A 24-Team NHL Playoff: What It Could Look Like and Whether It's a Good Idea
One of the many things that have been discussed with the NHL being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic is a 24-team playoff. In this, I want to discuss briefly my opinion on the idea of a 24-team playoff, then spend a majority of this blog talking about how I think it would work and who I think would be crowned Stanley Cup champions once it is all said and done.
First, I'm not a huge fan of a 24-team playoff based solely on the thought that 24-teams is way too many. You're giving too many teams towards the bottom of the standings a chance to play for the Stanley Cup and awarding mediocrity, for lack of a better term. The usual playoff is 16 teams and this year the fight for the last few spots, especially in the Eastern Conference, has been amazing. Now, you are adding teams that haven't sniffed a playoff spot in months, while those that have been firmly in position for all this time are forced to play in a far more diluted field. That sounds extremely whiny of me, but making the playoffs is something that is celebrated, take Petr Mrazek when the Hurricanes broke their postseason drought last season. It's an accomplishment that is earned and shouldn't be given because the league had to be postponed. I'm not sure what the remedy should be. Call me a traditionalist, but I would be more in favor of just a 16-team playoff. The most I'd be willing to go is 20 teams.
Now that I've been on my soapbox, this is how a 24-team playoff would work if I were in charge of it. First, obviously, it would be the top 12 teams from each conference. Second, to account for the lack of uniformity in the number of games played, the seeding would be determined by point percentage or the number of points you have earned divided by the maximum number you can get in the games you have played. For example, the Boston Bruins lead the NHL with 100 points in 70 games played. The most they can possibly have is 140 points, so to find their point percentage you divide 100 by 140 and get .714. So, the top 12 teams in each division will be decided like this. For reference, this is what the standings look like currently (3/20/20) by points.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic
Boston 44-14-12 100 .714
Tampa Bay 43-21-6 92 .657
Toronto 36-25-9 81 .579
Florida 35-26-8 78 .565
Montreal 31-31-9 71 .500
Buffalo 30-31-8 68 .493
Ottawa 25-34-12 62 .437
Detroit 17-49-5 39 .275
Metropolitan
Washington 41-20-8 90 .652
Philadelphia 41-21-7 89 .645
Pittsburgh 40-23-6 86 .623
Carolina 38-25-5 81 .596
Columbus 33-22-15 81 .579
New York I 35-23-10 80 .588
New York R 37-28-5 79 .564
New Jersey 28-29-12 68 .493
Western Conference
Central
St. Louis 42-19-10 94 .662
Colorado 42-20-8 92 .657
Dallas 37-24-8 82 .594
Winnipeg 37-28-6 80 .563
Nashville 35-26-8 78 .565
Minnesota 35-27-7 77 .558
Chicago 32-30-8 72 .514
Pacific
Vegas 39-24-8 86 .606
Edmonton 37-25-9 83 .585
Calgary 36-27-7 79 .564
Vancouver 36-27-6 78 .565
Arizona 33-29-8 74 .529
Anaheim 29-33-9 67 .472
Los Angeles 29-35-6 64 .457
San Jose 29-36-5 63 .450
To make sense of the standings, they are currently in order by points by division. So the 12 teams from the East would be, in no particular order, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Florida, Montreal, Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Columbus, New York I, and New York R. The 12 teams in the West would be St. Louis, Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg, Nashville, Minnesota, Chicago, Vegas, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Arizona. Next, the teams need to be ordered 1-12 by point percentage. The seeds would look like this:
Eastern Conference
1. Boston (.714)
2. Tampa Bay (.657)
3. Washington (.652)
4. Philadelphia (.645)
5. Pittsburgh (.623)
6. Carolina (.596)
7. New York I (.588)
8. Toronto (.579)
9. Columbus (.579)
10. Florida (.565)
11. New York (.564)
12. Montreal (.500)
Western Conference
1. St. Louis (.662)
2. Colorado (.657)
3. Vegas .606)
4. Dallas (.594)
5. Edmonton (.585)
6. Nashville (.565)
7. Vancouver (.565)
8. Calgary (.564)
9. Winnipeg (.563)
10. Minnesota (.558)
11. Arizona (.529)
12. Chicago (.514)
Now come the rules for the matchups. Since there are 12 teams on each side of the bracket, you can't pair everyone together, so there must be byes. The top four teams in each conference should get a bye. They automatically move onto the Conference Quarterfinals, while the remaining eight teams are matched up with one another as follows, 5 v. 12, 6 v. 11, 7 v. 10, and 8 v. 9. These four matchups would be played as a best-of-three series with the better seed playing as the home team for the first two games and the series then shifts to the higher seed for the series-deciding game if necessary. The CQF round then pits the top four seeds against the winners of the previous round. #1 plays the winner of 8 v. 9, #2 plays the winner of 7 v. 10, #3 plays the winner of 6 v. 11, and #4 plays the winner of 5 v. 12. This does not guarantee the best team to play the lowest seed, but they would if there were no upsets. This series would be played as a best-of-five series, with Games 1 and 2 taking place at the home of the team with a bye, Games 3 and 4 taking place at the lower seeds home, and the deciding Game 5 to return to the better seed's home. The Conference Semifinals would operate the same way as the quarterfinals with the same game structure. The Conference Finals is when we would return to the way things usually are played. They would each be best-of-seven series following the normal 2-2-1-1-1 game structure. The Stanley Cup Final would also be the same as it has been in the past.
If this is in fact how the league decides to go about, this is how I think it would go.
First Round
Eastern Conference
#5 Pittsburgh v. #12 Montreal
Sidney Crosby is the biggest difference between the first two meetings between the two teams and the final one. In their final meeting of the season series, Crosby put on a clinic in the second period of the Penguins 4-1 win. Montreal would come into the playoffs with the lowest point total and point percentage. Though they picked up three of the six in the regular season, this one seems like it'll be all Pittsburgh. This team is built for the playoffs. Pittsburgh 2-0
#6 Carolina v. #11 New York R
For reference, the difference between these two teams is two points, yet they are five seeds apart. The Hurricanes made the playoffs for the first time in a decade last year en route to an Eastern Conference Finals birth. The Rangers have missed the playoffs the last two seasons. By the looks of the regular-season series, you'd never be able to tell. The Rangers won all four games in the season series, which would not bode well for the Canes in this matchup. Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin lit the Canes up for a combined seven goals and nine assists when the teams faced off. The Canes, despite this, faced a similar situation last season in the playoffs when they faced the Islanders after losing three of four in the regular season. This will be an extremely entertaining series, but the Canes will break the MSG curse. Carolina 2-1
#7 New York I v. #10 Florida
When these teams met in the regular season, there was an extreme lack of offense, but that is what you come to expect with the Islanders. Matthew Barzal has been the lone source of constant in the three contests between the two, all won by the Islanders. The goaltending has been the real story, as Varlamov and Greiss have held the Panthers to four goals in the three meetings. I would expect a little more scoring if they meet in the postseason, but the Islanders will be on their game. Islanders 2-0
#8 Toronto v. #9 Columbus
This Toronto team is something. They have three of the highest-paid players in the league, yet this season will probably be remembered as the season they lost to a 42-year-old Zamboni driver who works for them. Columbus, on the other hand, has had the injury bug worse than anyone else in the league. Despite this, they are right in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference. The two played twice early in the season, with a third meeting set to take place in March. Toronto picked up three of a possible four points. If the Jackets were at full strength, I'd take Columbus, but it's hard to pick against Marner and Matthews when they are on their game. Toronto 2-1
Western Conference
#5 Edmonton v. #12 Chicago
To me, this is a series pitting the best player in the game today against the best player of the last decade. Edmonton has been gifted two of the best players in the league in McDavid and Draisaitl, yet has not been able to find much success beyond the regular season. Chicago, who is currently last in the Central, would be riding a decent stretch of wins leading into the break to make the playoffs. Despite their seeding, Chicago got the better of the Oilers in the season series, winning two of three. Patrick Kane has led the way for the Blackhawks, with four points in the three meetings, while they have held McDavid to no points in the series. Draisaitl has picked up the slack, however, with a goal and six assists in the three games. The Oilers are the more skilled of the two and should take it. Edmonton 2-0
#6 Nashville v. #11 Arizona
The Taylor Hall trade hasn't yielded the results the Coyotes would've desired when they made the move. They sit four points out of a spot as it is in a crowded Wild Card picture out West. The Preds have been right in the thick of everything after making a big splash in the offseason by signing Matt Duchene. The two split their two meetings, with a third scheduled for March. Pre-Taylor Hall, the Coyotes rode a 2 PPG game from Phil Kessel to a 5-2 win in the first meeting, before dropping a 3-2 decision thanks to Roman Josi. The Coyotes are a team I wouldn't want to see at full strength. This could be the first big upset in the playoffs. Arizona 2-1
#7 Vancouver v. #10 Minnesota
These two teams are only separated by one point in the standing, with Vancouver holding a slight edge. The Wild won two of the three meetings this season, but Vancouver's JT Miller has been the story of the matchups. His breakout season paired with Elias Pettersson's tremendous sophomore campaign has the Canucks in prime position. The Wild have been scratching and clawing for every inch all season to get to this point. This will be a highly contested matchup, but Miller will be too much to handle. Vancouver 2-1
#8 Calgary v. #9 Winnipeg
This may be one of my favorite potential matchups of the first round. The Flames have an underperforming offense outside of Tkachuk, Gaudreau, and Lindholm with a goalie tandem in Rittich and Talbot that has been keeping them in it. I love the Jets offensively. Kyle Connor is a menace, Schiefele is one of the most underrated passers in the entire league, and the list goes on. But where I think they have the edge is how brilliant Connor Hellebuyck has been in net. The Jets have more points, but the Flames have played fewer games and will get home-ice to start, but the think the Jets will have it. Winnipeg 2-1
Conference Quarterfinals
Eastern Conference
#1 Boston v. #8 Toronto
I'm not sure if this is a Bruins fan's dream or a Leafs fan's nightmare, but I would look forward to this matchup happening again. The history of the Bruins winning in Game 7 is a storied one, yet one most Leafs fans would hope to forget. The Bruins have dominated everyone all year behind one of the most dominant lines in all of hockey. The Bruins won two of the three regular-season meetings early in the year. The history between the two teams would suggest this series goes the distance, but not this year. Boston 3-1
#2 Tampa Bay v. #7 New York I
What happened to the Lightning last year was absolutely mind-boggling. They were absolutely dominant, then lost in four straight to a team that barely made the playoffs. To see them come back down to Earth this year may help them more. However, the Islanders are a team the Lightning haven't quite been able to solve, giving up 11 goals in three meetings. The Islanders have won two of three behind Josh Bailey's five points and three from Matthew Barzal. The playoffs are a new place, where everything resets, and this will be the case. Tampa Bay 3-1
#3 Washington v. #6 Carolina
Speaking of history, these two met in an exciting 7-game set last season that saw the Hurricanes make a late comeback in Game 7 to win in 2OT and eliminate the defending champions. The two have been at each other's throats all season, splitting the four matchups, all decided by two goals or less. The same faces that stepped up during last year's playoff series, notably Warren Foegele and Alex Ovechkin, have both been stellar in the four games. The biggest difference will be the health of the Canes, mainly Dougie Hamilton. He's been out for a while, so if he comes back in time, the Canes could win this series in five again. But since I don't know, the Capitals may be the safer bet. Either way, I see this going the distance. Washington 3-2
#4 Philadelphia v. #5 Pittsburgh
Another hard-hitting Metropolitan matchup with history. These two have been jostling in the standings for the last couple of weeks, with the Flyers holding the edge at the moment. They played three of their four scheduled games so far, with the Penguins winning two of three. Sidney Crosby has remained at the top of his game, scoring six points in the three games, made even more impressive since the Flyers' only win was a shut out. I trust Crosby and Co. slightly more than Giroux and the Flyers. Pittsburgh 3-2
Western Conference
#1 St. Louis v. #9 Winnipeg
The Blues have followed up a Stanley Cup win with another solid regular season as they hold onto the top spot in the Western Conference. They are getting scoring from everywhere, including a potential Norris candidate in Alex Pietrangelo. When these two have gotten together this season, the winner has scored four goals or more. Each team has won twice in the four games, splitting in both St. Louis and Winnipeg. Jade Schwartz has been the real standout, scoring two goals and adding four assists for six points. I don't there will be an offensive shortage when the two meet, but I expect the champs to move on. St. Louis 3-1
#2 Colorado v. #7 Vancouver
With a potential MVP candidate and one of the frontrunners for the Calder Trophy, the Avalanche have been at the top of the standings all season. Nathan MacKinnon has performed out of his mind despite numerous injuries to many of the team's stars. When these two have met this season, they have scored a combined 18 goals over two games. MacKinnon has five points in two meetings, and Cale Makar had four assists in the only game he's played this season against Vancouver. This seems one-sided to me if the Avs are all healthy. Colorado 3-0
#3 Vegas v. #11 Arizona
The Golden Knights have been in the league for three years now and have been in the playoff picture all three years, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season. This year, they lead the admittedly weak Pacific Division (they'd be third or worse in every other division). Vegas scored four of six against Arizona, who picked up three for themselves with a win a SO loss. Mark Stone has been a huge signing for Vegas along with a solid year from Max Pacioretty. These two will lead Vegas to an easy series win. Vegas 3-0
#4 Dallas v. #5 Edmonton
This will boil down to a battle of the superstar pairings. Edmonton boasts McDavid and Draisaitl while Dallas has Benn and Seguin, who have both been underperforming this season. Dallas is ice-cold coming into a potential playoff matchup, having lost six in a row and only picking up two points in that time. The Edmonton leaders have picked up a combined ten points in three matchups, including six assists from McDavid, while the Stars' stars combined for a respectable seven points. Having played in the playoffs already and boasting two strong lines, Edmonton should get this easily. Edmonton 3-1
Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference
#1 Boston v. #5 Pittsburgh
This might be the most exciting matchup of the playoffs thus far. These two teams have dominated the last decade of hockey, winning and reaching multiple Stanley Cup Finals. They boast some of the best players in the game today and some of the best line pairings in the league. They have met three times this season, combined for 22 goals, and the stars have shown up for the Bruins. Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak have combined for 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists) in three games while holding Malkin and Crosby to just five. This one will go the distance and Beantown will finally get some good news. Boston 3-2
#2 Tampa Bay v. #3 Washington
Washington has had Tampa's number all season. Outscoring them 12-6 in three meetings, Tampa hasn't had an answer for the high-powered Caps offense, led by TJ Oshie (1 goal, 4 assists). They've kept Ovechkin off the scoresheet, but haven't been able to stop much else. The duo of Kucherov and Point have been potent for the Lightning, but they are going to need more help to move on in this round. Vasilevskiy will need to play better if they stand a chance. Washington 3-2
Western Conference
#1 St. Louis v. #5 Edmonton
I've been riding high on the Oilers, especially Draisaitl and McDavid. St. Louis is the best team in the West. Combustible objects are bound to come together in this matchup. 13 points separate the two teams in the standings, but I think Edmonton may have the edge. St. Louis won two of three on the sticks of O'Reilly, Schenn, and Schwartz. Draisaitl has been the lone constant in the series for the Oilers (2 goals, 3 assists). St. Louis is likely to come in the favorite, but the Oilers will leave the victors. Edmonton 3-2
#2 Colorado v. #3 Vegas
This has been a lopsided season series. Colorado won both matchups by a combined 13-4, both times against Marc-Andre Fleury. Nathan MacKinnon had four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in the meetings, leading the Avalanche. There honestly isn't a lot to say about this potential tilt. I think the Avs will copy and paste their regular season results into the postseason series. Colorado 3-1
Now we're getting back to the traditional seven-game series. For these, I want to go game-by-game so it doesn't sound like I'm repeating myself. I'll give one-sentence synopsis of how I think each game in the series will go.
Eastern Conference Final
#1 Boston v. #3 Washington
Game 1 (TD Garden)- Boston uses home-ice and a two-goal effort David Pastrnak to win Game 1 4-2.
Game 2 (TD Garden)- Caps ensure a return to Boston behind a brilliant effort from Ilya Samsonov, win 2-1.
Game 3 (Capital One Arena)- Washington crowd doesn't faze Bruins stars, bury five goals and chase Samsonov from the game.
Game 4 (Capital One Arena)- Washington evens it up again with a two-goal game from Ovechkin, three assists from Backstrom.
Game 5 (TD Garden)- Boston puts Caps on the brink in return home with a high scoring affair.
Game 6 (Capital One Arena)- Bruins punch their ticket to return to the final with a 3-0 win in Washington.
Boston wins 4-2
Western Conference Final
#2 Colorado v. #5 Edmonton
Game 1 (Pepsi Center)- Oilers stun the home crowd with a 4-2 win behind Draisaitl's two goals.
Game 2 (Pepsi Center)- Avalanche return to form with a huge 3-1 win, MacKinnon contributing on all three goals.
Game 3 (Rogers Place)- Avalanche get their second straight win, take the series lead behind shutout by Grubauer.
Game 4 (Rogers Place)- Landeskog scores twice, MacKinnon adds two assists as the Avalanche come one step closer to the final.
Game 5 (Pepsi Center)- Avs close out the series with their fourth straight in overtime.
Colorado wins 4-1
Stanley Cup Final
#1 Boston v. #2 Colorado
Game 1 (TD Garden)- Bergeron scores in OT to give the Bruins the early 1-0 lead in the series.
Game 2 (TD Garden)- Avalanche redeem themselves in Game 2 with a big 4-1 win.
Game 3 (Pepsi Center)- Avalanche get another big win on the stick on Mikko Rantanen.
Game 4 (Pepsi Center)- Bruins even up the series with two-goal games from Pastrnak, McAvoy.
Game 5 (TD Garden)- Bruins push Avalanche to the brink of elimination behind a shutout by Rask.
Game 6 (Pepsi Center)- Avalanche force a Game 7 in a 6-2 victory featuring a MacKinnon hat trick
Game 7 (TD Garden)- Colorado wins their 3rd Stanley Cup in a 3-1 win in Boston.
Colorado wins 4-3
First, I'm not a huge fan of a 24-team playoff based solely on the thought that 24-teams is way too many. You're giving too many teams towards the bottom of the standings a chance to play for the Stanley Cup and awarding mediocrity, for lack of a better term. The usual playoff is 16 teams and this year the fight for the last few spots, especially in the Eastern Conference, has been amazing. Now, you are adding teams that haven't sniffed a playoff spot in months, while those that have been firmly in position for all this time are forced to play in a far more diluted field. That sounds extremely whiny of me, but making the playoffs is something that is celebrated, take Petr Mrazek when the Hurricanes broke their postseason drought last season. It's an accomplishment that is earned and shouldn't be given because the league had to be postponed. I'm not sure what the remedy should be. Call me a traditionalist, but I would be more in favor of just a 16-team playoff. The most I'd be willing to go is 20 teams.
Now that I've been on my soapbox, this is how a 24-team playoff would work if I were in charge of it. First, obviously, it would be the top 12 teams from each conference. Second, to account for the lack of uniformity in the number of games played, the seeding would be determined by point percentage or the number of points you have earned divided by the maximum number you can get in the games you have played. For example, the Boston Bruins lead the NHL with 100 points in 70 games played. The most they can possibly have is 140 points, so to find their point percentage you divide 100 by 140 and get .714. So, the top 12 teams in each division will be decided like this. For reference, this is what the standings look like currently (3/20/20) by points.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic
Boston 44-14-12 100 .714
Tampa Bay 43-21-6 92 .657
Toronto 36-25-9 81 .579
Florida 35-26-8 78 .565
Montreal 31-31-9 71 .500
Buffalo 30-31-8 68 .493
Ottawa 25-34-12 62 .437
Detroit 17-49-5 39 .275
Metropolitan
Washington 41-20-8 90 .652
Philadelphia 41-21-7 89 .645
Pittsburgh 40-23-6 86 .623
Carolina 38-25-5 81 .596
Columbus 33-22-15 81 .579
New York I 35-23-10 80 .588
New York R 37-28-5 79 .564
New Jersey 28-29-12 68 .493
Western Conference
Central
St. Louis 42-19-10 94 .662
Colorado 42-20-8 92 .657
Dallas 37-24-8 82 .594
Winnipeg 37-28-6 80 .563
Nashville 35-26-8 78 .565
Minnesota 35-27-7 77 .558
Chicago 32-30-8 72 .514
Pacific
Vegas 39-24-8 86 .606
Edmonton 37-25-9 83 .585
Calgary 36-27-7 79 .564
Vancouver 36-27-6 78 .565
Arizona 33-29-8 74 .529
Anaheim 29-33-9 67 .472
Los Angeles 29-35-6 64 .457
San Jose 29-36-5 63 .450
To make sense of the standings, they are currently in order by points by division. So the 12 teams from the East would be, in no particular order, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Florida, Montreal, Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Columbus, New York I, and New York R. The 12 teams in the West would be St. Louis, Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg, Nashville, Minnesota, Chicago, Vegas, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Arizona. Next, the teams need to be ordered 1-12 by point percentage. The seeds would look like this:
Eastern Conference
1. Boston (.714)
2. Tampa Bay (.657)
3. Washington (.652)
4. Philadelphia (.645)
5. Pittsburgh (.623)
6. Carolina (.596)
7. New York I (.588)
8. Toronto (.579)
9. Columbus (.579)
10. Florida (.565)
11. New York (.564)
12. Montreal (.500)
Western Conference
1. St. Louis (.662)
2. Colorado (.657)
3. Vegas .606)
4. Dallas (.594)
5. Edmonton (.585)
6. Nashville (.565)
7. Vancouver (.565)
8. Calgary (.564)
9. Winnipeg (.563)
10. Minnesota (.558)
11. Arizona (.529)
12. Chicago (.514)
Now come the rules for the matchups. Since there are 12 teams on each side of the bracket, you can't pair everyone together, so there must be byes. The top four teams in each conference should get a bye. They automatically move onto the Conference Quarterfinals, while the remaining eight teams are matched up with one another as follows, 5 v. 12, 6 v. 11, 7 v. 10, and 8 v. 9. These four matchups would be played as a best-of-three series with the better seed playing as the home team for the first two games and the series then shifts to the higher seed for the series-deciding game if necessary. The CQF round then pits the top four seeds against the winners of the previous round. #1 plays the winner of 8 v. 9, #2 plays the winner of 7 v. 10, #3 plays the winner of 6 v. 11, and #4 plays the winner of 5 v. 12. This does not guarantee the best team to play the lowest seed, but they would if there were no upsets. This series would be played as a best-of-five series, with Games 1 and 2 taking place at the home of the team with a bye, Games 3 and 4 taking place at the lower seeds home, and the deciding Game 5 to return to the better seed's home. The Conference Semifinals would operate the same way as the quarterfinals with the same game structure. The Conference Finals is when we would return to the way things usually are played. They would each be best-of-seven series following the normal 2-2-1-1-1 game structure. The Stanley Cup Final would also be the same as it has been in the past.
If this is in fact how the league decides to go about, this is how I think it would go.
First Round
Eastern Conference
#5 Pittsburgh v. #12 Montreal
Sidney Crosby is the biggest difference between the first two meetings between the two teams and the final one. In their final meeting of the season series, Crosby put on a clinic in the second period of the Penguins 4-1 win. Montreal would come into the playoffs with the lowest point total and point percentage. Though they picked up three of the six in the regular season, this one seems like it'll be all Pittsburgh. This team is built for the playoffs. Pittsburgh 2-0
#6 Carolina v. #11 New York R
For reference, the difference between these two teams is two points, yet they are five seeds apart. The Hurricanes made the playoffs for the first time in a decade last year en route to an Eastern Conference Finals birth. The Rangers have missed the playoffs the last two seasons. By the looks of the regular-season series, you'd never be able to tell. The Rangers won all four games in the season series, which would not bode well for the Canes in this matchup. Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin lit the Canes up for a combined seven goals and nine assists when the teams faced off. The Canes, despite this, faced a similar situation last season in the playoffs when they faced the Islanders after losing three of four in the regular season. This will be an extremely entertaining series, but the Canes will break the MSG curse. Carolina 2-1
#7 New York I v. #10 Florida
When these teams met in the regular season, there was an extreme lack of offense, but that is what you come to expect with the Islanders. Matthew Barzal has been the lone source of constant in the three contests between the two, all won by the Islanders. The goaltending has been the real story, as Varlamov and Greiss have held the Panthers to four goals in the three meetings. I would expect a little more scoring if they meet in the postseason, but the Islanders will be on their game. Islanders 2-0
#8 Toronto v. #9 Columbus
This Toronto team is something. They have three of the highest-paid players in the league, yet this season will probably be remembered as the season they lost to a 42-year-old Zamboni driver who works for them. Columbus, on the other hand, has had the injury bug worse than anyone else in the league. Despite this, they are right in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference. The two played twice early in the season, with a third meeting set to take place in March. Toronto picked up three of a possible four points. If the Jackets were at full strength, I'd take Columbus, but it's hard to pick against Marner and Matthews when they are on their game. Toronto 2-1
Western Conference
#5 Edmonton v. #12 Chicago
To me, this is a series pitting the best player in the game today against the best player of the last decade. Edmonton has been gifted two of the best players in the league in McDavid and Draisaitl, yet has not been able to find much success beyond the regular season. Chicago, who is currently last in the Central, would be riding a decent stretch of wins leading into the break to make the playoffs. Despite their seeding, Chicago got the better of the Oilers in the season series, winning two of three. Patrick Kane has led the way for the Blackhawks, with four points in the three meetings, while they have held McDavid to no points in the series. Draisaitl has picked up the slack, however, with a goal and six assists in the three games. The Oilers are the more skilled of the two and should take it. Edmonton 2-0
#6 Nashville v. #11 Arizona
The Taylor Hall trade hasn't yielded the results the Coyotes would've desired when they made the move. They sit four points out of a spot as it is in a crowded Wild Card picture out West. The Preds have been right in the thick of everything after making a big splash in the offseason by signing Matt Duchene. The two split their two meetings, with a third scheduled for March. Pre-Taylor Hall, the Coyotes rode a 2 PPG game from Phil Kessel to a 5-2 win in the first meeting, before dropping a 3-2 decision thanks to Roman Josi. The Coyotes are a team I wouldn't want to see at full strength. This could be the first big upset in the playoffs. Arizona 2-1
#7 Vancouver v. #10 Minnesota
These two teams are only separated by one point in the standing, with Vancouver holding a slight edge. The Wild won two of the three meetings this season, but Vancouver's JT Miller has been the story of the matchups. His breakout season paired with Elias Pettersson's tremendous sophomore campaign has the Canucks in prime position. The Wild have been scratching and clawing for every inch all season to get to this point. This will be a highly contested matchup, but Miller will be too much to handle. Vancouver 2-1
#8 Calgary v. #9 Winnipeg
This may be one of my favorite potential matchups of the first round. The Flames have an underperforming offense outside of Tkachuk, Gaudreau, and Lindholm with a goalie tandem in Rittich and Talbot that has been keeping them in it. I love the Jets offensively. Kyle Connor is a menace, Schiefele is one of the most underrated passers in the entire league, and the list goes on. But where I think they have the edge is how brilliant Connor Hellebuyck has been in net. The Jets have more points, but the Flames have played fewer games and will get home-ice to start, but the think the Jets will have it. Winnipeg 2-1
Conference Quarterfinals
Eastern Conference
#1 Boston v. #8 Toronto
I'm not sure if this is a Bruins fan's dream or a Leafs fan's nightmare, but I would look forward to this matchup happening again. The history of the Bruins winning in Game 7 is a storied one, yet one most Leafs fans would hope to forget. The Bruins have dominated everyone all year behind one of the most dominant lines in all of hockey. The Bruins won two of the three regular-season meetings early in the year. The history between the two teams would suggest this series goes the distance, but not this year. Boston 3-1
#2 Tampa Bay v. #7 New York I
What happened to the Lightning last year was absolutely mind-boggling. They were absolutely dominant, then lost in four straight to a team that barely made the playoffs. To see them come back down to Earth this year may help them more. However, the Islanders are a team the Lightning haven't quite been able to solve, giving up 11 goals in three meetings. The Islanders have won two of three behind Josh Bailey's five points and three from Matthew Barzal. The playoffs are a new place, where everything resets, and this will be the case. Tampa Bay 3-1
#3 Washington v. #6 Carolina
Speaking of history, these two met in an exciting 7-game set last season that saw the Hurricanes make a late comeback in Game 7 to win in 2OT and eliminate the defending champions. The two have been at each other's throats all season, splitting the four matchups, all decided by two goals or less. The same faces that stepped up during last year's playoff series, notably Warren Foegele and Alex Ovechkin, have both been stellar in the four games. The biggest difference will be the health of the Canes, mainly Dougie Hamilton. He's been out for a while, so if he comes back in time, the Canes could win this series in five again. But since I don't know, the Capitals may be the safer bet. Either way, I see this going the distance. Washington 3-2
#4 Philadelphia v. #5 Pittsburgh
Another hard-hitting Metropolitan matchup with history. These two have been jostling in the standings for the last couple of weeks, with the Flyers holding the edge at the moment. They played three of their four scheduled games so far, with the Penguins winning two of three. Sidney Crosby has remained at the top of his game, scoring six points in the three games, made even more impressive since the Flyers' only win was a shut out. I trust Crosby and Co. slightly more than Giroux and the Flyers. Pittsburgh 3-2
Western Conference
#1 St. Louis v. #9 Winnipeg
The Blues have followed up a Stanley Cup win with another solid regular season as they hold onto the top spot in the Western Conference. They are getting scoring from everywhere, including a potential Norris candidate in Alex Pietrangelo. When these two have gotten together this season, the winner has scored four goals or more. Each team has won twice in the four games, splitting in both St. Louis and Winnipeg. Jade Schwartz has been the real standout, scoring two goals and adding four assists for six points. I don't there will be an offensive shortage when the two meet, but I expect the champs to move on. St. Louis 3-1
#2 Colorado v. #7 Vancouver
With a potential MVP candidate and one of the frontrunners for the Calder Trophy, the Avalanche have been at the top of the standings all season. Nathan MacKinnon has performed out of his mind despite numerous injuries to many of the team's stars. When these two have met this season, they have scored a combined 18 goals over two games. MacKinnon has five points in two meetings, and Cale Makar had four assists in the only game he's played this season against Vancouver. This seems one-sided to me if the Avs are all healthy. Colorado 3-0
#3 Vegas v. #11 Arizona
The Golden Knights have been in the league for three years now and have been in the playoff picture all three years, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season. This year, they lead the admittedly weak Pacific Division (they'd be third or worse in every other division). Vegas scored four of six against Arizona, who picked up three for themselves with a win a SO loss. Mark Stone has been a huge signing for Vegas along with a solid year from Max Pacioretty. These two will lead Vegas to an easy series win. Vegas 3-0
#4 Dallas v. #5 Edmonton
This will boil down to a battle of the superstar pairings. Edmonton boasts McDavid and Draisaitl while Dallas has Benn and Seguin, who have both been underperforming this season. Dallas is ice-cold coming into a potential playoff matchup, having lost six in a row and only picking up two points in that time. The Edmonton leaders have picked up a combined ten points in three matchups, including six assists from McDavid, while the Stars' stars combined for a respectable seven points. Having played in the playoffs already and boasting two strong lines, Edmonton should get this easily. Edmonton 3-1
Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference
#1 Boston v. #5 Pittsburgh
This might be the most exciting matchup of the playoffs thus far. These two teams have dominated the last decade of hockey, winning and reaching multiple Stanley Cup Finals. They boast some of the best players in the game today and some of the best line pairings in the league. They have met three times this season, combined for 22 goals, and the stars have shown up for the Bruins. Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak have combined for 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists) in three games while holding Malkin and Crosby to just five. This one will go the distance and Beantown will finally get some good news. Boston 3-2
#2 Tampa Bay v. #3 Washington
Washington has had Tampa's number all season. Outscoring them 12-6 in three meetings, Tampa hasn't had an answer for the high-powered Caps offense, led by TJ Oshie (1 goal, 4 assists). They've kept Ovechkin off the scoresheet, but haven't been able to stop much else. The duo of Kucherov and Point have been potent for the Lightning, but they are going to need more help to move on in this round. Vasilevskiy will need to play better if they stand a chance. Washington 3-2
Western Conference
#1 St. Louis v. #5 Edmonton
I've been riding high on the Oilers, especially Draisaitl and McDavid. St. Louis is the best team in the West. Combustible objects are bound to come together in this matchup. 13 points separate the two teams in the standings, but I think Edmonton may have the edge. St. Louis won two of three on the sticks of O'Reilly, Schenn, and Schwartz. Draisaitl has been the lone constant in the series for the Oilers (2 goals, 3 assists). St. Louis is likely to come in the favorite, but the Oilers will leave the victors. Edmonton 3-2
#2 Colorado v. #3 Vegas
This has been a lopsided season series. Colorado won both matchups by a combined 13-4, both times against Marc-Andre Fleury. Nathan MacKinnon had four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in the meetings, leading the Avalanche. There honestly isn't a lot to say about this potential tilt. I think the Avs will copy and paste their regular season results into the postseason series. Colorado 3-1
Now we're getting back to the traditional seven-game series. For these, I want to go game-by-game so it doesn't sound like I'm repeating myself. I'll give one-sentence synopsis of how I think each game in the series will go.
Eastern Conference Final
#1 Boston v. #3 Washington
Game 1 (TD Garden)- Boston uses home-ice and a two-goal effort David Pastrnak to win Game 1 4-2.
Game 2 (TD Garden)- Caps ensure a return to Boston behind a brilliant effort from Ilya Samsonov, win 2-1.
Game 3 (Capital One Arena)- Washington crowd doesn't faze Bruins stars, bury five goals and chase Samsonov from the game.
Game 4 (Capital One Arena)- Washington evens it up again with a two-goal game from Ovechkin, three assists from Backstrom.
Game 5 (TD Garden)- Boston puts Caps on the brink in return home with a high scoring affair.
Game 6 (Capital One Arena)- Bruins punch their ticket to return to the final with a 3-0 win in Washington.
Boston wins 4-2
Western Conference Final
#2 Colorado v. #5 Edmonton
Game 1 (Pepsi Center)- Oilers stun the home crowd with a 4-2 win behind Draisaitl's two goals.
Game 2 (Pepsi Center)- Avalanche return to form with a huge 3-1 win, MacKinnon contributing on all three goals.
Game 3 (Rogers Place)- Avalanche get their second straight win, take the series lead behind shutout by Grubauer.
Game 4 (Rogers Place)- Landeskog scores twice, MacKinnon adds two assists as the Avalanche come one step closer to the final.
Game 5 (Pepsi Center)- Avs close out the series with their fourth straight in overtime.
Colorado wins 4-1
Stanley Cup Final
#1 Boston v. #2 Colorado
Game 1 (TD Garden)- Bergeron scores in OT to give the Bruins the early 1-0 lead in the series.
Game 2 (TD Garden)- Avalanche redeem themselves in Game 2 with a big 4-1 win.
Game 3 (Pepsi Center)- Avalanche get another big win on the stick on Mikko Rantanen.
Game 4 (Pepsi Center)- Bruins even up the series with two-goal games from Pastrnak, McAvoy.
Game 5 (TD Garden)- Bruins push Avalanche to the brink of elimination behind a shutout by Rask.
Game 6 (Pepsi Center)- Avalanche force a Game 7 in a 6-2 victory featuring a MacKinnon hat trick
Game 7 (TD Garden)- Colorado wins their 3rd Stanley Cup in a 3-1 win in Boston.
Colorado wins 4-3
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