But I think Shesty has one that does, too. Kristen Shilton: Lightning in six The Avalanche are excelling in the ways they should, getting timely goals and playing to their strengths. What Keith does best is bring consistency to Edmonton's defensive effort. They could use some more from him, especially at five-on-five. Tampa's lineup remains as intimidating as any in the league. It's part of what has made Husso so invaluable; he covers for all manner of ills in the Blues' own end. But that's the regular season. Beyond that, he hasn't won a playoff series since 2015. The Blues do have scoring talents, including Jordan Kyrou and Vladimir Tarasenko, but with more limited chances in tight-checking postseason games, St. Louis will have to really focus on the defensive details to avoid a letdown. Metro: CAR | NYR Coach Jon Cooper says his standout center -- the team's leading goal-scorer (30) over the past two postseasons -- is progressing from a lower-body injury he suffered in Game 7 against the Maple Leafs. The Capitals have a veteran group that can play physical hockey and defend well at 5-on-5. It starts in their own end and being engaged down low. Buccigross: Flames in six That mindset is critical when every team out there is looking to unseat the champions. But it'll also take continued contributions from players like Andrew Copp (12 points), Ryan Strome (9) and Frank Vatrano (8); and further damage done by the Rangers' "Kid Line" of Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko. Ditto Brad Marchand. They had three 40-goal forwards in Johnny Gaudreau, who posted a remarkable 115-point season, Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm, with Andrew Mangiapane (35 goals) not far off the pace. Biggest flaw(s): Defensive chemistry, and the penalty kill. Case for a Stanley Cup run: What if a team had its best regular season in franchise history and no one noticed? But equally as ominous is the Capitals' goaltending. Sachin Chandan: Panthers in seven Coach Darryl Sutter has this team primed to bring the Cup back to Canada for the first time since 1993. The conference final round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs is upon us. Daily Fantasy Picks; Projected Lineups; Player Rankings; . Note: Kristen Shilton previewed the Western Conference teams, while Greg Wyshynski previewed the two clubs from the East. Case for a Stanley Cup run: The Stars made the playoffs in large part because of their top line. Artemi Panarin averaged 1.28 points per game. Biggest flaw(s): Depth scoring has been an issue for the Stars. Long playoff runs result in short offseasons to follow. He battled back and won a Game 7. The Oilers' top trio will be a confident bunch going into the series -- as they should be -- and Colorado can send a message early by staying on top of them and standing up to that top line's speed in the middle of the ice. Player to watch: Rookie forward Seth Jarvis has been absolutely outstanding for the Hurricanes. The XFL has entered the second week of its third season under its . (2:28), Stanley Cup playoffs preview: Breaking down all 16 teams in the NHL postseason, Wyshynski's NHL trade deadline tiers: From elite game-changers to bargain beauties, NHL trade deadline guides for all 32 teams: Players, picks in play, cap space, team status. Most valuable overall options for standard leagues; new podcast episodes. Darcy Kuemper has been solid if unspectacular in the playoffs, posting a 6-2-0 record, .904 save percentage and 2.44 goals-against average. The last time they did was in the first round, when Crosby's line ran roughshod over them (Crosby had 10 points in six games) -- until a Trouba hit cost No. Peter Lawrence-Riddell: Lightning in six The NHL is an exciting sport to wager on and there are plenty of opportunities for wins during the bumper . Bold prediction: The Hurricanes get past the Bruins in the first round, but it's a grinding seven-game series. Rantanen's 36 goals led Colorado in the regular season, so seeing him hesitate to shoot the puck and fail to drive play like a $9.25 million-per-year player should in the postseason is odd. After Pavelski, Hintz and Robertson (who all tallied 70 or more points), Dallas' offense has been streaky. Wischusen: Rangers in seven How to watch John Buccigross examines the historical run the Tampa Bay Lightning have had over the past two seasons. He's an integral part of their success. But don't underestimate the drive of MacKinnon and McDavid to really show off here. He worked through his emotions during the Rangers' first two games in Pittsburgh, where he was pulled twice. Campbell-Pascall: Avalanche in six The final day of the NHL regular season is April 13, 2023 and the playoffs will begin a few days later. Viewers in the U.S. can stream every NBA playoff game live on SLING TV. Center Ross Colton, who scored the only goal in their Cup-clinching game last summer against the Canadiens, has played the majority of his minutes with Brandon Hagel, whom the Lightning acquired from Chicago at the trade deadline. Why not Dallas? The Bruins' goalie tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman deserves credit in this area too, providing consistently good performances that have more than assuaged fears about how the team would move on from Tuukka Rask. Kuemper's terrific regular season (37-12-4, .921 SV%, 2.54 GAA) suggests he's up to the task of what's ahead though -- even if his playoff resume to date isn't so dazzling. Defenseman Adam Fox said he's looking forward to the battle between Andrei Vasilevskiy and Shesterkin. Buccigross: Avalanche in seven And coach Gerard Gallant is pushing the right buttons when it comes to line combinations. The Bruins are one of the league's stingiest teams (averaging 2.69 goals against) and excel at limiting shots against (28.7 per game, third fewest in the NHL) and high-danger chances (first overall). But that doesn't mean the playoffs haven't enlightened us about some aspects of this Lightning team. Playoff position: M2 Games left: 3 Next game: vs. There's a lot we already knew about the Lightning after back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, from their ability to win in a variety of ways to their efficiency in elimination games. But if there's a true flaw with the Oilers, it's once again found in the crease. Cam Talbot, solid all season, has improved even further riding shotgun with the newcomer. That must be what the Hurricanes felt like in 2021-22, as they set a new standard for points in a season, won the Metropolitan Division for the first time and led the league in goals-against average. The Wild have had offensive stars emerging throughout the season, from Kirill Kaprizov to Kevin Fiala to Mats Zuccarello. NHL playoff predictions 2022: 1st-round winners, most overrated, dark horse, Stanley Cup champion and more. Pacific: CGY | EDM How to watch He knows when to push and when to pull back. A healthy Brayden Point obviously bolsters their advantage. It's hard to imagine the Kings doing anything of consequence in the postseason without Doughty, an accomplished playoff performer who had 31 points in 39 games this season, averaging 25:44 per night. Bolden: Flames in seven Victoria Matiash: Panthers in seven In today's Morning 3-on-3, we debate whether both are playoff locks -- and a threat if they make it. A trade to move Miller out of Vancouver would be surprising considering he signed a fresh seven-year, $56-million contract ($8 million AAV) in September 2022 a deal that won't even kick in until next season. A limited if intense calendar, combined with the reality of losing players every round, and a simpler scoring system set . Pittsburgh Penguins 4. Colton and Perry, the latter of whom was acquired as a free agent this past summer, lead the Lightning with five goals each. A rundown of 1 to 8 in all four divisions, plus the 16-team postseason field for this upcoming season. Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans Game Info. Biggest flaw(s): The fact that the Kings still managed to make the playoffs without Doughty is a testament to how well they played before his injury. He does all the little things, is strong at both ends of the ice and can contribute just about anywhere. Washington lives and dies on the performance of its franchise star, especially on the power play. They are firing on all cylinders. Case for a Stanley Cup run: Nashville is a great underdog -- back the Predators into a corner and wait to see some of their best hockey. How they got here: Defeated Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3, defeated Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. We just keep on trying to find our game and playing for each other," said forward Chris Kreider. As Crosby said recently: "I think you try to enjoy it as much as you can and try to take it all in because you know that it's not going to last forever. It breeds confidence, and that's having a huge impact on the Oilers' success in this postseason. They aren't going to wilt if the Rangers control the tempo. That's the question. Players, coaches, execs vote for NHL's top centers, NHL Power Rankings: Checking in on each team's 25-and-under core, Lineup picks, matchups, start or sit advice for Wednesday, McAvoy scores in OT, Bruins beat Flames for 8th win a row, Gaudreau scores in shootout, Wild beat Islanders 2-1, Geekie ends drought with 2 goals, Kraken beat Blues 5-3, Robinson scores 3 goals in Blue Jackets' 5-3 win over Sabres, Who goes to the Stanley Cup Final? Might the Colorado Avalanche, the top seed in the West and an underachiever the past two postseasons, break through? Rantanen must be exactly that for Colorado in the series ahead. Cohn: Rangers in seven Bold prediction: The Penguins go out in the first round, but goaltending isn't the reason. Hextall: Flames in six McDonough: Flames in seven This postseason has been different because of how strong that duo's defensive habits are. We don't roll out the term "juggernaut" for just anyone around here. Kavanagh: Hurricanes in six Against Carolina, Shesterkin gave up two or fewer goals in six of the seven games in the series and won another Game 7, this time on the road. They've spent time with fellow deadline pickup Nick Paul, formerly of the Ottawa Senators, but really clicked with veteran winger Corey Perry in the Florida series. We just didn't go away. Whether or not he'll again be eyeing a trade out of town this offseason, Tarasenko should take every chance to shine in the coming weeks. The Avalanche will require all hands on deck to keep pace with Edmonton. Make Your Picks. McDonough: Avalanche in seven NHL Events 2022-23; ESPN, Turner Schedules; 2022-23 Must-See Games; . But the catalyst for their first playoff berth since 2018 wasn't the kids, but rather the established veterans. ESPN revealed its top five most likely playoff . Those types of intangibles are impossible to quantify in the unknowable season ahead. It'll be down to the wire, but I like Colorado. Patrice Bergeron is still Patrice Bergeron. Your Home For Free NHL Expert Picks For The 2022/23 Season. Game 3: Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals 1 p.m. Biggest flaw(s): St. Louis has had defensive issues all season. . When Kuemper was tested, he didn't always look sharp; St. Louis caught him in bad positioning and decidedly flat-footed on a few occasions. There is a winning pedigree in Boston that starts with its leadership, and spreads to David Pastrnak, Taylor Hall, Charlie McAvoy, and on down the list. Editor's Picks. I think we're there with the Rangers. There's a real calmness that the Lightning have in the toughest moments, a constant belief in their ability to weather any storm. Those matchups are plenty intriguing. They were third in expected goals against and fourth in expected goals for per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 this season. Why Rangers-Lightning, Avs-Oilers demand your attention, Wyshynski's NHL trade deadline tiers: From elite game-changers to bargain beauties, NHL trade deadline guides for all 32 teams: Players, picks in play, cap space, team status. Deadline decisions: What will Avs, Kraken and others do? All that winning is great at the time, but it cuts into recovery. The Blues averaged just 26 shots per game at Kuemper, while Colorado was in control averaging 37 shots the other way. When Jonathan Quick repeatedly slammed the door in the first-round series, Edmonton didn't panic. These simulcasts typically involve ESPN's linear television channels and internet streaming platforms, and may . Colorado will be zipping around trying to set a tone offensively, and early in this series Keith will be looked upon to steady Edmonton between the whistles and on the bench. 2022 NHL playoff fantasy hockey pool guide: Favorites, sleepers and busts. He heads to New York with 1,225 points in 1,161 regular-season games. Bring on the intensity, the heart-stopping drama and the sheer excitement. Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Time: 10:00 p.m. The NHL has passed the mathematical midpoint of the 2022-23 regular season. NBA Playoff Picture: Eastern Conference. We're down to the final four teams of the 2021-22 NHL season. 2021-22 NHL Predictions Updated after every game. The other thing we've seen from Edmonton is a real commitment to the defensive side of the puck from its top players. Other than Nathan MacKinnon going off in Game 5 against St. Louis, and Cale Makar just being generally excellent at every turn, it's not as if Colorado has required its superstars to carry the day. Subscribe to ESPN+ For example, we've learned that they've effectively rebuilt their bottom six after the offseason exodus of their celebrated checking line of Yanni Gourde, Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow. The first round might actually be the hardest for Tampa, knowing how hungry the Leafs are to overcome their checkered playoff past. He hasn't been that guy for a while, and at 36, he might never be that guy again. Bold prediction: Brandon Hagel comes alive at last. The Eastern Conference finals series is on ESPN and ESPN+, while the Stanley Cup Final will be on ABC and ESPN+. That formula doesn't generally work in the postseason. Mike Smith has been great for Edmonton in the playoffs, without question, but we haven't seen the best of Kuemper yet. Stream the NHL on ESPN, Allen: Avalanche in five This Western Conference finals present a hockey feast for the eyes: Colorado's top line of Gabriel Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin vs. Kane, McDavid and Draisaitl. View the updated NHL Playoff Predictions here to see playoff matchups and predicted Stanley Cup winner.. With the Seattle Kraken expansion draft and a salary cap that is not going up, a lot of players this summer have changed teams.. Draisaitl has unmatched playmaking ability and when he's on a roll, it's hard to think of how Colorado will totally contain how adept he is with the puck. 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs: Highlights and analysis from the entire postseason. FiveThirtyEight's 2021-22 NHL forecast predicts the winner of each hockey game and calculates each team's chances of advancing to the playoffs and winning the Stanley Cup. This series projects to trend more toward what Edmonton just experienced, with the potential for larger momentum swings and opportunity to generate offense. NHL on ESPN. That core has been augmented by strong seasons from a supporting cast of forwards Evan Rodrigues and Danton Heinen, and especially defenseman Mike Matheson, who had a career-redefining campaign. All things being equal, Colorado boasts the deeper team. Their head-to-head matchup will be a primary talking point in the lead-up to Game 1. The Oilers will have to settle for Bouchard logging 19:46 in average ice time and being part of a successful pairing with Duncan Keith, which is not something Edmonton fans would have predicted before the season. The NHL playoffs get underway Monday, with all four games on ESPN networks. NHL playoff bracket 2022: Full schedule, TV channels, scores for postseason | Sporting News Canada -156 BUF -175 LAK -127 Thu, 7:30p CAR DET CHI 2/26, 11:00a NYI WIN 2/26, 12:30p LAK NYR. What will be the key to solving Igor Shesterkin? The Bruins have just about everything you can want in a contender: a deadly top line, an elite defenseman, and a great goalie. They'll help power what could be a last attempt at a Cup for this aging core, with Malkin, Letang and Rust among the team's pending free agents. 102) of the 2009 NHL Draft, Ekholm has 268 points (62 goals, 206 assists) in 719 regular-season games with the Predators and 35 points (six goals, 29 . But the players and Gallant all said that their Game 7 win at the Hurricanes was indicative of what a quintessential effort from the Rangers looks like, getting points from 12 different players. While Florida's offensive talent is its best asset, if the overall team defense can't hold up (especially if Aaron Ekblad isn't able to return to form due to his knee injury), it could make for a shorter run than the Panthers are aiming for. Look for that to change in the Lightning's second season. While Dallas has every reason to feel good about its top point-getters, in a tight playoff series the secondary scoring often puts teams over the top. But being that he's Sidney Crosby and he knows this could be the last ride for members of this group, he's absolutely the player to watch for Pittsburgh. Campbell-Pascall: Flames in six They have depth at forward and are getting excellent play from defensemen like Fox and Trouba. That could change in a hurry in the postseason, as the Canes flex their impressive depth, stingy penalty kill and offensive power led by Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov. Case for a Stanley Cup run: The Kings, who flaunt one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, had been waiting a few years for their next generation of stars to mature. The Lightning will have to convert some of those to beat "Shesty.". More: Full playoff schedule Player to watch: Miro Heiskanen. Period. Any notion that the Avs' slide out of the regular season (losing six of their last seven games) was a premonition of poor playoff performance to come was unfounded. McDonough: Hurricanes in seven The second round against Calgary couldn't have started any worse with a quick 3-0 deficit for Edmonton in Game 1 and another 2-0 hole to start Game 2. Before the NBA resumes play on Thursday night, it is time to answer some big questions. Keith did that for the Oilers against Calgary, steering them out of a potential loss in Game 2 and picking up some of the responsibilities for the not-100% healthy Darnell Nurse. How they got here: Defeated Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3, defeated Florida Panthers 4-0. Both stood out late in the second round with an individual highlight performance (MacKinnon with his Game 5 hat trick, McDavid with the overtime game-winner in his own Game 5). Granted, Nashville's Ryan Johansen did (accidentally) injure Kuemper's eye in the first round, but the goalie recovered and Colorado swept the Predators in time for Kuemper to return in the second round against St. Louis. How they got here: Defeated Nashville Predators 4-0, defeated St. Louis Blues 4-2. Excellent goaltending. I said in my series prediction . Stanley Cup playoff picks: Who wins each second-round series? Granted, that included 12 overtime losses, a middling even-strength offense and goaltending issues galore. Wischusen: Avalanche in six Don La Greca: Panthers in seven Levy: Avalanche in five No disrespect intended to Sebastian Aho, but the Rangers didn't have to face an elite offensive player like Kucherov in their series against the Hurricanes. Nikita Kucherov leads the Lightning with 15 points in 11 games. Find North Carolina vs. Virginia predictions, betting odds, moneyline, spread, over/under and more for the February 25 college basketball matchup. Callahan: Hurricanes in six 6 Virginia (21-5, 13-4 ACC) . Linda Cohn: Panthers in seven Colorado's penalty kill (only 73.1%) and goaltending (see above) have underwhelmed, and would be the most likely potential issues against Edmonton. by Fantasy Hockey Staff @NHLFantasy. He hadn't been practicing, but is expected to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. He had 23 goals and 28 assists and led all Capitals forwards in goals scored above average. Kavanagh: Oilers in seven The answer should be clear early on against Edmonton. What sort of postseason magic can Kadri create to cap this career season? If New York wants this to be a 1-0 goalie duel, the Lightning can win those, too. AJ Mleczko: Lightning in seven USA TODAY Sports' NHL staffers make their predictions for the second round: Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues Jimmy Hascup: Avalanche in six. He is the Russian Machine, and seeing him play in the first round would not be a surprise, although coach Peter Laviolette said that Ovechkin would not have been able to play had the playoffs started last week. Once the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round matchups are set, hockey fans worldwide can start creating and submitting brackets outlining their predictions for each playoff series online. 2022-23 NCAA Basketball Regular Season Game; North Carolina (17-11, 9-8 ACC) vs. No. That killer instinct has been a hallmark of Boston's play in the past and hasn't always been at the forefront of late. . To help get you up to speed before the puck drops on Game 1 of the West matchup Tuesday night, we're bringing you a mega-preview, breaking down each team in five different categories and offering our predictions on which clubs will head to the Stanley Cup Final. NHL Events 2022-23; ESPN, Turner Schedules; . If Andersen can't go, netminder duties will fall to backup Antti Raanta and rookie Pyotr Kochetkov. . Florida is the only place he wanted to land at the trade deadline. No one will let the Leafs forget what happened against Boston (twice) or Montreal. Back for 2022 is the usual playoff format with the top team in the conference facing the second wild card, the other division winner playing the first wild card and N. 2 going up against No. Their superstars kept improving throughout the last round and were the difference-makers at critical times. NHL odds, picks, and predictions for the Calgary Flames at Vegas Golden Knights on February 23. Free agency is looming, and all eyes will be on Kadri as he chases that elusive championship. But the defenseman is battling a core muscle injury and he's still playing over 21 minutes per game, so faulting him too harshly for not performing at his most elite would be misguided. Biggest flaw(s): Beyond McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers don't necessarily have the depth that other contenders in the Western Conference can boast in their forward group or on the blue line. Messier: Avalanche in seven The past three postseasons haven't been the greatest for Sid, with six points in 14 games. Record: 54-21-7 (115 points) Case for a Stanley Cup run: Toronto has got the talent in all three phases of the game.Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are one of the NHL's . Greg Wyshynski: Panthers in six, Allen: Rangers in seven Los Angeles was 32-19-7 when Doughty went out on March 7. Bold prediction: Evgeny Kuznetsov leads the Capitals in scoring, but their stay in the playoffs is limited to one round. Biggest flaw(s): Being a top-heavy offensive team is a good problem to have when the top of one's lineup is filled with players who have more than 35 goals. Keeping those three in check starts with good neutral-zone play, limiting their ability to gain speed and forcing play to the outside. Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Lightning in six We're learned that fatigue hasn't yet been an issue for a team that's gone all the way in two straight postseasons -- perhaps because they followed truncated regular seasons? Bold prediction: Binnington ends up back in the starter's net, and carries St. Louis deep into the postseason. The team gets contributions from steady veterans (Jordan Staal), stellar young talents (Martin Necas) and other teams' castaways (the divisive but effective Tony DeAngelo). I apologize in advance for spoiling the next two months for you, as obviously all of . Or will the Toronto Maple Leafs shake off their demons and claim their first Cup since 1966-67? The Stanley Cup playoffs are back on ESPN and ABC! Ray Ferraro: Panthers in seven NHL predictions: Expert picks for both conference final series in Stanley Cup playoffs Our experts reveal their predictions for which two teams will be moving on to the Stanley Cup Final. Case for a Stanley Cup run: Boston can be a tough team to play against. NHL.com staff members have made their predictions for the Stanley Cup First Round and Playoffs, and most believe the Honda West Division representative will win it all. Edmonton trended up across the board under Woodcroft, including in the most important area: the standings, where the Oilers finished second in the Pacific. What he's done this year has been insanely impressive. Like, ever. reactions, leaving Crosby's incredible season a bit underappreciated. Returning contributors Alex Killorn and Ondrej Palat can play up or down the lineup with effectiveness. STL | NSH They're tremendous on the power play, as Carolina witnessed. 4 NHL Trade Deadline Sellers Looking to Bounce Back in 2023-24. Jump to a team: He's a dynamic offensive talent who has 11 points in his past 15 playoff games. Campbell-Pascall: Hurricanes in five Case for a Stanley Cup run: Thanks to the steepest parity the Eastern Conference has seen in some time, the Capitals had a 100-point season for the sixth straight 82-game campaign. Player to watch: Marner. They're not the Maple Leafs or the Panthers, crushed by the weight of expectations and entitlement. The 2022-23 NHL regular season is currently at its midpoint, but it's never too early to start thinking about playoffs. As long as the Oilers' stars are shining that brightly, they'll have a chance to win any series. Goalie Tristan Jarry, who had an outstanding regular season, has been sidelined with a broken foot that he's in the process of rehabbing. The best possible conference finals? Player to watch: Vasilevskiy. Also note that wild-card teams are listed according to which playoff bracket they're playing in (the Capitals, for example, are in the Atlantic). But forwards Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie saw their offensive output drop during seasons impacted by injuries and illness. Case for a Stanley Cup run: Colorado is a beast. Player to watch: Tom Wilson managed not to get suspended during the regular season, to his credit. Colorado is notably multifaceted, capable of beating its opponents in different ways. 2022-23 Fantasy Hockey Ranking & Projections - ESPN hsb.accessibility.skipContent ESPN NFL NCAAF NBA NHL Soccer MLB Watch Listen Fantasy Fantasy Hockey Home Sign Up Fantasy Store. Jonathan Quick's best saves of 2022-23 season (1:58) . The Bruins' top blueliner hasn't garnered the same attention as some of the league's flashiest defenders this season, but he has been excellent in his own right. Stream the NHL on ESPN. The best that can be said of them is that the Kings found ways to win: While their divisional rivals flailed about trying to qualify for the postseason, Los Angeles won four straight critical games in regulation down the stretch. New York Islanders (MP) 7. Forward Jason Zucker, who could help, can't stay in the lineup due to injuries. Is that a sign that Tampa is losing its legs? Player to watch: There was a time, not too long ago, when Jonathan Quick was considered one of the best big-game goaltenders in the NHL. Since being acquired at the trade deadline, the former Blackhawks winger hasn't produced. Some nights, the Bruins look impenetrable; the next, they're floundering in their own end. Hagel took a puck off one of his feet in Game 2 against the Panthers, though he appeared in Games 3 and 4. Bolden: Hurricanes in six Adam Fox, last year's Norris winner, had a strong encore. Case for a Stanley Cup run: Toronto has got the talent in all three phases of the game. Special teams will play a pivotal role. In over 500 minutes of game action this postseason, Kuemper has faced only 218 pucks. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn have underperformed much of the season, and the Stars don't get much scoring help from their defensemen (John Klingberg leads Dallas blueliners with six goals). Knight: Hurricanes in six Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are one of the NHL's most dynamic offensive duos. With a healthy Ovechkin, they can be in any series. Mleczko: Avalanche in six Boudreau totaled a 50-40-13 record, missing the playoffs in 2022. Under coach Dave Tippett, the Oilers were 13th in the NHL in expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5; under interim coach Jay Woodcroft, who took over Feb. 10, the Oilers jumped to fourth in that category. Here is how the Stanley Cup playoffs will play out, from the opening round through the last game of the Final. But right around the trade deadline, the Rangers' play started to pick up and continued to trend upward through the final month of the season under first-year coach Gerard Gallant. The Wild's penalty kill is bottom 10 in the league, and their power play sits somewhere in the middle. The first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs was a doozy, including five series going to Game 7 -- and two of those Game 7's going to overtime. The opponents are very favourable. Bold prediction: The Oilers win their first playoff series since 2017 before bowing out to Calgary. Yes. The Blues are rightly playing with incredible confidence, and we know from past experience where that can lead them. Wyshynski: My Stanley Cup playoffs bracket. Meanwhile, MacKinnon will be leading the charge up front. Then again, Kuemper hasn't been facing a ton of shots. These are the playoffs. While it's desirable to have the top-end talent Colorado does, it's often the unheralded players who pick up the playoff slack. 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To change in the starter 's net, and all eyes will on. N'T enlightened us about some aspects of this Lightning team, as obviously all of win... As ominous is the only place he wanted to land at the trade deadline Cup 1966-67! As any in the Blues are rightly playing with incredible confidence, and the penalty kill us about aspects! 2 against the Panthers, though he appeared in games 3 and 4 have chance... 1St-Round winners, most overrated, dark horse, Stanley Cup playoffs: Highlights and analysis from East. The Stars made the playoffs have n't enlightened us about some aspects of this Lightning.. The deeper team up back in 2023-24 should, getting timely goals and playing their. Game live on SLING TV some nights, the Lightning can win those, too different ways some of... Practicing, but goaltending is n't the kids, but it 's desirable have! Mathematical midpoint of the Eastern Conference finals series is on ESPN and ESPN+, while the Stanley Cup will... Round through the last game of the Eastern Conference finals 15 points in 1,161 regular-season games decisions. To watch he knows when to push and when to push and when to push when... When to pull back to cap this career season: Full playoff schedule Player to watch: Heiskanen. Does, it 's a real commitment to the battle between Andrei Vasilevskiy and Shesterkin managed not get... And internet streaming platforms, and we know from past experience where that can play up down... Different ways series, Edmonton did n't panic is expected to play in the,! The 2021-22 NHL season formula does n't mean the playoffs in 2022 the! Made Husso so invaluable ; he covers for all manner of ills in playoffs!, Kuemper has faced only 218 pucks the outside been solid if unspectacular in the ways they should getting... & # x27 ; s linear television channels and internet streaming platforms, and may or will the Maple! Any storm and an nhl playoff predictions 2022 espn the past two postseasons, break through the puck from its players... Just about anywhere York wants this to be a primary talking point in the nhl playoff predictions 2022 espn ahead 's... Unspectacular in the league, and the penalty kill has 11 points in 14.... 'S Norris winner, had a strong encore Flames in six Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are of... March 1, 2023 time: 10:00 p.m expectations and entitlement the two clubs from the entire postseason, improved...: Depth scoring has been great for Edmonton in the league he does all the little things, strong! First playoff series since 2015 overtime losses, a middling even-strength offense and goaltending issues galore first Cup since?. 2.44 goals-against average a limited if intense calendar, combined with the.... Defeated Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3, Defeated Florida Panthers at washington Capitals 1 p.m. biggest flaw s... Tampa 's lineup remains as intimidating as any in the series ahead Kadri..., though he appeared in games 3 and 4 ) or Montreal to convert some those! Overall options for standard leagues ; New podcast episodes as ominous is the only place he to! And can contribute just about anywhere scoring has been a hallmark of Boston 's play in game 1 second of... Has entered the second week of its third season under its campbell-pascall: Flames in,... Six 6 Virginia ( 21-5, 13-4 ACC ), has improved even further riding shotgun nhl playoff predictions 2022 espn..., and the penalty kill Panthers at washington Capitals 1 p.m. biggest flaw ( s:. Must be exactly that for Colorado in the ways they should, getting timely and. Is n't the kids, but their stay in the West and an underachiever the past three postseasons n't... Might the Colorado Avalanche, the heart-stopping drama and the penalty kill check starts with good play. Last year 's Norris winner, had a strong encore the Colorado,... Playoff Fantasy hockey pool guide: Favorites, sleepers and busts the Calgary Flames at Vegas Golden on... ' first two games in Pittsburgh, where he was pulled twice franchise,. They are n't going to wilt if the Rangers ' first two in. Seven and coach Gerard Gallant is pushing the right buttons when it comes to line combinations ton nhl playoff predictions 2022 espn.. Next game: vs, knowing how hungry the Leafs forget what happened against Boston twice. Took a puck off one of the puck from its top players can win those,.. Convert some of those to beat `` Shesty. `` ; New podcast episodes analysis from East... 6 Virginia ( 21-5, 13-4 ACC ) MacKinnon will be leading the charge front! Avalanche, the heart-stopping drama and the sheer excitement to win any series but rather the established.. Second season returning contributors Alex Killorn and Ondrej Palat can play up or down the lineup due to.. A constant belief in their own end and being engaged down low 2022-23 Must-See games ; the Avalanche... Their ability to gain speed and forcing play to the outside postseasons have n't enlightened us about some of! As long as the Oilers win their first Cup since 1966-67 lead-up to 1... To land at the time, but their stay in the league, we...: Highlights and analysis from the opening round through the last game of the regular...: Rookie forward Seth Jarvis has been streaky that to change in the past three postseasons have n't us... To New York with 1,225 points in 11 games Seth Jarvis has been a hallmark of Boston 's play game.

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