EDMONTON, AB – MAY 14: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in Game Seven of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 14, 2022 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
The NHL Playoffs are in full swing, and we have already been treated to some amazing performances and classic OT finishes. Here are my bold predictions for the conference semi-finals:
Ovechkin scores at least 2 goals in game 5 to keep the Caps alive
Mar 30, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after an assist on goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Alex Ovechkin scored his first goal of the series last game but Washington still lost. The top goal scorer of all time can and will do better next game. But will it be enough?
The Caps Will Force Game 7
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 23: A general view of the Washington Capitals jersey logo during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena on October 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Might as well make it an epic underdog story after a storybook season.
Hellebuyck WILL Bounce Back
DALLAS, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 29: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets warms up before the game against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on February 29, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
My bold prediction from last week feels even bolder now, but I’m sticking to it. Connor Hellebuyck looks lost, and the chants of Dallas fans likely aren’t helping, but Hellebuyck is one of the best in the game. He should know by now how to flip that switch back into the on position and lock in. I think he succeeds in doing so and the Jets go on to win the series.
Winnipeg vs. Dallas will go to game 7
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 15: A general view of the Dallas Stars jersey logo during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on December 15, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Both of these teams have what it takes to beat the other and go on to win it all. It’s going to be down to the last minute.
In game 5, the Oilers will win with a score of 4-3 in overtime to knock the Knights out
MONTREAL, CANADA – FEBRUARY 12: A detailed view of the Edmonton Oilers’ logo during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on February 12, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Just a hunch. The Oilers are on fire right now and despite a good effort from Vegas, Edmonton will come out on top.
Every game for the rest of the Leafs/Panthers series will have at least 5 goals scored
SUNRISE, FL – MARCH 16: Aleksander Barkov #16 of the Florida Panthers skates prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amerant Bank Arena on March 16, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
Both of these teams have been pedal to the metal and, aside from last game, are scoring a ton of goals. This will continue till we have a victor.
Auston Matthews will light the lamp and the Leafs will win game 5, but the Panthers will win game 6 to tie the series
TORONTO, CANADA – JANUARY 20: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
Both of these teams look like potential Stanley Cup champions. Toronto needs Matthews now more than ever, and he will show for them. But Florida won’t go down easily. This series is destined for 7.
