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:
Hellebuyck Will Bounce Back
Normally, this wouldn’t be a bold prediction at all, but anyone who watched the first round knows how bad Connor Hellebuyck has been so far. He really turned things around when it counted last game, though, and that bodes well for this series.
Every Series Goes At Least 6 Games
This one is self-explanatory. All eight teams that are left are very good, and it’s going to take everything each team has to come out on top. Supporting this bold prediction is the fact that, aside from Florida, which beat Tampa Bay 4-1 compared to Toronto, which beat Ottawa 4-2 (but obviously that’s very close still), each team is facing off against a team that defeated their opponents by the same number of games last round.
The Oilers Will Upset The Knights
The Knights have been better than I’ve expected them to be all season long, so I could come away eating crow on this one. That said, despite the fact that Vegas had the 3rd most points in the regular season compared to Edmonton’s 9th most, I think the Oilers have the offensive personnel to overpower the Knights in the end.
Every Series Will Have At Least One Overtime Game
This one might honestly not be that bold considering how good each of these matchups is, but I’d be willing to bet that this ends up being the case. The Oilers and Golden Knights series will have 3 OT games.
The Winner Of Jets vs. Stars Will Go To The Cup
The Jets are coming off a miraculous come from behind victory vs. the Blues, so if they win this series they’ll have a ton of momentum going into the next round. Alternatively, if the Stars win, they’ll have knocked out two incredibly difficult opponents and will gain a ton of confidence, especially having defeated the best team statistically this year in the Jets.
The Leafs Will Come Out On Top
Most of the people I’ve spoken with think the Panthers will win this series, and I must admit they have been looking like they could win it all again this year. That said, there’s been something special about Toronto’s play thus far, and I think they have the edge over Florida defensively.
There Will Be 7 Games With At Least 7 Goals Scored
With the teams we have left, there is some serious firepower all around. I think teams will combine for at least seven goals in a game a bunch of times. I picked seven because it was more fun that way, but it could honestly be even more.
The Home Team Will Win Every Game In Canes vs. Capitals
I guess this means that the Capitals will win this series? They have home ice, and although they were the best team in the East this year, the Canes should not be overlooked.
