Stanley Cup Playoffs Report Round 2
I have to tell you that was one of the most amazing first rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs that I’ve ever seen!
The Leafs finally got an ugly nineteen year old monkey off their back. The Bruins showed that their team wasn’t as good as everyone thought and were upset in seven games by the Panthers. Plus the Stanley Cup Champions from last year the Colorado Avalanche couldn’t beat the Seattle Kraken and were sent home in seven game as well!
Out of all the series that happened in the first round, I think the only boring one was the Islanders and Hurricanes. As always the Playoffs really showed which teams were frauds and who had what it takes to make it to the second round.
Here are the match-ups:
Eastern Conference
Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
After taking out the best “regular season” team in history the Panthers are riding a huge high going into the second round of the playoffs. This team is just as big as the Lightning were, but I think the difference is, the amount of contributions they are getting from that size. Radko Gudas is one of those examples, the man has been a huge reason for Florida making to the second round. Gudas blocking shots, keeping the Bruins to the outside and using his size to move the puck out of their zone. Matthew Tkachuk is the heart and soul of this team and he took the team on his back and propelled them past the Bruins. If they want to make it past Toronto then he will have to be amazing again.
On the flip side, Toronto is in some uncharted waters and I think they might start this series a bit shaky. I think they can match Florida’s speed and skill no problem, but goaltending and size I’m giving to the Panthers. Finding a way to win has always been hard for the Leafs and this time they finally found a way. Matthews, Marner and Nylander will all have to use their speed and skill to find a way in this series or it could be over quick.
Panthers in Six
New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes
This series is going to be about speed and who can sustain it. The Devils beat the New York Rangers tonight in seven games after being down 2–0 in the series. After game two they used their blinding speed to beat the Rangers in almost every facet of the game.
I think Hurricanes might be in trouble when it comes to this series. The Devils have more speed and can attack from many spots on the ice. If Carolina can’t slow them down I think the Devils might make short work of them. This might be another boring series or one where it’s 5–5 and next goal wins. I think the Hurricanes have to get at the Devils early and make them make mistakes and capitalize on them. If not New Jersey should be able to take this series.
Devils in Six
Western Conference
Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights
The Oilers looked like the better team as the series against the Kings went on and it felt like they were going to win going into game six. The same can be said about the Golden Knights when they won game two in convincing fashion against the Winnipeg Jets. I think this series is going to be a war and it could come down to who can get the most bounces their way.
The skill on both of these teams is clear and I give a slight edge to the Oilers just because they have the best powerplay in the league. Based on performance with goalies I would say Vegas has a bit of an advantage only because of Skinner’s crappy first period in game four and him giving up a couple soft goals outside of that period. When it comes to defense I think Vegas has the advantage again. They only gave up nine goals to Winnipeg and they have some pretty skilled guys who can score at will. If the Oilers have a chance in this series they will have to tighten up their defense, this run and gun style will only get you so far.
Vegas in Six
Seattle Kraken vs Dallas Stars
Having knocked off the defending Stanely Cup Champs in seven games the Kraken will have an even harder opponent in the Dallas Stars. The Avs didn’t have their captain Landeskog all series and had some key injuries to Josh Manson and Andrew Cogliano for game seven. I think the Kraken can give the Stars some trouble with how they can disrupt the neutral zone and transition up the ice quickly. That being said the Stars are big, fast and might be able to push back the Kraken attack and force them to play their game.
It will also come down to which goalie can hold his own and deliver another amazing performance. Philipp Grubauer played well against his old team and will have to keep playing solid with more traffic in front. Jake Oettinger for the Dallas Stars who had a shoutout in game five will be a huge factor and if he plays like he did in the first round the Kraken might be in trouble.
Dallas in Five
I can’t wait for the next round to start, the storylines and the battles that are about to happen between all these teams it’s going to be excellent! Enjoy!
