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Defending Stanley Cup champ may not survive the first round |
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East Division
No. 1 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 4 New York Islanders
Why the Penguins should win: Before the season began, it was fashionable to predict the Penguins would be an odd man out in the East. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin growing older. Depth eroded. Roster stale. But the Penguins ended up one of the NHL’s most consistent performers with a +40 goal-differential, a 22-4-2 home record and the NHL’s second-best scoring average (3.45). With the East race still up for grabs over the final weeks, the Penguins went 8-2 to win it.
Why the New York Islanders could win: Although their lack of offense betrayed them after Anders Lee was injured, the Islanders still have a defensive scheme designed to win playoff games. Their goaltending is strong. They can be difficult to play against. Don’t sleep on the Islanders.
Pick: Penguins in six.
No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 3 New York Islanders
Why the Capitals should win: They can score goals and their power play is always dangerous (24.8%). The Caps are a veteran team that only lost 15 games in regulation all season. They were 17-8-3 at home and 19-7-2 on the road.
Why the Bruins could win: Once the Bruins became healthy, they were one of the NHL’s better teams. They were 11-4-1 down the stretch. They were 4-4 against Washington. With Tuukka Rask, the Bruins boast a goaltending advantage.
Pick: Bruins in seven.
Central Division
No. 1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators
Why the Hurricanes should win: The 'Canes have the NHL's third-best record (36-12-8), goal-differential (+40) and team save percentage (.927). From start to finish, coach Rod Brind'Amour's Carolina squad may have been the league's most consistent team. No team lost fewer games (12) in regulation than the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes have the NHL's second-best power play (25.6%) and third-best penalty killing (85.2%)
Why the Predators could win: Their team statistics are misleading because down the stretch the Predators came together and performed like one of the NHL’s stronger teams. On March 20, the Predators were 13-17. From that point on, the Predators were 18-6-1. They beat the 'Canes twice to close the season.
Pick: Hurricanes in six.
Why the Lightning should win: They are the defending Stanley Cup champion and they boast the NHL’s No. 1 goalie (Andrei Vasilevskiy) and one of the league’s top defensemen (Victor Hedman). Their depth is still probably the league’s best, and Nikita Kucherov is coming back from injury.
Why the Panthers could win: This is the first time these two state rivals have met in the playoffs. The Panthers are changing their culture under general manager Bill Zito and coach Joel Quenneville. They are now a prickly bunch. They were also 5-2-1 against the Lightning this season. This group has considerable pride.
Pick: Panthers in seven.
West Division
No. 1 Colorado Avalanche vs. No. 4 St. Louis Blues
Why the Avalanche should win: This Nathan MacKinnon-led team was the preseason favorite to win the Stanley Cup. They also won the President's Trophy as the NHL's No. 1 team.
The Avs led the NHL with 197 goals and ranked third with a 2.36 goals-against-average.
Why the Blues could win: The Blues looked sharper in the second half of the season, and closed with at least one point in nine of their last 10 games. Don't forget that this team is only two seasons removed from being the Stanley Cup champion. Goalie Jordan Binnington could be an X Factor. If he outplays Philipp Grubauer, the Blues could win this series
Pick: Avalanche in seven.
No. 2 Vegas Golden Knights vs. No. 3 Minnesota Wild
Why the Golden Knights should win: The Golden Knights were the NHL's No. 1 defensive team with a 2.18 goals-against average. They have a decided advantage in net with Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner both enjoying exceptional seasons The offseason addition of Alex Pietrangelo stabilized the defense and Mark Stone is the offensive flag carrier.
Why the Wild could win: This is not your older brother's Wild team. Their chemistry is improved and they are no longer their own worst enemy. GM Bill Guerin has done an impressive job of altering this team's culture and confidence level. It also helps that dynamic scorer Kirill Kaprizov came over from Russia to lead a revamped offense.
Pick: Golden Knights in six.
Blogger •HHOF Writer's column on the NHL • 
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