The Conference Finals have arrived, and we have two great series. The Stars and Oilers face off, and the Panthers and Hurricanes face off. Here are bold predictions for these series:
Panthers Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has 2 shutouts
May 18, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones (3) and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) celebrate winning game seven of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
When Bobrovsky is on his game, few goalies are better in big moments. He stood on his head at times against the Leafs and will do so again in this series against Carolina.
Every series has at least 2 Overtime games
May 17, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; The Dallas Stars fans celebrate after the Stars defeat the Winnipeg Jets in the overtime period in game six of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
These four teams are the best of the best, I expect tightly played games and dramatic finishes. Expect both series to have at least two games go to OT:
Connor McDavid has 5 goals and 9 points in the series
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)
Captain Canada is on a mission to win his first Stanley Cup, especially after losing in game 7 of the Cup finals a year ago. He and the Oilers are up against a very good Dallas team, so McDaid will need to step up and be the star of the series.
Hurricanes Center Sebastian Aho scores no goals
Apr 29, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) scores the game winning goal in the second overtime against the New Jersey Devils in game five of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The Panthers are arguably the best defensive team left in the playoffs. They are very physical, they wear you down, and they shut down their opponents’ best players. In this case, it will be Aho that they shut down.
Oilers Goalie Stuart Skinner allows 2 goals or less in every game
May 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) makes a save against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period of game five of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Oilers are known more for their offensive firepower than their defensive prowess or goaltending, but in these playoffs, they have shown they can win high-scoring games and low-scoring games. Look for Skinner to be at his best.
Stars Center Matt Duchene scores a goal in 4 different games
May 3, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and center Matt Duchene (95) celebrates the game winning goal scored by Johnston during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche in game seven of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Duchene has been a big-time performer in the past in his time with the Avalanche, and although I predict the Stars will lose this series, Duchene will star for the Stars.
