I would to see some upsets in the play-in series, but then I don't want teams like Pittsburgh or Torona to have a chance for Lafreniere so I am very confused on who I want to win compared to who I think will win.
EAST
Maple Leafs beat Blue Jackets in 4
Analysis: It wouldn't shock me in the slightest if Columbus wins and there is a part of me cheering them on. However, I think the break slowed down some of Elvis momentum and Leafs offensive power should be enough to break Columbus' depth. Getting Jones back is a huge deterrent against Toronto, but he can only be out there for a certain percentage of time in a game. Toronto isn't going to go far in the playoffs, but they should at least make them.
Islanders beat Panthers in 5
Analysis: I don't think any of these teams have had good seasons and neither should make any significant noise in the playoffs. Both are quite weak in almost every area of the pitch except for coaching and star forwards, which should be a battle between Barzal/Varlamov vs Barkov/Huberdeau. I suggest that Panthers have a deeper team with the likes of Ekblad, but Islanders play and are built better for Trotz. Goaltending is my major concern and I just don't think Bobs will get it done this season.
Penguins beat Canadiens in 4
Analysis: Canadiens are building a solid roster, but growing pains will be experienced and Penguins should be healthy enough to comfortably win. Also Price hasn't shown at any time this season he can steal a game even though he probably has the best potential of any goaler in the league. I think Habs can steal one, but besides that shouldn't make too much damage.
Rangers beat Hurricanes in 5
Analysis: I am with Hench on this one, if there is a team who has every right to complain when they lose it's the Canes. I know I wouldn't want to play the Rags and they're top line was one of the hottest in the league easily. Then, when you factor in a short series where goaltending is even further exacerbated, New York conducts the upset and enters into the playoffs.
WEST
Oilers beat Blackhawks in 3
Analysis: I really want Oilers to eventually lose, but they should have no problem with the Hawks. Chicago has a ton of veterans with an insane amount of playoff experience, but besides Kane I am not sure I see anyone having that same desire they had five years ago. I think Edmonton will be way hungrier and have the top end talent to match and even surpass Blackhawks. Should be a scoring affair and there is also a decent chance that Oilers lose due to shaky goaltending.
Canucks beat Wild in 4
Analysis: As I mentioned on here months' ago that if I was voting for the trophies, Markstrom is my Vezina winner and now he's healthy for the Nucks. Vancouver has a very fun team to watch even though we'll be eventually driven crazy by that fanbase (for the new posters here, you'll soon understand right
@Hasbro ?). I am not a believer in Dubnyk and I think that team will die by the sword if he's not able to even stop saveable shots as he hasn't done this season. That's the difference maker to me because I think Wild can do a good job pulling a Mourinho against Nucks offensive weapons, but hard to keep it when your goaler lets in softies.
Jets beat Flames in 3
Analysis: I might be underrating the Flames in terms of getting swept, but I don't really see how they can win games and pass another Vezina candidate in Hellebuyck. Flames have solid pieces, but too much fake Vanilla everywhere else and I think Rittich has some very big mental problems in net whenever I watch him. Not that I think Jets are good themselves or will ever go far in the playoffs, but both teams remind me of a Western version of the Islanders and Panthers series. Where they're just two under-productive teams that have some solid pieces, but are let down in majority of the squad by averageness.
Predators beat Coyotes in 5
Analysis: Honestly for me this is the biggest toss-up of two teams who both do not deserve to be in the playoffs. I think Preds played better down the stretch and Rinne still has enough talent to get them through at least one round. Coyotes is quite similar to the Habs, where they're building something solid (even without Hall), but should experience some growing pains here and there. Neither team should ever go far whoever wins and makes the real playoffs. I think it would be much better for Arizona to lose out and rub their Genie Taylor for the lottery sweepstakes because Lafreniere could put that market on the map...in a good way.
My final thoughts is that from watching football (EPL and BuLi), that some good teams will have struggles coming out from the gate. There were some teams who started off on fire and in a short play-in series should be enough to cause some upsets. One example is Wolverhampton FC who pretty much dominated their opponents for the first month. Another example on the other end of the spectrum is Leicester City who've had an absolutely miserable start since the EPL came back, but they're a very decent club and were actually one of the best before C19 shutdown took place. I argue that we're going to see something similar to some of the best teams in the NHL, hopefully it isn't us though.
