Tank's Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions Round 2
Eastern Conference
(A1) Florida Panthers vs. (A3) Tampa Bay Lightning
Lightning in Six
Despite being outplayed by the Maple Leafs, the Tampa Bay Lightning have survived and advanced to the second round. The turning point was when Tampa, down one goal, was given a 5-on-3 power play in the third period of Game 6. The Lightning won the game in overtime and took the series in seven games. The Florida Panthers have won their first playoff series in 26 years and now face the Lightning in the battle of Florida. The Lightning know how to win this time of year; the Panthers are just learning to win in the playoffs. Expect Tampa to keep the dream of a three-peat as Andrei Vasilevsky will have a big series in goal with Victor Hedman scoring the big goals.
(M1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M2) New York Rangers
Hurricanes in Six
The Carolina Hurricanes benefited from home cooking, beating the Bruins in seven games. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers rallied from down 3-1 to defeat the Penguins. They rallied from down two goals in Game 5 and Game 6 and rallied down one with six minutes left to win Game 7 in overtime. The Rangers benefited from the Penguins' injuries as Pittsburgh played with a third-string goalie for most of the series. Sidney Crosby also suffered a concussion in Game 5 and missed Game 6. The Hurricanes are healthy, younger, and fresher. The Hurricanes will get a big series from Tony DeAngelo and Jacob Slavin to blow the Rangers out to sea.
Western Conference
(C1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (C3) St. Louis Blues
Avalanche in Five
The Colorado Avalanche are on a mission. They are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup and have dominated the Predators, winning their first-round series with relative ease in a four-game sweep. Darcy Kuemper suffered a freak eye injury against Nashville but is expected to be back in goal for Colorado. The only chance that the St. Louis Blues have is for Jordan Binnington to steal multiple games for the Blues in goal. The Avalanche offense attack is strong, as is their special teams. Look for Cale Makar to continue driving the Avalance on both sides of the ice, as Colorado wins this series easily.
(P1) Calgary Flames vs. (P2) Edmonton Oilers
Oilers in Seven
It is a civil war in Alberta as the two archrivals meet in the playoffs for the first time in 31 years. In the late 80s, the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames met nearly every season, with the winner going on to win the Stanley Cup. Each team holds the hopes of Canada in their hands as they each survived a tough seven-game series in the first round against strong goalies. Jacob Markstrom has been strong in net for Calgary and is the more reliable goalie. However, the Oilers have the better offensive attack, especially with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl; add in Evander Kane's seven goals in the first round. This sets up as a must-watch series with Johnny Gaudreau leading the Flames. I expect this series to go seven, with McDavid scoring the game-winner in overtime.