By: Chris Nosek

Carolina Hurricanes @ Ottawa Senators (CAR advances)

The Ottawa Senators never had their head on their own game from the moment the series started. This was evident when Brady Tkachuk dropped the gloves with Jordan Staal three seconds into the first game. The Senators did everything in their power to make it into the playoffs. Once the playoffs started, they completely changed how they played. Linus Ullmark was never the problem with this team; in fact, he’s the reason they had a chance to win any game in this series. While they’re primed to make some major adjustments to their roster this summer, starting goaltender isn’t one of their positions of need.

Original Prediction: Ottawa Senators win in 7 games
Prediction after game 1: Carolina Hurricanes win in 5 games
Prediction after game 2: Carolina Hurricanes advance in 4 games
Prediction after game 3: Carolina Hurricanes advance in 4 games
RESULT: Carolina wins the series 4-0 to advance

Dallas Stars @ Minnesota Wild (Series tied at 2)

As expected, the Wild responded to the game three loss in 2OT. These two teams, as expected, are neck and neck and separated by only the slimmest of margins. Both teams have the ability to win this series. The Stars have an advantage in overall depth, some of which is already being tested with Roope Hintz still yet to play. The Wild have been able to keep Mikko Rantanen at bay thus far and are forcing the Stars to have their second line beat them. Wallstedt remains up to the task, with his play at an elite level. Meanwhile, Oettinger is tracking the play – not the puck – and continues to get some solid help from his teammates. Overall, close games favor the Wild, while multi-goal games favor the Stars. Games five and six will likely be split, just as the first four were, and we have a decisive Game 7 in Dallas.

Original Prediction: Dallas Stars advance in 7 games
Prediction after game 1: Minnesota advances in 7 games
Prediction after game 2: Minnesota advances in 7 games
Prediction after game 3: Dallas advances in 6 games
New Prediction: Minnesota advances in 7 games

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Philadelphia Flyers (PHI leads series 3-1)

This was by far the best game for the Penguins, as they were the most disciplined and didn’t play into the hands of the Flyers as they had in the past. They still took a penalty for too many men, plus three others. However, it was naive to think that Crosby and company wouldn’t have at least one solid game to push back their elimination. The series shifts back to Pittsburgh for game five, and the only question remains whether or not the Penguins have one more in them. Philadelphia is still a very young team, and Pittsburgh has proven they are capable – so yes, I think they have one more gasp in them as a team.

Original Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 1: Pittsburgh Penguins advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 2: Philadelphia Flyers advance in 4 games
Prediction after game 3: Philadelphia Flyers advance in 4 games
New Prediction: Philadelphia Flyers advance in 6 games

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