BLACKHAWKS vs PREDATORS – Hawks in 5
This matchup really favours the Blackhawks in many ways. The Preds D-men are pretty offensive focused: Josi, Ellis, Subban, etc. Their relaxed defensive ways might be in for a rude welcome when they go into Chicago to face a team that can roll 4 lines of championship veteran forwards that can snipe on command. Subban’s -8 rating is a troubling sign for what’s to come.
WILD vs BLUES – Blues in 6
The Wild stumble into the postseason having lost an incredible amount of games in the season’s 2nd half. If you believe in momentum, then betting on the Wild would not be a wise choice. Throw into the picture the fact that Bruce Boudreau has always struggled to get his team to go far into the playoffs for whatever reason. Meantime, the Blues have always underachieved with more or less the same lineup. I’m liking Tarasenko to put his stamp on this series and be the X-factor. But truthfully this series could go either way.
DUCKS vs FLAMES – Ducks in 5
The Ducks own the Flames at home more than any team has dominated their opponent in recent history. They’re simply a better team on and off the scoresheet. Calgary is still young and should be back many more times, but this is not their year, sorry to say.
OILERS vs SHARKS – Oilers in 7
I can’t wait to see what this young Oilers team can do in the postseason. If Connor can somehow take his game to the next level then that could be a scary sight for opposing goalies. The checking is much tighter and more fierce in the NHL’s 2nd season so I’m not sure if McDavid can dominate the way he has been all year long, but with the elite play of Cam Talbot I’m certain Edmonton can take on a very old San Jose team.