By: Chris Nosek

Day 21

Montreal Canadiens @ Buffalo Sabres (Round 2, Game 2)
(Series tied 1-1)

Montreal bounced back in a big way. Despite a combined 13 penalties, the Canadiens took advantage of the Sabres 5-on-5 and got four past Alex Lyon, who had his worst game since replacing Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen against the Bruins. Zach Benson continued to be a thorn in the side of the Sabres’ opponents and got their only goal. With Game Three set for Saturday, I’d fully expect Lindy Ruff to turn back to Lyon for a bounce-back performance in the crease. Buffalo will look to respond to one of their worst games so far in the playoffs and quickly quiet the Montreal crowd. Buffalo accomplishing this, or coming close to doing so, will establish them as a team that not only has the talent, but the mental makeup to win a Stanley Cup.

Prediction Entering Matchup: Montreal Canadiens advance in 7 games
Prediction after Game One: Buffalo Sabres advance in 6 games
Prediction after Game Two: Buffalo Sabres advance in 6 games

Vegas Golden Knights @ Anaheim Ducks (Round 2, Game 3)
(Vegas leads series 2-1)

This was another very shaky game for Anaheim goaltender Lukas Dostal. He is working through something either physically or mentally, but Joel Quenneville will continue to turn to him, as he should. Ville Husso has played very well in relief, but with two rounds to go, unless Dostal is physically unable to play, Quenneville should continue to do so. After his last 3-goal game, Dostal bounced back with three outstanding performances. There are still several concerns about Vegas’ all-around game, and Carter Hart has proven beatable. How the game on Saturday goes will ultimately dictate the series. Either the Ducks mount a major pushback and show they can push this series, or the Golden Knights all but put them away. I believe the Ducks will push back, but start to question whether they have enough.

Prediction Entering Matchup: Anaheim Ducks advance in 6 games
Prediction after Game One: Anaheim Ducks advance in 6 games
Prediction after Game Two: Anaheim Ducks advance in 7 games
Prediction after Game Three: Vegas Golden Knights advance in 6 games

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