By: Chris Nosek

Buffalo Sabres @ Montreal Canadiens (Round 2, Game 3)
Montreal leads series 2-1

Montreal had a great response for their home crowd, and Jakub Dobes had yet another outstanding performance. He stopped 26 of the 28 shots he faced and took several hits from the Sabres. Montreal was also able to find ways to get open shots and make Lyon move side to side with screens in front of him. Lyon has certainly been better than Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was during his 100 minutes against Boston. Buffalo did what they needed to in this one, by scoring less than one minute into the game. They took the Montreal crowd out, but the Canadiens didn’t let this dictate anything in the game. Tying the game before the 1st period was over showed that the Canadiens aren’t letting anything knock them off their game. In Game Four, they will expect greater pushback from the Sabers; however, Montreal’s confidence should allow them to bring the series back to Buffalo with a 3-1 advantage.

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
Prediction after Game Three: Montreal Canadiens advance in 6 games

Vegas Golden Knights @ Anaheim Ducks (Round 2, Game 4)
Series tied 2-2

This game wasn’t as close as the final score would indicate, as Tomas Hertl was able to add a 6-on-5 goal for Vegas with only 1:04 remaining in the 3rd period. Vegas’ first goal was scored by Pavel Dorofeyev, who was allowed to maneuver in front of Dostal almost untouched to create a tap-in opportunity on a shot from Jack Eichel; the defender had his attention on Mitch Marner. Both teams can generate offense and score goals. However, Anaheim’s defense has been better overall, and its goaltender has been better. We’re used to the Golden Knights pulling out their series regardless of how the odds seem. However, I’m not sure they’ll be able to do both, hold off the Ducks offense while producing enough offensively. It’s now a best-of-three series with two of the games in Vegas, and all the pressure is on the Golden Knights. While it can still go either way, the Ducks still have more quality depth in their lineup that plays consistently, and Joel Quenneville has been pushing all the correct buttons to keep them going.

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
Prediction after Game Four: Anaheim Ducks advance in 7 games.