By: Chris Nosek

Philadelphia Flyers @ Pittsburgh Penguins (Flyers lead series 2-0)

From the beginning of the series, the Flyers showed they were not intimidated by their opponent. They’ve remained relaxed and continue to let the game come to them despite the series being tied for 81% of the time played. This game, the Flyers really took control of the series. The Penguins continually get frustrated as Dan Vladar continues to play phenominally. His rebound control has been great while his positioning is near perfect.

While Vladar has been the start on the backend, Portor Martone has been the leader up front. Since joining the team after his season with Michigan ended, he’s reinvigorated the offense and added the perfect finishing touch. Neither team is producing as many chances as they would like, but Martone is ensuring the Flyers are capitolizing on the ones they get.

Pittsburgh continally looks like they’re trying to force the game they want to play, and it’s not working. While they were able to generate more pucks to the net than in game one, the quality of shots weren’t as great. The Flyers have found a way to knock several key players off their game. The Penguins have seen Mantha, Crosby, Karlsson, Wotherspoon, and Crosby all take two penalties while Kris Letang has racked up 16 penalty minutes. So far the Penguins have racked up a total of 62 minutes of penalties. Taking 11 minor penalties over two games is never going to be a winning formula for the Penguins.

The Flyers return home having controlled play most of the time in Pittsburgh. Gaining home ice advantage will only boost their confidence. Obviously, Crosby, Malkin, and company won’t go down without a fight. There will be tendency to believe there is no way they won’t be able to win at least one game. Most will pick start to favor the Flyers in 6 games, it just doesn’t seem like the Flyers will lighten up with their home crowd behind them.

Original Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins win in 6
Prediction after game 1: Pittsburgh Penguins win in 6
New Prediction: Philadelphia Flyers advance in 4 games

Ottawa Senators @ Carolina Hurricanes (Carolina leads series 2-0)

Yes, this turned out to be a hell of a game, but again, the Ottawa Senators came out and failed to test Frederick Andersen. Despite his rough regular season, he’s looked like a completely different goaltender. However, it’s clear the Senators are too focused on playing physically instead of getting shots on goal. In fact, Dylan Cozens’ goal in the second showed exactly why the shots on goal are critical. It was a shot from just inside the blueline from above the faceoff circle. After the two games, the Senators have 61 total shots on Andersen. However, due to the overtimes, they are only averaging just over seven shots per period.

Linus Ullmark is playing outstanding for the Senators. While his puck tracking is a little off, his glove is on point and his rebound control has been great. Despite giving up a game-winning shot that was overturned, he was able to move past it and keep giving them a chance to win. At this point, the Senators seem more worried about proving they can compete physically that they’re going to lose sight of the series.

Original Prediction: Ottawa Senators win in 7 games
Prediction after game 1: Carolina Hurricanes win in 5 games
New Prediction:

Minnesota Wild @ Dallas Stars (Series is tied 1-1)

The Dallas Stars came out fighting back after dropping the first game. This should have been completely expected. This was always going to be tough series for both teams. Jesper Wallstedt and Jake Oettinger both continued their high level of play. However, it seems pretty clear that Brock Faber is getting just a tad overlooked because of Quinn Hughes. This game was a remind of just how great Faber can be across all 200 feet of the ice.

Nothing from this game indicated that the series should be expected to be less than the projected (by many) 7 games. This was one of the better games that the Stars could put forth and the Wild still kept it a winnable game. It’s very possible we’re looking at another overtime game if the puck doesn’t stay on it’s edge and curl into the goal instead of going for the icing call. The 49 seconds on the clock could have easily been enough time for the Wild to tie the game. If the Stars need such a bounce in their favor to win the game on their home ice, I believe the series still leans in favor of the Wild.

Original Prediction: Dallas Stars win in 7 games
Prediction after game 1: Minnesota Wild win in 7 games
New Prediction: Minnesota Wild win in 7 games

Anaheim Ducks @ Edmonton Oilers (Edmonton leads series 1-0)

Despite the loss, the Ducks proved they’re up to the task for this series against McDavid and company. Both goaltenders got tested and despite a lull to end his season, Lukas Dostal came up huge for the young Ducks. Some of the Ducks showed some nerves early, but as the game went on they all settled in. They fell into the 2-0 hole in the first, but their confidence level never waivered. They knew they had the talent to beat Connor Ingrim, and they went out and proved it.

The mistakes the Ducks made are ones that can easily be correct by a coach like Joel Quenneville. Over the regular season, the Ducks were the better scoring team. However, the question remains if they can continue to shutdown Connor McDavid. While they kept him off the scoreboard for this game, they proved to everyone that they can compete with this Oilers team. Since going to the finals each of the past two seasons, the Oilers have been through so many scenarios that such experience should help them advance.

Original Prediction: Anaheim Ducks advance in 6 games

Current Prediction: Edmonton Oilers advance in 6 games