bank on Matt Murray to step up his game a little bit in the playoffs, helping the Penguins take the series.
Prediction: Pittsburgh in five
New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been nothing short of a juggernaut this season. Almost from beginning to end, except for a short-lived threat from the Bruins, the Lightning lead everyone in the Eastern Conference. While they struggled at times heading toward the post season, the Lightning should still be favored in this series. That being said, the New Jersey Devils will be far from an easy out. Their goaltending tandem of Cory Schneider and Keith Kinkaid, as well as star winger Taylor Hall, has presented problems for the Lightning all season, so don’t expect that to change for the playoffs. The Lightning should win a challenging first round matchup.
Prediction: Tampa Bay in six
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins
This could easily be the best series in the first round. The Bruins have been the NHL’s most dominant team since Christmas, and while they struggled heading into the playoffs, this team has shown tremendous resilience throughout their season. They will meet the young, forward-heavy Maple Leafs who have as much scoring ability as anyone in the NHL. However, they lack that talent on defense, which happens to be one of the Bruins strengths. Boston also boasts a great balance of youth and veterans in their forwards, which ultimately gives them the advantage in a close series.
Prediction: Boston in seven