Balint: Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview
The Stanley Cup playoffs are starting Wednesday April 12, and we will be here to tell you everything that you would need to know when it comes to these games, plus series predictions.
Capitals vs Maple Leafs: This is the first time that the Leafs have made it to the playoffs since 2013, which they lost a hard fought series against the Bruins in 7 games. This is also the second year in row that the Capitals have won the Presidents’ Trophy, (which is the best team in the league.) The Capitals have won the series throughout the regular season over the Leafs 2-1-1. I think with the Leafs lack of experience in the playoffs and so little veterans, the Capitals will win in 6 games.
GAME 1: THU, APR 13 @WASHINGTON
Rangers vs Canadiens: The New York Rangers have made the playoffs consistently over the past couple of years, even making it to the Stanley Cup finals, in which they beat out the Canadiens in a tough fought 6 games. The Canadiens have had tough playoff exits over the years, going with the fact that they missed the playoffs last year. The Rangers have depth up front with player like Chris Kreider, Jimmy Vesey, Mika Zibanejad, and J.T. Miller just to name a few, and with player like Ryan McDonagh and Nick Holden, the Rangers will be tough to stop. I also think that with the Canadiens relying too much on Carey Price, the Rangers will win in 7 games.
GAME 1: WED, APR 12 @MONTREAL
Blue Jackets vs Penguins: The defending Stanley Cup champions will take on the Blue Jackets in the first round this year. This is the first time the Blue Jackets have made the playoffs since 2014, which they lost to the Penguins in 6 games. The Blue Jackets started off this season as one of their best, winning 16 games straight. With head coach John Tortorella, captain Nick Foligno and Cam Atkinson the Blue Jackets will give the defending cup champs a run for their money. I think that the Blue Jackets will win in 6 games.
GAME 1: WED, APR 12 @ PITTSBURGH
Oilers vs Sharks: The defending Western Conference champions San Jose Sharks take on Connor McDavid and the red hot Edmonton Oilers. This is the first time that the Oilers have made the playoffs since the 2005-2006 NHL season, which they lost in the Stanley Cup finals in 7 games. The Oilers, who are led by Art Ross winning Connor McDavid will give the Sharks a run for their money, and the Oilers will win in 6 games.
GAME 1: WED, APR 12 @ SAN JOSE
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By Caden Balint
