https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/6/657775b6.jpg
We were spoiled with 2 amazing Game 7's to end the first round of the NHL Playoffs... and the winners of those 2 series face each other next!
We're down from 16 to 8 teams left. Who ya got CE?!?
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers
- The winners of the Regional Battles (Battle of Ontario and Battle of Florida) face each other. The defending Stanley Cup Champions against the longest drought of the Original 6 NHL Teams. Leafs vs. Panthers! Panthers are pretty heavy favorites if you put faith in the betting lines and whatnot, and they made the Bolts look straight up pedestrian in Round 1. The Leafs took 3 shots to eliminate the Sens, but are definitely the best version of themselves they've been in the Core Four era. It's gonna be close, it's gonna be hard hitting, and I think the winner of this game wins the East.
Leafs in 7
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- The Caps were fine against the up and coming Habs, and the Canes took care of a BEAT UP Devils squad. I don't think either team was really challenged all that much, but that will change here. Are the Caps REALLY as good as their record suggests? They were not super great towards the end of the season, while the Canes coasted in as well. I really don't know for sure... but I gotta make a prediction.
Caps in 6
Western Conference Semi-Finals
Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars
- The winners of the Game 7's. So much drama, draining the tank. The Stars beat the Avs in a series of Stanley Cup level teams, while the Jets took advantage of the home ice advantage to beat the red hot Blues (Blues won 15 straight at home to end their season. Fuck me). Both teams have a narrative of maybe being a bit of a choker in the playoffs, so we shall see who sheds that mantle off. Dallas is incredibly balanced but have injuries. Jets have the Vezina winner and Hart nominee goalie and a couple injuries, but Hellebuyck got lit up on the road against the Blues. Who moves on?!?
Jets in 7
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers
- The reigning Western Conference Champions looked the part after dropping the first two against the Kings. I don't care what anyone says, beating the same team 4 years in a row is a tough thing to do. The Knights were pushed hard by the Wild, but turned it on the last two games to outlast Minnesota. I think both teams showed in R1 that they are definitely potentially vulnerable. It is gonna be a scoring by committee approach by the Knights against the 1-2 punch of McDavid and Draisitl in Edmonton (with a returned Evander Kane as well).
Oilers in 6
https://i.imgur.com/GWG5c3r.gif