By: Chris Nosek

Dallas Stars @ Minnesota Wild (Minnesota Wild wins series 4-2)

The Wild were the better team for most of this series, and the result matched. Jesper Wallstedt was by far the better goaltender. He was calmer and more composed, while Oettinger was clearly affected by the moment and remained shaky throughout the series. In the end, the Quinn Hughes acquisition was the biggest factor in this series, as Hughes posted two goals and an assist. The best players for Minnesota were their best players. Kaprizov and Boldy each had nine points, while Hughes and Faber played over 30 minutes per night while also scoring eight and six points, respectively. Being at home was certainly a major advantage for the Wild, as the crowd helped give them the confidence, while the Stars made their biggest push before Boldy got their first empty-net goal. Dallas has a lot of work to do this offseason after a thorough internal review.

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
Prediction after game 4: Minnesota Wild advance in 7 games
Prediction after game 5: Minnesota Wild advance in 6 games
Result: Minnesota Wild wins series in 6 games

Edmonton Oilers @ Anaheim Ducks (Anaheim wins series 4-2)

The Ducks absolutely benefited from playing this game at home, as they were able to hold off several Oilers’ offensive pushes. After the first 10 minutes of the game, the Oilers gave up the first goal, which only reinvigorated the crowd. The biggest issue for the Edmonton Oilers has been and will continue to be the way they play defense. Their overall defensive structure is not conducive to helping their goaltenders, who also need to be better. The Oilers certainly made their push, as expected, and we’ll have to see their injury list when it comes out. Injuries could be a bigger factor than we think – like the Panthers, they have been banged up on their runs to the Finals. The Ducks have been underestimated all season. In the biggest moments, the players who needed to step up for them did so in major ways. Chris Kreider scored critically timed goals. Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Troy Terry scored were critical. However, Jackson LaCombe stole the show and was the team’s best player.

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
Prediction after game 3: Anaheim Ducks advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 4: Anaheim Ducks advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 5: Anaheim Ducks advance in 6 games
Result: Anaheim Ducks win series in 6 games