NHL Playoff Picture Becomes Crystal Clear as Regular Season Wraps Up Tonight
Almost all of the NHL teams have completed their regular season schedules with just two more games tonight, and that means we’re (almost) ready to make our playoff predictions. The playoffs won’t start until next Monday, but we already know one thing for certain — nobody is stopping the Boston Bruins. The East is locked. The West road runs through Vegas, but there’s a chance for movement on the final day between seeds 2-4. Here’s a look at the first-round matchups and who we like to capture the Stanley Cup in June.
NHL Playoff Matchups
*Subject to Change With Two Games Remaining
Eastern Conference Matchups
#1 Bruins vs. #8 Panthers
#2 Hurricanes vs. #7 Islanders
#3 Devils vs. #6 Lightning
#4 Maple Leafs vs. #5 Rangers
Western Conference Matchups
#1 Golden Knights vs. #8 Jets
#2 Stars vs. #7 Kraken
#3 Oilers vs. #6 Kings
#4 Avalanche vs. #5 Wild
Editor’s Note: The Avalanche, Oilers and Stars could be shuffled between the 2, 3 and 4 seeds after tonight’s final game for the Avs (Avalanche at Predators, 8:00 pm ET).
Our Predictions: There’s the Boston Bruins vs. The Field, and we’re taking the Bruins. A lot of shuffling in the East could watch the other contenders bury themselves in extensive series while the Bruins run roughshod over the conference. The West is anyone’s to win, but we like the Oilers and the red-hot stick of Connor McDavid to overtake the Stars and Golden Knights. Give us Bruins over Oilers in a scintillating Stanley Cup Finals.
NHL Highlights
Toews Scores in Chicago Sendoff: The Blackhawks had nothing to play for in their final regular season game last night, but the Chicago faithful gave a fitting farewell to Blackhawks legend Jonathan Toews. Toews scored a goal in his final game — a 5-4 OT loss to the Flyers. The 34-year-old won’t be resigned after 15 years in Chicago. He played over 1,000 games and scored 371 goals for the Blackhawks.
Canes Clinch Metro: The Hurricanes beat the Panthers last night (6-4) in a game that featured eight 3rd-period goals — four each. Brent Burns scored twice while Sebastian Aho added one goal and one assist, and the Canes officially clinched the Metro and the No. 2 seed in the East.
Oilers Win 9th Straight: Other than the Bruins, nobody in the NHL is playing like the Oilers down the stretch. Edmonton claimed a 5-2 win over the Sharks last night behind Leon Draisaitl’s 1-goal, 2-assist night. The Oilers have won nine straight and 14 of their last 15.
Avs Alive for 2-Seed: The Avalanche topped the Jets (4-2) thanks to a 3-0 run in the final 25 minutes on Thursday night to keep pace with the Stars in the Central race. Colorado is currently the 4-seed in the West, but they can overtake Dallas for the Central Division crown and No. 2 spot with a win in tonight’s game (8:00 pm ET).
