I guess picks are a good idea, huh?
Tampa (1) vs. New Jersey (WC2): I know this is supposed to be a cakewalk for Tampa, and let's be real- it probably is a Lightning win in the end. But when it looked like Boston might get the top seed I found myself sweating it a little- the Devils aren't a pushover. They've earned their seat at the table this year, and it all starts with that front line. Beyond Hall's shenanigans there's not a ton to write home about overall, sure, and depth is what wins playoff series, but that front line really could be terrifying if Tampa's defense doesn't hold up. But... one team has depth, the other isn't sure who their goalie is, so Tampa in five.
Boston (2) vs. Toronto (3): Hey, remember last time these two face in the playoffs? Wasn't that fun, everyone? (Toronto fans need not apply here). Well, good news, hockey fans- Boston is back and better than before. Trick is, so are the Leafs- by far and away the best Toronto team of the past 20 years. It all rotates around Mathews, though- much like the Devils, if the big gun gets shut down, Toronto will struggle. Not sure if Boston's defense is up to the challenge, but Boston is replying with three solid scoring lines- that's a task that the Leafs definitely aren't up to... yet. Boston in six.
Washington (1) vs. Columbus (WC2): Let's get the usual jokes out of the way here- it's another year of the Washington Capitals in the playoffs, and you all know what that means, blah blah blah. Cool? Well, thing is, this isn't the Caps of prior years- they're still dangerous, but not some super-team like '09. They score goals like it's a hobby, but the defense is awful (hi, Orpik!), and their net is surprisingly shaky. Columbus, meanwhile, is actually a pretty solid team when you look them over- if Bobrovsky has a good series, this could be a first-round shocker. But... Ovechkin and co. are probably a little too much... if only barely. Washington in seven.
Pittsburgh (2) vs. Philadelphia (3): Well now, here's another one that was sure a lot of fun last time they did a series against each other, wasn't it? Goalies were verboten, fights and rough stuff were encouraged, it was one of the best playoff series I've seen in my time. Is this year a repeat? Sort of- I think this is the angriest series of the lot this round, no question, but with the Flyers rolling lately I'm taking them to upset the two-time defending champs with a big surprise. Philly in six.
Nashville (1) vs. Colorado (WC2): The worst team of the modern era last year made the playoffs this year- what a turnaround! Their reward is a date with what probably is the best overall team in the NHL this year. Yay? There's reason to be optimistic about the Avs next year, but this is a train wreck- shut down MacKinnon, and it's over. That's what happens when you lose your best defenseman and goalie vs. the yellow juggernaut. Nashville in four.
Winnipeg (2) vs. Minnesota (3): The Wild always seem to be a decent enough team that just can't get past the truly elite teams in the West. With Chicago fading out at last, this looked like a good opportunity... right up until the Jets became one of the best teams in the league, and the Wild got paired up with them. I don't think it's a pushover series, but I don't see the Wild getting out of this one. Winnipeg in five.
Vegas (1) vs. Los Angeles (WC1): Nothing makes sense. Vegas should have finished 31st this year, or at least no higher than 25th if we're being kind. And yet... solid scoring depth, great goaltending all the way down to the fourth-string level (!!!), great defense, special teams, one of the craziest home crowds in the league... we've waited all year for the bottom to fall out. It never really did- they struggled a few times here and there, but midnight never really has struck. At this point, it's hard to bet against them- even with the Kings' firepower and elite goaltending (so good to see Quick back to form after last year's injury!), it feels like history isn't done with the Vegas Golden Knights. Vegas in six.
Anahem (2) vs. San Jose (3): The Battle of California is always fun, no matter which two teams meet. Anaheim has been a quiet beast this season, and the Sharks have had their struggles- struggles that ended when they made a surprisingly shrewd move for Evander Kane, who has become the monster he always hinted at being in Winnipeg and Buffalo. If Martin Jones has a big year, this could be over fast, but I expect a slog that someone survives rather than dominates. San Jose in seven.
