By: Chris Nosek

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Montreal Canadiens (Series tied 3-3)

Another incredible game in this series, and it was the fourth game of the series to go to overtime. Neither side gave an inch. Just when it was believed the Habs had given something up, Phillip Danault was there to preserve the game. Jakub Dobes was incredible and continues to match Andrei Vasilevskiy save for save. If Montreal keeps playing the game the way they have been, they will come out on top. They are going to want to score first, though, because Tampa Bay has a habit of earning bounces in its favor. The last thing Montreal wants is another overtime game that hinges on the slightest of margins.

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
Prediction after game 4: Montreal Canadiens advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 5: Montreal Canadiens advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 6: Montreal Canadiens advance in 7 games

Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins (Buffalo wins series 4-2)

This wasn’t the 4-1 game the score suggested, but it also wasn’t as close as a 2-1 game would have suggested. This game was a microcosm of the Bruins’ season. The team lacked energy, leading to turnovers and defensive lapses. These led to goals and, of course, the loss. That’s not to take away from what the Sabres were able to accomplish. They capitalized on the opportunities and let the game come to them. I thought the Bruins would have one more quality game in them at home. It turns out they didn’t. It also came out after the game that Nikita Zadorov played games 4, 5, and 6 with a completely torn ACL – something else that significantly hurt their chances to advance.

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
Prediction after game 3: Boston Bruins advance in 7 games
Prediction after game 4: Boston Bruins advance in 7 games
Prediction after game 5: Boston Bruins advance in 7 games
Result: Buffalo advances in 6 games

Vegas Golden Knights @ Utah Mammoth (Vegas wins series 4-2)

This Utah team, and its fans, should be very happy with the fight they gave in this series. The amount of playoff and high-pressure experience vastly favored the Golden Knights. Taking out the two empty net goals for Vegas, it still was a shaky outing for Utah netminder Karel Vajmelka. Overall, it was a good performance for him in the playoffs. However, Utah needs to get a better number two behind him to help him get more time off in the regular season. The Mammoth have a lot of positive things to take away from the experience in this series, but Vegas certainly was the better team.

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
Prediction after game 3: Vegas Golden Knights advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 4: Vegas Golden Knights advance in 6 games
Prediction after game 5: Vegas Golden Knights advance in 6 games
Result: Vegas advances in 6 games