Predictions for the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs
NEW YORK (BVM) — With the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to start on May 2, Canada and United States fans alike are eager to see their team lift Lord Stanley’s trophy. This could be a memorable postseason for Canadian fans as Lord Stanley’s trophy hasn’t been on Canadian soil since 1993.
With that said, here are our predictions for the Stanley Cup Playoffs first round.
Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes swept the season’s series with the Bruins by a combined score of 16-1. Now, does that matter in the playoffs? Maybe not. But it’s something that should be highlighted. The playoffs mark the beginning of a brand new season for every team. And those teams will aim to rekindle the magic of past championship runs. But the Bruins playoff run will end before it can get started.
Hurricanes win in six games.
A storm is brewing. You are part of it. #TakeWarning pic.twitter.com/0BaUAbplcG
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 2, 2022
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Two juggernauts will be facing off in the first round. The Lightning, led by captain Steven Stamkos, and the Leafs led by the NHL’s leading goal scorer Auston Matthews. Now, is it wrong to think the Leafs are a bit overrated? Probably not. They have been labeled the favorites before and have not lived up to expectations in the past. One major problem the Leafs could run into is Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. It’s going to be an all-out battle between two great teams, but this year feels a little different in Toronto.
Leafs win in seven games.
Round one is set 📅 pic.twitter.com/g3i3J562nw
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 30, 2022
Florida Panthers vs. Washington Capitals
After finishing with the most points in the NHL, the Panthers were awarded the Presidents’ Trophy. The Panthers are the clear favorite in the Eastern Conference, if not the NHL. Now if a team, especially a No. 1 seed, were to run into a hot goaltender, that team could be easily sitting on their couches watching the rest of the playoffs. But don’t expect the Panthers to be heading home anytime soon. They’ll go up against goaltenders Vitek Vanecek and Ilya Samsonov. Both played a combined 15 games in April and combined for a save percentage of .880 and had a combined goals against average of 3.28.
Panthers win in five.
The #StanleyCup Playoffs start at our house. 😼
Let’s make @flalivearena LOUD, Cats fans!!
🗓 » https://t.co/fW1rHi8B90 pic.twitter.com/sgIaKAlQMD
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 30, 2022
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
The Rangers are the favorites in most people’s eyes. But can Pittsburgh’s experience and knowledge push them into the second round? It’s hard to say after the Islanders and Canadiens eliminated the Penguins in the past two seasons. With Sydney Crosby now 34 years old and Evgeni Malkin now 35, one could say that father time has caught up to these stars. The Rangers have too much firepower, and with Igor Shesterkin minding the net, the Rangers are set to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Rangers win in six games.
Built for this moment – and the job’s nowhere near finished.
And we wouldn’t have it any. Other. Way. #NoQuitInNY pic.twitter.com/EXAqrpsZgS
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 30, 2022
Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues
Pick your poison here. Both teams have a point differential of four so this matchup is primed to be one of, if not, the best of the first round. Given that the two are rivals, it makes the build-up even better. Both squads have star power and the depth to succeed in the playoffs, but only one team can advance.
Wild win in six games.
"It's playoffs. Everybody's back at zero. It's first to four." 🗣 Joel Eriksson Ek on the #StanleyCupPlayoffs matchup with #stlblues
"I agree." 🗣 Jake Middleton#mnwild | #ItsAboutWinning pic.twitter.com/phhxQQbF3E
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) May 2, 2022
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the best players in hockey, the Oilers could be primed to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2006. Now, the 1-7 record in the last two playoffs series and a goal differential of one against the Kings this season is eye-popping, but that shouldn’t be something that affects this team. Every postseason is different, and the Oilers should roll into the second after beating the Kings.
The Oilers sweep the Kings.
P L A Y O F F G A M E D A Y
Round 1, Game 1. Let's go.
🕗 8pm MT
📺 @Sportsnet
📻 @630CHED #LetsGoOilers | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/blwSt6FW1o— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 2, 2022
Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche
No matter who’s in goal, the Predators were always going to be viewed as an underdog in this series. Now, with All-Star goaltender Juuse Saros potentially out for this series or longer, the Predators’ chances of advancing have taken a bigger hit. Going up against Colorado stars Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar will be a daunting task for backup goalie David Rittich. Rittich played in 17 games this season and had a goals against average of 3.57 and held a save percentage of .886. This series will be over quickly if they don’t get Saros back.
Avalanche in four.
119 points. This season keeps getting sweeter!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/DWzJ0a6HqT
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 29, 2022
Dallas Stars vs. Calgary Flames
One can see where the Flames would be the overwhelming favorites here. Even with the Stars’ talent and depth, neither of the goaltenders have started a playoff game. It’s going to be a tough task for the Stars. If Dallas can make the Flames squad uncomfortable, they can have a chance. But in the end, Calgary will be too hot to handle.
The Flames win in five games.
Game 1.
Tuesday.
The 'Dome.
Giddy up. https://t.co/bhPQmsrQAp
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 30, 2022
