2nd Round Predictions for each Stanley Cup playoff series
With the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the books, it is time for us to do our second round predictions for each series.
The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs were a fun one, including a few sweeps, as well as a Game 7, but not many upsets. All of the 1-seeds in each conference, including the Predators, Golden Knights, Capitals and Lightning took care of business.
The second round will offer a ton of great series, as many of the best teams in hockey all year long will face off against each other. It will be an exciting few weeks with some excellent hockey being played.
A few weeks ago, Chris Clark and I predicted how each first round series would go, and we are doing that for the second round series as well. Chris went for a few upsets during the first round, but there ended up not being many upsets at all. We both predicted the Bruins-Maple Leafs series would go to seven games, but I ended up predicting Boston in seven games, while Chris predicted the Maple Leafs in seven. I went a perfect 8-0 on my first round predictions, while Chris ended up going 5-3.
Eastern Conference
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Boston Bruins
My Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning in 7 games – This will be a great series between two great hockey teams. The series highlights some of the best players in the game including Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak. The Boston Bruins had the upper hand on the Lightning throughout most of the year, but I think the Lightning will have the upper hand in the playoffs. The Bruins are coming off a very tough seven game series against the Maple Leafs, and I think the Lightning will come away victorious in this series. I do think the series will end up going seven games though.
Chris Clark’s Prediction: Boston Bruins in 7 games – The Lightning and Bruins dominated the Eastern Conference all year long, and the Bruins went to game 7 with another hot Eastern Conference team. The Lightning have the edge in talent, but I wouldn’t overlook Boston. I think the Bruins will have another seven-game series.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals
My Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins in 6 games – I really hate to do this because of the hatred many Predators fans have for the Penguins, but I think the Penguins will come out of this series, winning it in six games. They looked dominant throughout their first round series against the Flyers, while the Capitals played a ton of overtime games throughout their series with the Blue Jackets. Credit goes to the Capitals though, as they fought back to win 4-2, after losing the first two games of the round. The Penguins will continue to dominate the Capitals in the second round and will move on to yet another conference final.
Chris Clark’s Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins in 5 games – The Capitals and the playoffs don’t get along. Will that change this year? Eh..no. Not against Pittsburgh. The quest for a three-peat continues for the Penguins as they eliminate Washington quicker than every other series.
Western Conference
Nashville Predators vs Winnipeg Jets
My Prediction: Nashville Predators in 7 games – This series will be a very difficult series to predict. The Nashville Predators have been the most dominant team in the NHL all season long, but the Jets have been on their tail that entire time. Their season series was high scoring, and I expect the playoff series to be the same. I fully expect this series to go to Game 7 with the Predators fighting through and advancing to another conference final. I really think depth and experience will help in this series in the Predators favor.
Chris Clark’s Prediction: Nashville Predators in 6 games – This match-up should be the Western Conference Final, but instead it’s a second round match versus two great teams. The Jets lack postseason experience, so it’s the second consecutive series where the Preds are considered the experience vets.
San Jose Sharks vs Vegas Golden Knights
My Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights in 6 games – The Vegas Golden Knights are having a dream season and I think it will continue. Both of these teams completed a sweep in the first round and haven’t played hockey in over a week. I think this series will start out slow, but the Golden Knights will continue to play great hockey and win this series in six games.
Chris Clark’s Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights in 6 games – Both teams swept. Vegas was hot all year long and has been breaking records as an expansion team since day one! San Jose beat up on a lackluster Anaheim team. I think Vegas continues their successful season.