Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins (BUF leads series 3-1)
Simply put, this was an embarrassing game for the Boston Bruins. The Sabres are taking advantage of the Boston Bruins, who are playing some of the worst hockey they have all season. Turnovers in their own zone and a lack of offensive push are absolutely killing the Bruins in this series. Multiple things can be true. The Boston Bruins came out with zero intensity and zero offensive pressure. Jeremy Swayman has been great for them in this series and is again showing why he’s paid for his current contract. During the regular season, this team had responses to terrible games like this. While a bounce-back game can be expected, it’s clear anything beyond that just isn’t in the cards.
Original Prediction: Boston Bruins advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 1: Boston Bruins advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 2: Boston Bruins advance in 6 games
New Prediction: Buffalo Sabres advance in 6 games
Colorado Avalanche @ Los Angeles Kings
As expected, the Avalanche proved to be too much for the Kings. We knew we had seen the best from the Kings, so to think they had four straight victories was wishful thinking. It’s a bummer that the Kings weren’t able to take at least one game in this series because we have now reached the end of Anze Kopitar’s career. The Kings’ offseason is now underway as they look to improve after what will be a considerable step backward following the loss of their franchise legend.
Original Prediction: Colorado Avalanche advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 1: Colorado Avalanche advance in 5 games
Prediction after game 2: Colorado Avalanche advance in 4 games
Prediction after game 3: Colorado Avalanche advance in 4 games
RESULT: Colorado wins the series 4-0 to advance
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Montreal Canadiens (Series tied at 2)
This is one of the best series in the first round. The biggest names in the series are playing the way you’d expect for both sides, but the matchup in goal is shining through. Despite his struggles during the regular season, Jakub Dobes continues to go save for save with Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning continue to miss Victor Hedman on the blueline, but they’re getting great play from Raddysh and Moser. How much longer does that continue, and can the Lightning steal the confidence from Montreal?
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
Prediction after game 3: Montreal Canadiens advance in 6 games
New Prediction: Montreal Canadiens advance in 6 games
Edmonton Oilers @ Anaheim Ducks (ANA leads series 3-1)
Controversy of the overtime goal aside, the Ducks have been playing better than most expected in this series. They’ve been able to limit Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard. Their depth has been coming through tremendously, including for Jeffrey Viel, who was acquired from the Boston Bruins for a 4th-round draft pick earlier this season. Jackson Lacombe is playing at such an elite level that he is leading the playoffs in points while averaging over 26 minutes of ice time per night – only ten players in the playoffs are averaging more time on ice per game. He’s also only taken one penalty. He’s playing at a Conn Smyth level thus far. The young Ducks continue to gain confidence, and I’d fully expect that to continue to build momentum for them. I’d expect a desperate push from Edmonton when they get back home, but the Ducks will now have two cracks at moving on – with their confidence, they should get it done.
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: Anaheim Ducks advance in 6 games
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