Eastern Conference
Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Here we are again, the great Alexander Ovechkin faces off against Canada’s Sidney Crosby. Last time these two clashed it was 2009, where Ovechkin tallied 14 points (eight goals and six assists) while Crosby had eight goals and five assists in the seven-game series. Ultimately, this series may come down to who can stop and contain these leaders. Capitals netminder Braden Holtby was one of the best netminders in the game this season, and has continued his strong play in the playoffs, leading the NHL with a .968 playoff save percentage. He is also one win away from Washington’s all-time post-season wins record. I will give the Capitals the slight advantage in this one, even though the Penguins currently lead the charge in goals per game and power play conversions.
Capitals in six.
New York Islanders vs Tampa Bay Lightning
The Islanders were able to squeak out a come-from-behind game six victory against the Florida Panthers before moving on to play Tampa in round two. John Tavares played the role of hero, scoring the game tying goal and the eventual double overtime winner. He will have to step up in a huge way if New York has a shot at taking down the Lightning. The forward currently leads the playoffs in goals, but the Lightning offence has received a dose of rest after dealing with the Detroit Red Wings in five games. Without Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Drouin has done a great job of filling in for the goal scorer. With Ben Bishop backstopping Tampa, I have a hard time seeing them falling in this one.
Lightning in five.
Western Conference
St. Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars
There will be a new Stanley Cup Champion this year as St. Louis was able to knock off the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose dealt with the Los Angeles Kings. This should be another great series to watch, with some of the great offensive players in the game taking to the ice. The Blues were able to handle Dallas during the regular season, winning four of five games against them, allowing only 10 goals during that span. They were also able to shut down Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa for the most part in the opening round. Now they get to deal with Jamie Benn and Jason Spezza. While both teams have given up the most goals out of each club still represented in the playoffs, I have to believe the well-oiled machine of the Blues, and their depth scoring, can get the job done.
Blues in six.
San Jose Sharks vs Anaheim Ducks/Nashville Predators
The Sharks bested the Kings in six games, slaying their rivals. Now they look towards a bout with the Ducks or the Predators as they await their game seven matchup. Anaheim has been the team that many have said are possible Cup contenders. The Ducks are the deepest they have ever been down the middle, and with quality goaltending from Frederik Andersen, they are a team that will be tough to stop. Andersen is currently second in goals against average in the playoffs, while offensive pieces like Corey Perry have yet to start generating goal production. If they do get past Nashville, they will be a tough team to beat. Anaheim won three of four games against the Sharks this year.
Ducks in six. Sharks in five if facing Nashville.
