Stanley Cup Playoff Preview: Who Will Prevail in Round 2

The 1st spherical of the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs is now historical past, and it was a thrilling opening round in fact, with five Games 7 and an total very-competitive item. Now, we’re on to Spherical Two, and there need to be no lack of enjoyment.

In the initial spherical, this writer’s predictions went six-for-eight. Not shabby. Now, let us try and do at minimum as effectively in the second spherical:

Florida vs. Tampa Bay

The Winner: Florida, in six online games

The Why: The battle of the sunshine point out claims to be a speedy-tempo, extremely-competent affair, with the Panthers aiming to make it to the Jap Remaining for the 1st time since 1995-96, and only the 2nd time in franchise heritage, and the Lightning coming off a tricky battle versus Toronto and continue to trying to find to gain their 3rd consecutive Cup. Star Bolts goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy did not appear like himself in Spherical One right until the extra time portion of Match 6 against the Leafs, but in Game 7, he unquestionably seemed much more self-confident and was one of the chief reasons Tampa sent Toronto residence.

The Panthers, on the other hand, received a scare from Washington in the very first round, in advance of their abundance of talent took over and eradicated the Capitals. They’re as deep, if not further than the Lightning, and they can play any way their opponent chooses to. Florida requirements a superior showing from goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to dispose of Tampa Bay, but Bobrovsky will have aid from the Panthers’ protection corps. It will not be quick, but Florida does have the horses to trip past the Bolts and reduce the defending champs.

Carolina vs. New York Rangers

The Winner: Carolina, in seven game titles

The Why: Both of those the Hurricanes and Bruins needed a seventh activity to gain their initial-round collection, and this showdown has the opportunity to be a further drawn-out battle. Even if the Hurricanes get again starting goaltender Frederik Andersen from the hurt reserve, you’d have to give the goaltending edge to the Rangers and Hart Trophy finalist Igor Shesterkin.

Carolina’s group of defensemen has a slight edge about the Blueshirts’ D-gentlemen, and it’s rather much even amongst their teams of forwards. This is a further series that really should go the whole 7 games.

In the stop, I like the Hurricanes for the reason that of their speed, defensive depth and coaching. Carolina bench manager Rod Brind’Amour almost always has his players ready to contend at the start of video games, and I consider that presents the Canes a slight big difference in the big photo.

Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues

The Winner: Colorado, in six games

The Why: The Avalanche steamrolled the Nashville Predators in a Spherical Just one sweep, and while the Blues, who upset the slightly-additional-favored Minnesota Wild in the initially round, are heading to make it a lot more tricky for Colorado in Round Two, the Avs simply have too considerably expertise for St. Louis to overcome.

This is not to counsel the Blues just can’t make it a 7-activity collection, get a pair fortunate bounces in Match 7, and shock the Avalanche to comprehensive the upset. The only way that transpires is if St. Louis gets standout performances in net from Jordan Binnington, clutch goals from expert vets like winger David Perron, and the Blues’ protection stymies the Avs’ waves of offensive dynamos long ample to just take the lead and keep it.

I feel St. Louis can do all of individuals issues, but not all at at the time. That may depart the Avs all the opening they need to exploit it and transfer on to the Western Meeting Last. The depth of talent and determination from Colorado is, on paper, much more than any other second-round workforce. It will be all St. Louis can do to retain speed with them.

Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers

The Winner: Calgary, in five games

The Why: At long previous, the Struggle of Alberta has become a reality. Each teams were being practically eradicated in the first time, both required 7 online games to remain alive in the write-up-season. This time close to, it could be a battle of goaltenders, with Flames star Jacob Markstrom possessing a crystal clear benefit about Oilers counterpart Mike Smith.

In any other case, the two Albertan groups match up closely, and whilst superstars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are the two most proficient persons in the collection, there will not be any blowouts, and Calgary’s leading line will present a great deal issues for Edmonton’s back conclusion. If Calgary will come out of the gate robust, head mentor Darryl Sutter will have the killer intuition set up in his team and they should to be in a position to close out the Oilers relatively immediately. Going to be a lot of emotion in this series, although – maybe the most emotion of any series that will be performed this spring and summertime.