By: Chris Nosek

Montreal Canadiens @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Series tied at 1)

The physicality shown in this one showed we’re in for a long series, but both teams might not be able to walk when it’s over. Despite participating in the ruckus, the Canadiens are keeping their composure. I would have been more shocked if Tampa Bay hadn’t responded in this type of fashion – especially for a game that was in their own building. Montreal did what they had to do in taking a game on the road. The series now heads to the Bell Centre for game three on Friday. Montreal knows they have been the better team overall, and over games one and two, they’ve built up their confidence to take control of the series. Having their home crowd behind them, I would fully expect them to take both games at home.

Original Prediction: Montreal Canadiens advance in 7 games
Prediction after game 1: Montreal Canadiens advance in 6 games
New Prediction: Montreal Canadiens advance in 6 games

Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres (Series tied at 1)

This game showed the lack of playoff experience for several on the Sabres, but no one more than Ukko-Pekka Luukkenon. He let in a very soft goal from beyond the blue line to Morgan Geekie and was pulled from the game. This was the response game the Bruins needed, and it was to be expected. In this game, they used their timeout to reset, which was something they didn’t do in game one. Jeremy Swayman is playing exactly how Boston needs him to, while questions are starting to ease into the Buffalo crease. I think they go back to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for game three, but with that game being in Boston, he’s going to have to have a short leash. This is following the script I fully expected. The Bruins just need to continue their excellent play at home to gain control in the series. If they’re able to do that, they will be able to put an end to Buffalo’s magic ride.

Original Prediction: Boston Bruins advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 1: Boston Bruins advance in 6 games
New Prediction: Boston Bruins advance in 6 games

Utah Mammoth @ Vegas Golden Knights (Series tied at 1)

The Utah Mammoth have done exactly what they needed to do in the first two games of this series – split the road games. Now, they get to bring the first-ever NHL playoff game to Utah on Friday night. This is a great advantage for the Mammoth as Vegas finished barely over .500 on the road this season. No moment has been too big for Logan Cooley and company, and this playoff run will only give them more confidence. In game one, Utah proved they can hang with Vegas despite the experience advantage. I still hesitate to say the Golden Knights don’t have enough to get past this Mammoth team. Utah will certainly make it a series and it will be fun to watch all the way through.

Original Prediction: Utah Mammoth advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 1: Vegas Golden Knights advance in 6 games
New Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights advance in 6 games

Los Angeles Kings @ Colorado Avalanche (COL leads 2-0)

There really isn’t much to say about this game or series. The Kings have thrown everything they possibly can at the Avs. This was practically a perfect game for them and it still wasn’t enough. Yes, it was never likely they would head into Colorado and steal a game, but his would have been the one that they could, especially once they pushed it to overtime. Coming into the series, the Avs were such heavy favorites, the question was really just how many games could the Kings steal…if they couldn’t steal this one, I’m not sure they get one at all. They do go to LA for game three, so it’s possible, but I’d be surprised if the Kings can play this well again.

Original Prediction: Colorado Avalanche advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 1: Colorado Avalanche advance in 5 games
New Prediction: Colorado Avalanche advance in 4 games