By: Chris Nosek

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Montreal Canadiens (Montreal leads series 2-1)

Martin St. Louis has this Canadiens team prepared for the Lightning every single game so far. The Bell Centre was rocking for this one, and the Canadiens were fed by that. The entire team has bought into doing whatever it takes to win the series, and none of them are showing any panic. They definitely learned from last season’s early playoff exit, and their youth is an advantage against Tampa Bay. The Lightning are definitely missing Victor Hedman on the backend, but who knows when he makes his return. The Canadiens will continue building their confidence. Having the Bell Centre behind them on Sunday will really help as they push to get the Lightning on the edge of elimination.

Original Prediction: Montreal Canadiens advance in 7 games
Prediction after game 1: Montreal Canadiens advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 2: Montreal Canadiens advance in 6 games
New Prediction: Montreal Canadiens advance in 6 games

Vegas Golden Knights @ Utah Mammoth (Utah leads series 2-1)

Everything we saw in this game is why I went with Utah before the series. They exploited Vegas’s weaknesses and, despite getting only 12 shots on goal, scored 4 goals. Carter Hart was the team’s most consistent goaltender all season. He was the clear and obvious choice to be the team’s starter, but giving up four goals on twelve shots could start to eat away at the confidence his teammates have in him as this series goes further. The only question I had was whether or not Hart could maintain his play and steal the series. At this point, Vegas will remain in it, but I don’t see them coming out on top. Utah’s confidence will only continue to build, especially with their home crowd backing them again next game.

Original Prediction: Utah Mammoth advances in 6 games
Prediction after game 1: Vegas Golden Knights advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 2: Vegas Golden Knights advance in 6 games
New Prediction: Utah Mammoth advances in 6 games

Edmonton Oilers @ Anaheim Ducks (Anaheim leads series 2-1)

The first period of this game was as perfect as possible for the Ducks. Aside from continuing to hold Connor McDavid scoreless, they mustered up 20 shots on Connor Ingram in the first period alone. While the Oilers were able to get back into the game, it was always extemely unlikely McDavid would continue to remain off the scoresheet. The Oilers have played a lot hockey over the past three seasons and it is clearly starting to catch up to them.

While he’s offered the most consistency in the crease, Connor Ingram was never going to be the netminder to lead this team to a Stanely Cup Championship. The defensive game just isn’t there in front of him. At this point, turning the net over to Tristan Jarry is the right move, but it’s very likely too late. The youngest players on the Ducks have the confidence they need and will be able to do their part in putting the Oilers away in this series. Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and now Becket Sennecke are all on the scoreboard. Even Jeffrey Viel, who was brought in from Boston earlier this season, has a playoff goal. Each team is likely to hold serve at home the rest of the way, but for Anaheim that means a series victory in game six at home.

Original Prediction: Anaheim Ducks advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 1: Edmonton Oilers advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 2: Edmonton Oilers advance in 6 games
New Prediction: Aneheim Ducks advance in 6 games