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Re-thinking All Eight Series Two Games In. What Picks Would You Change? |
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I for one have absolutely loved this opening round. I never want this much competitive intense hockey to end….
We always rush to get our predictions out prior to each series…Yet now that we are two games into the series with 6 of 8 tied at 1, its worth re-visiting…
Toronto-Tampa
My original pick: Leafs in 5
Now: Leafs in 6
The injuries are possibly handing the Leafs this one on a silver platter.. but even healthy I believe these are two teams heading in very different directions. The Leafs are on the rise… If they can get out of their own way.These Leafs have nothing to fear but fear itself….Their baggage is palpable, yet I am encouraged that guys like O’Reilly are there to say, “What the hell does history matter?” It really shouldn’t but the Maple Leafs can’t let up at all even though they just blew out the Lightning
Carolina-Islanders
My original pick: Carolina in 6
Now: Isles in 7
The Canes are getting killed with injuries, and the isles have hung with them way more than I thought they could…and Sorokin has yet to be Sorokin….The Isles HAVE to win tonight. For sure. But I have seen Islanders home playoff games before. The place is going to be awesome. There are some old experience Devils players on the Islanders who will help lead the way and keep them from getting frazzled
NJ Devils-NY Rangers
My original pick: Rangers in 7
Now: Rangers in 6
I know this Rangers team has completely dominated the Devils. This New Jersey Devils team is way better than they’re playing, but they’re also playing a team that’s absolutely clicking on all cylinders. I really wouldn’t be surprised if the Devils took games three and four in New York. Both of these teams have been better on the road all year. And the pressure comes off in Madison Square Garden for the New Jersey Devils. New Jersey won this season series, by playing faster than the Rangers, Gallant has done a phenomenal job at countering that style.
Bruins-Panthers
My original pick: Bruins in 7
Now: Bruins in 7
This series so far has kind of gone as I thought it would. In my Podcast I predicted the Panthers would win one of the first two games in Boston. The Panthers are tough and they play very fast. They’ve also learned how to play in the playoffs after the last couple of years having to deal with Tampa. The Bruins injuries are worrisome and the fact that Bergeron didn’t go to Florida is surprising because he plays injured all the time. They say he’ll be ready for game five but I really wonder. If he was that close you think he would go on the trip. The Panthers take a ton of shots they always do. The Bruins goalies have to be better. But these are still the Bruins. They have so much experience and so much going for them that it’s hard to imagine the panic hits them….even if they were to fall down 2-1 or 3-1 in this series. Lyon has been great. Bob could still be a factor.
Colorado-Seattle
My original pick: Colorado in 5
Now: Colorado in 7
I certainly didn’t give Seattle enough credit heading into the series. They’re playing the avalanche very tough and they’re actually beating them at their own game. Which is all the more impressive. It will be curious to see if a young team like this can maintain the same discipline at home. At this point it’s hard to imagine the series being as short as I thought it would be. It feels like Colorado’s in for an absolute battle. I still think they win the war, but he experienced the Kraken are getting out of this is really invaluable.
Vegas-Winnipeg
My original Pick: Vegas in 6
Now: Winnipeg in 6
Unless Vegas gets Thompson or Quick in net they will not win this series. The Jets are tough, and they’ll be tough in the next round too. There are two Winnipeg Jets teams, and one of them is as good as anybody else….and that’s the one that is playing right now. The Knights got a very big win last night, but even if Stone and Eichel trend upward, I have a feeling that the Jets wont lose any games in this series at home.
Dallas-Minnesota
My original pick: Minnesota in 7
Now: Minnesota in 7
These are two very good teams and definitely should not be a first round match up. They both work incredibly hard and they play very similar games. I just have a hunch on this one for some reason that the wild are going to take it. I’m sticking with that. It just feels like this is their turn. But the series is so close. It really could be four overtime games before we’re done. The Wild do appear to be getting healthier and some guys back.
Edmonton-LA
My original pick: Edmonton in 6
Now: Edmonton in 6
The Kings are tough and don’t go away.. Make no mistake about it they are very good at keeping games very close, but when I watch the play in the series you Oilers are just a lot better. McDavid is on a mission and the only thing that scares me about the Oilers is their goaltending. Skinner had a great regular season but I can’t help but think Campbell’s going to get in there at some point. I know he wasn’t as sharp in the early regular season but he’s been historically a great pressure goalie. Anyone who watched Tampa/Toronto last year knows this to be the case. He was definitely not to blame for the Leafs loss last year and almost took out a Tampa team that almost won the Stanley Cup. Even going back to juniors Campbell showed he’s at his best when he’s up against the wall. It may not be this series but I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes the reins here.
What are your thought
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