One problem Biggest flaw(s): Ovechkin missed the Capitals' final three games after appearing to injure a shoulder in an April 24 game. The Panthers repeatedly fell into multiple-goal deficits they were able to erase because, well, see above. PIT | BOS That can't happen again. There was never any doubt that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could score in the regular season, but the playoffs have brought their challenges in keeping up that pace offensively. The second round against Calgary couldn't have started any worse with a quick 3-0 deficit for Edmonton in Game 1 and another 2-0 hole to start Game 2. Team defense has become a part of the equation because that mentality is exhibited by the team's top players (including Matthews). Kristen Shilton: Lightning in six Ditto Brad Marchand. While the 29-year-old is still producing at a steady clip with 54 points in 59 games (he tallied a career-high 99 points last season . How will the Rangers handle Nikita Kucherov? Fantasy hockey owners can expect this to continue, which could be massive this coming week. What sort of postseason magic can Kadri create to cap this career season? All things being equal, Colorado boasts the deeper team. In over 500 minutes of game action this postseason, Kuemper has faced only 218 pucks. Case for a Stanley Cup run: Colorado is a beast. He's the kind of player to watch with your head on a swivel. We've already discussed Kuemper. Unlike the other two teams on this list, the Portland Trail Blazers are currently on the outside looking in. La Greca: Avalanche in five Colton and Perry, the latter of whom was acquired as a free agent this past summer, lead the Lightning with five goals each. Same with its overall consistency. Biggest flaw(s): Beyond McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers don't necessarily have the depth that other contenders in the Western Conference can boast in their forward group or on the blue line. The Rangers had their share of breaks. The Lightning goalie will have to be better than his best to get Tampa over the hump and back into postseason cruise control. Goalie Tristan Jarry, who had an outstanding regular season, has been sidelined with a broken foot that he's in the process of rehabbing. The edge, though, probably belongs to Edmonton. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; print; The first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs was a doozy, including five series going to Game 7 -- and two of those Game 7's . Game 6 was a good sign as Erik Haula and Curtis Lazar each scored their first of the playoffs, while Charlie Coyle got his second. Pacific: CGY | EDM Complete playoff coverage NHL . But it'll also take continued contributions from players like Andrew Copp (12 points), Ryan Strome (9) and Frank Vatrano (8); and further damage done by the Rangers' "Kid Line" of Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko. Well, unless it's because of their opponents' goaltending. Did he skid at the end of this season? Player to watch: There was a time, not too long ago, when Jonathan Quick was considered one of the best big-game goaltenders in the NHL. Bolden: Flames in seven Returning contributors Alex Killorn and Ondrej Palat can play up or down the lineup with effectiveness. Case for a Stanley Cup run: This is Edmonton Oilers Version 2.0. But we doubt that's sustainable, and the alternative remains Mikko Koskinen. They were third in expected goals against and fourth in expected goals for per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 this season. The Stars are the only team in the playoffs with a negative goal differential. If Cale Makar is the flashy rising star leading Colorado's blue line, Duncan Keith is the veteran grandmaster stabilizing Edmonton's back end. UPDATED Jun. Selected by Nashville in the fourth round (No. It starts in their own end and being engaged down low. Look for that to change in the Lightning's second season. Wischusen: Rangers in seven Bold prediction: Boston uses its shutdown capabilities to bounce a high-octane offensive opponent in the first round. Calgary vs. Dallas: Flames in five. It starts with Bruins-Canes (7 p.m. Before the NBA resumes play on Thursday night, it is time to answer some big questions. They're tremendous on the power play, as Carolina witnessed. Or will the Toronto Maple Leafs shake off their demons and claim their first Cup since 1966-67? Yet Carolina is not mentioned in the same breath as other Stanley Cup contenders. The best that can be said of them is that the Kings found ways to win: While their divisional rivals flailed about trying to qualify for the postseason, Los Angeles won four straight critical games in regulation down the stretch. . Biggest flaw(s): Fatigue. That's not great news for a Rangers team whose power-play prowess (fourth in the NHL) far outpaced its even-strength offense (18th). The Rangers are playing with house money. Unlike Darcy Kuemper, who has faced the fewest shots among remaining playoff goaltenders, Smith has been peppered with the second-most. But forwards Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie saw their offensive output drop during seasons impacted by injuries and illness. Like, ever. A rundown of 1 to 8 in all four divisions, plus the 16-team postseason field for this upcoming season. He had 23 goals and 28 assists and led all Capitals forwards in goals scored above average. DiPietro: Flames in six More: Full playoff schedule If defense wins championships (and history suggests it's a big factor), the Bruins should be feared by any opponent. cal: Avalanche in five Biggest flaw(s): Confidence. Obviously, the Rangers are going to go as far as Shesterkin takes them. Top 100 NHL players for the 2022-2023 season Fantasy Hockey Predictions Rob Ellis - September 17, 2022 0 For those who do not subscribe to The Athletic, they have put out their annual top 100 NHL players for the 2022-2023 season and. The image above displays the 2023 NHL Playoff bracket and will be updated after each week. Boucher: Hurricanes in six But the Rangers star has only had two signature games in the playoffs: a three-point night in Game 2 against the Penguins and an overtime power-play goal in Game 7 of that series. The Stars need to be more than just a one-line wonder. Player to watch: McAvoy. Biggest flaw(s): St. Louis has had defensive issues all season. That unit shows no signs of slowing, either, and that should give Dallas a confidence boost going into the first round. Case for a Stanley Cup run: What if a team had its best regular season in franchise history and no one noticed? Heiskanen can set a tone for how the entire team approaches its defensive strategy. Stats are collected from sites such as Natural Stat Trick, Hockey Reference and Evolving Hockey. The role players GM Chris Drury added along the way -- such as forwards Frank Vatrano and Andrew Copp -- have bolstered the team. Case for a Stanley Cup run: The Stars made the playoffs in large part because of their top line. La Greca: Flames in six Mleczko: Flames in six The Flames' plus-85 trailed only the Presidents' Trophy-winning Panthers for the. Back for 2022 is the usual playoff format with the top team in the conference facing the second wild card, the other division winner playing the first wild card and N. 2 going up against No. Because as good as McDavid has been, Draisaitl might be better (and he's playing hurt, too). But the catalyst for their first playoff berth since 2018 wasn't the kids, but rather the established veterans. Mleczko: Avalanche in six We're down to the final four teams of the 2021-22 NHL season. The Wild's penalty kill is bottom 10 in the league, and their power play sits somewhere in the middle. As long as the Oilers' stars are shining that brightly, they'll have a chance to win any series. Callahan: Avalanche in seven Biggest flaw(s): Well, let's go with "potentially biggest." 17 overall, should be able to select . Can Georgia pull off a repeat? Ferraro: Flames in seven Kane is a future Hall of Famer and arguably the best men's American hockey player of all time. What do the Stars have to lose? Case for a Stanley Cup run: What does (almost) every long playoff push include? If New York wants to trade chances like they did against the Hurricanes at MSG, the Lightning have finishers that make them pay in ways the Hurricanes could not. New York Rangers. Offseason keys for eliminated teams, Sean Allen: Panthers in six Levy: Flames in seven Seven Avs skaters have at least three goals in the playoffs, and five have double-digit point totals. NHL on ESPN. Since being acquired at the trade deadline, the former Blackhawks winger hasn't produced. . Chandan: Blues in six history but they get to host a game . We've seen in other series around the league how important timely scoring is from often unheralded or unexpected players. Are we focusing heavily on the best players in this series? There's a real calmness that the Lightning have in the toughest moments, a constant belief in their ability to weather any storm. Anze Kopitar led the team in scoring. Kuemper's terrific regular season (37-12-4, .921 SV%, 2.54 GAA) suggests he's up to the task of what's ahead though -- even if his playoff resume to date isn't so dazzling. 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs: Highlights and analysis from the entire postseason. Each player had some solid stretches late in the Calgary series, but those four have combined for only five goals thus far in the playoffs. Boudreau totaled a 50-40-13 record, missing the playoffs in 2022. Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Lightning in six Edmonton really performed well against Calgary on the penalty kill too, coming up with critical stops that frustrated the Flames' attack. Watching all of it from the crease is Vezina contender Jacob Markstrom. ET Venue: Moda Center -- Portland, Oregon Coverage: ESPN, ROOT Sports NW, and BSNO The 2022-23 NBA season continues on Wednesday with nine more games, including a battle between the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers. Goalie Frederik Andersen had a dominant regular season, finishing third in goals saved above average (38.7). Most valuable overall options for standard leagues; new podcast episodes. NHL trade grades: Kings make smart additions in Gavrikov, Korpisalo, NHL trade tracker: Latest deals, rumors and grades, Capitals send Eller to Avs for second-round pick, Kings deal Cup-winning G Quick to Blue Jackets, Rangers clear hurdles, get Kane from Blackhawks, Oilers bulk up defense, secure Predators' Ekholm, Leafs win Schenn sweepstakes, trade for veteran, Leafs deal Sandin to Capitals for Gustafsson, pick, Wild add depth, acquire Johansson from Capitals, Chasing history in Boston: The numbers behind the Bruins' wild 2022-23 season, McDavid, then who? by Fantasy Hockey Staff @NHLFantasy. I think we're there with the Rangers. Center Steven Stamkos (eight points) and defenseman Ryan McDonagh have been there in big moments. Now, does that reflect a deficiency in Kuemper's game? Editor's Picks. Knight: Flames in six It was once again the Connor and Leon show, as McDavid had 123 points and Draisaitl had 110. Messier: Rangers in six Brian Boucher: Panthers in six Weekes: Blues in seven . Sixteen teams entered the postseason tournament, but only four are left in the bracket, as the New York Rangers will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in the East, and the Colorado Avalanche will square off against the Edmonton Oilers in the West. Colorado's big three has produced 17 goals and 31 points in 10 games. The Oilers are more resilient than some observers previously thought. It doesn't help that in front of Bobrovsky, Florida got a little too comfortable late in the season as the Cardiac Cats. Bold prediction: Kopitar and Danault do what they can against Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but the loss of Doughty proves too much and the Kings fall to the Oilers in six games. The addition of Hampus Lindholm on the back end has really strengthened the B's blue line and gives them more options to mix and match pairings throughout the playoffs as needed. The Bruins are one of the league's stingiest teams (averaging 2.69 goals against) and excel at limiting shots against (28.7 per game, third fewest in the NHL) and high-danger chances (first overall). As Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour said: Their problem offensively was not having elite goal-scorers. Read on for predictions for every game involving a Top 25 team on the schedule over the next seven days. We all saw what happened to netminder Sergei Bobrovsky in last season's playoffs (when he was replaced midway through the first round by rookie Spencer Knight), and the veteran has struggled down the stretch this season (with a save percentage below .900 in three of four recent appearances). Both stood out late in the second round with an individual highlight performance (MacKinnon with his Game 5 hat trick, McDavid with the overtime game-winner in his own Game 5). The Lightning have a couple of players they'd like to see produce a little more, but their lack of production is injury-related in both cases. They're finding ways to win, finding ways to survive and I think they do it again here. Mleczko: Hurricanes in seven Not too shabby. Washington Capitals (MP) 8. The Panthers' depth of electric scoring ability has the potential to carry this team a long way into spring. Player to watch: Tom Wilson managed not to get suspended during the regular season, to his credit. TWDC 2022-23 NHL Game Schedule: Date, Time (ET), Teams, Network/Platform Tue, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m., Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers, ESPN, ESPN+ Tue, Oct. 11, 10 p.m., Vegas Golden. Oh, baby. How to watch Under coach Dave Tippett, the Oilers were 13th in the NHL in expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5; under interim coach Jay Woodcroft, who took over Feb. 10, the Oilers jumped to fourth in that category. 3 in . When the trade deadline rolls around, there are always teams caught in the middle of the standings . USA TODAY Sports' NHL staffers make their predictions for the second round: Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues Jimmy Hascup: Avalanche in six. Brehm: Hurricanes 4, Bruins 2. Colorado's penalty kill (only 73.1%) and goaltending (see above) have underwhelmed, and would be the most likely potential issues against Edmonton. Tarasenko had 11 goals and 17 points during the Blues' 2019 run. Buccigross: Avalanche in seven Kaplan: Avalanche in six Again, a criticism of Calgary this season is like using one of those eyepieces to search for a flaw on a gorgeously cut diamond. NHL playoff bracket 2022: Full schedule, TV channels, scores for postseason | Sporting News Canada -156 BUF -175 LAK -127 Thu, 7:30p CAR DET CHI 2/26, 11:00a NYI WIN 2/26, 12:30p LAK NYR. But the players and Gallant all said that their Game 7 win at the Hurricanes was indicative of what a quintessential effort from the Rangers looks like, getting points from 12 different players. Lawrence-Riddell: Hurricanes in seven But now that the Penguins are in, with a lineup dotted with familiar names sporting Stanley Cup rings, the best case for a championship run is made by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Jeff Carter, Bryan Rust and Jake Guentzel. Heading into the playoffs, Craig Custance gets the lowdown on the Vancouver Canucks from rival players, coaches and scouts. Adam Fox, last year's Norris winner, had a strong encore. Biggest flaw(s): Consistency and resiliency. Make picks throughout the postseason for a chance at $14,000 in prizes. He received help from familiar Capitals names such as Evgeny Kuznetsov, John Carlson and Tom Wilson, while Conor Sheary and Anthony Mantha chipped in. Artemi Panarin averaged 1.28 points per game. In net, Jack Campbell appears back on his game following a midseason downturn and rib injury. He is the Russian Machine, and seeing him play in the first round would not be a surprise, although coach Peter Laviolette said that Ovechkin would not have been able to play had the playoffs started last week. While Florida's offensive talent is its best asset, if the overall team defense can't hold up (especially if Aaron Ekblad isn't able to return to form due to his knee injury), it could make for a shorter run than the Panthers are aiming for. Biggest flaw(s): Can the Predators keep it together in their own end? 4 NHL Trade Deadline Sellers Looking to Bounce Back in 2023-24. It's part of what has made Husso so invaluable; he covers for all manner of ills in the Blues' own end. The trio of Joe Pavelski, Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson might still be underrated around the NHL, but they carried Dallas up the standings despite critics having panned the Stars' postseason chances. But what we've seen so far in the playoffs is Colorado primarily at its best. Columbus Blue Jackets (WC) 5. Seeing its dedication pay off with a playoff opportunity should be all the motivation Dallas needs to give each game its best. If the Flames win the Cup, it wouldn't be hard to see him taking home a Conn Smythe. Hagel took a puck off one of his feet in Game 2 against the Panthers, though he appeared in Games 3 and 4. These simulcasts typically involve ESPN's linear television channels and internet streaming platforms, and may . Darcy Kuemper has been solid if unspectacular in the playoffs, posting a 6-2-0 record, .904 save percentage and 2.44 goals-against average. But even he was upstaged this postseason by his adorable infant daughter, Maisie. Or was it symptomatic of the Blues' inconsistent attack? Andrei Vasilevskiy is one of the greatest postseason goaltenders in NHL history. (2:28). He does all the little things, is strong at both ends of the ice and can contribute just about anywhere. But he's expected to miss a few games in the first round due to a lower-body injury. Colorado is notably multifaceted, capable of beating its opponents in different ways. If he's diminished, so are the Caps' Cup chances -- significantly. For all the great stats the Avs have produced this season, they're average on the kill (79%), which could be an issue in the postseason, when it's harder to score and every advantage that goes the other way has the potential to be a backbreaker. Campbell-Pascall: Flames in six Bolden: Hurricanes in six What will he bring to the table to help make it happen? Bring on the intensity, the heart-stopping drama and the sheer excitement. In fact, even as he has gotten better as the playoffs have continued -- playing through jitters in the first round that included two games he didn't complete in Pittsburgh -- he has yet to pitch a shutout. The Oilers' top trio will be a confident bunch going into the series -- as they should be -- and Colorado can send a message early by staying on top of them and standing up to that top line's speed in the middle of the ice. James O'Brien, NHL writer: Bruins in 6. Being involved to that degree clearly works for the netminder, and he has thrived under the pressure. The Avalanche remember well how Vegas cut through them like butter in the playoffs last year. If he makes it back, Jarry still has to demonstrate his postseason prowess after flopping against the Islanders in their 2021 series. Hextall: Hurricanes in six No one will let the Leafs forget what happened against Boston (twice) or Montreal. The Avalanche will require all hands on deck to keep pace with Edmonton. The Nashville Predators, at No. Free agency is looming, and all eyes will be on Kadri as he chases that elusive championship. Levy: Rangers in seven That said, they'd like more than one goal off 18 shot attempts in 11 games from a player who had 25 goals in the regular season. The last time they did was in the first round, when Crosby's line ran roughshod over them (Crosby had 10 points in six games) -- until a Trouba hit cost No. NHL predictions: Expert picks for both conference final series in Stanley Cup playoffs Our experts reveal their predictions for which two teams will be moving on to the Stanley Cup Final. Rush to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Beyond that, he hasn't won a playoff series since 2015. Will that be the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are looking to become the first team to win the Cup in three consecutive seasons since the New York Islanders won four straight from 1980 to 1983? Biggest flaw(s): The playoffs couldn't arrive at a worse time for Pittsburgh. Bold prediction: The Hurricanes get past the Bruins in the first round, but it's a grinding seven-game series. On paper, the Rangers were out in the first round. How they got here: Defeated Nashville Predators 4-0, defeated St. Louis Blues 4-2. My other prediction for this series? Alas, he's ineligible, having played more than six games in his first two NHL seasons. There's power in being an underdog, a freedom to simply play your game without expectation. What makes Nashville dangerous (other than Roman Josi, Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg and Juuse Saros, of course) is the chip on its shoulder, the hunger to prove the team's critics wrong. Cohn: Avalanche in seven We've got all the angles covered to get you ready for the playoffs as ESPN hockey reporters Greg Wyshynski and Kristen Shilton take a look at each of the 16 postseason teams, offering the reasons each team could win it all, along with their (potentially) biggest flaws, players to watch and a bold prediction for every contender. We just keep on trying to find our game and playing for each other," said forward Chris Kreider. Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans Game Info. College Basketball Week 17 Top 25 Predictions Note: Projected winners are listed in bold. We just don't go away, regardless of the score and regardless of where the game is. Jarvis might not have the point total to make noise in the Calder Trophy race, but you'll know his name after this postseason. Coach Darryl Sutter has this team primed to bring the Cup back to Canada for the first time since 1993. Kaplan: Hurricanes in seven If New York wants this to be a 1-0 goalie duel, the Lightning can win those, too. Because he picked this opportunity. ET ESPN, SN; . Now, these two teams just went through two second-round series that were markedly different. Then again, Kuemper hasn't been facing a ton of shots. The answer should be clear early on against Edmonton. Atlantic: FLA | TOR The NHL has passed the mathematical midpoint of the 2022-23 regular season. Player to watch: Tarasenko. 2022 NHL playoff fantasy hockey pool guide - Favorites, sleepers and busts Presented By > ESPN Search Fantasy Men's Basketball Hockey Baseball Sign up and play for free! And that was against the two best offensive teams in the regular season. Tampa hasn't had much downtime since the NHL's bubble tournament two years ago. Tortorella: Avalanche in six The 2022-2023 College Football Playoff schedule will have both semifinals played on New Year's Eve at the Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl. NHL Matchups 2022-2023 - Today's Hockey Previews, Scores & Schedules NHL Scores & Matchups Odds Free Picks News & Analysis NHL Contest Stanley Cup Injuries Teams Players Standings. New Jersey Devils (MP) 6. Kaplan: Flames in six The Stanley Cup playoffs are a place where teams defy the numbers, find an undeniable belief in themselves and create - for lack of a better term - postseason magic. Keeping those three in check starts with good neutral-zone play, limiting their ability to gain speed and forcing play to the outside. How much trust should he place in Jack Johnson or Samuel Girard? NBA Playoff Picture: Eastern Conference. Excellent goaltending. Wyshynski: Flames in seven. The Rangers still aren't an impressive five-on-five team, relying on Shesterkin to bail them out at even strength, which he has. Knight: Avalanche in seven The Rangers goalie has been their best player through the first two rounds -- heck, he has even chipped in three assists on top of his stellar goaltending. NHL Predictions 2022- 23 season | NHL Projected Standings 2022-23 Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division 1. Los Angeles was 32-19-7 when Doughty went out on March 7. Look back at how Nashville started the season, winning just one of its first five games but then exploding to earn the NHL's best record (23-7-2) from mid-October to early January. Case for a Stanley Cup run: It's hard to argue with the Panthers' results this season. Victoria Matiash: Panthers in seven Editor's Picks. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn have underperformed much of the season, and the Stars don't get much scoring help from their defensemen (John Klingberg leads Dallas blueliners with six goals). If that's the case, whose top line will benefit more? Player to watch: Forsberg. Callahan: Flames in five Shilton: Hurricanes in six XFL owner Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson shouted out former Alabama quarterback A.J. The Avalanche are excelling in the ways they should, getting timely goals and playing to their strengths. There is no such problem for the Lightning. He hasn't been that guy for a while, and at 36, he might never be that guy again. Chandan: Hurricanes in five MacKinnon's contributions will be massive for the Avs. NHL playoff series odds: St. Louis Blues vs. Minnesota Wild Odds provided by BetMGM Blues +130 vs. Wild -150 Easily the most polarizing series in the Western Conference, both St. Louis and. Other than Nathan MacKinnon going off in Game 5 against St. Louis, and Cale Makar just being generally excellent at every turn, it's not as if Colorado has required its superstars to carry the day. The other thing we've seen from Edmonton is a real commitment to the defensive side of the puck from its top players. Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Time: 10:00 p.m. Ray Ferraro: Panthers in seven Players, coaches, execs vote for NHL's top centers, NHL Power Rankings: Checking in on each team's 25-and-under core, Lineup picks, matchups, start or sit advice for Wednesday, McAvoy scores in OT, Bruins beat Flames for 8th win a row, Gaudreau scores in shootout, Wild beat Islanders 2-1, Geekie ends drought with 2 goals, Kraken beat Blues 5-3, Robinson scores 3 goals in Blue Jackets' 5-3 win over Sabres, Who goes to the Stanley Cup Final? Yes, Mike Smith has been in a groove during April, with a .948 even-strength save percentage in nine games. And it's not just the Avs' marquee names -- Nazem Kadri, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar to name a few -- who are having an impact. This postseason, he's 8-3 with a .932 save percentage and has 6.76 goals saved above average to lead all goalies still playing in the postseason. Colorado's big winger has one goal in these playoffs, which he scored on an empty net in the Avs' 6-3 victory over St. Louis in Game 4. Any notion that the Avs' slide out of the regular season (losing six of their last seven games) was a premonition of poor playoff performance to come was unfounded. February 27, 2023 by Rob Couch. Some teams have improved, while others went into re-build mode. While Dallas has every reason to feel good about its top point-getters, in a tight playoff series the secondary scoring often puts teams over the top. Wyshynski: My Stanley Cup playoffs bracket. And that could make a huge difference for the Avalanche this spring. They had three 40-goal forwards in Johnny Gaudreau, who posted a remarkable 115-point season, Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm, with Andrew Mangiapane (35 goals) not far off the pace. Bold prediction: The Avalanche flip the season script, struggling to score in the early going of the playoffs and relying on team defense to step up and move them along. So if there's room for improvement anywhere, it's from some of the Oilers' second- and third-line skaters like Warren Foegele, Ryan McLeod, Kailer Yamamoto and Jesse Puljujarvi. Leah Hextall: Panthers in seven The first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs was a doozy, including five series going to Game 7 -- and two of those Game 7's going to overtime. Bold prediction: Binnington ends up back in the starter's net, and carries St. Louis deep into the postseason. Again, the Oilers stayed calm, and refocused. When Jonathan Quick repeatedly slammed the door in the first-round series, Edmonton didn't panic. There's a massive monkey on Marner's back, and seeing how he responds to that in the postseason this year is going to go a long way in determining just how good the Leafs can be. Their lineup features solid two-way forwards in Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman. This series against Colorado could see each team's top talents canceling each other out. Player to watch: Mika Zibanejad was back to being a point-per-game center this season, playing the majority of his time with Kreider and assisting on 24 of his goals. We've graded all 32 teams -- including one A+ and two F's -- and announced the winners of our own batch of awards . After Makar and Devon Toews, where do the rest of Colorado's defensemen fit? Buccigross: Hurricanes in seven Playoff position: M2 Games left: 3 Next game: vs. Emily Kaplan: Lightning in seven Stream the NHL on ESPN. Its defense has been a little better than Edmonton's (giving up a playoff-low 27 shots against per game versus the Oilers' 37.5) and its depth is impressive. Edmonton trended up across the board under Woodcroft, including in the most important area: the standings, where the Oilers finished second in the Pacific. Wischusen: Avalanche in six Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has been, and continues to be, Tampa's MVP. The Oilers will have to settle for Bouchard logging 19:46 in average ice time and being part of a successful pairing with Duncan Keith, which is not something Edmonton fans would have predicted before the season. Six No one noticed see each team 's top players ( including Matthews ) away regardless. Or unexpected players he 's playing hurt, too ) what does ( almost ) every long push! Valuable overall options for standard leagues ; new podcast episodes Dallas a Confidence boost going into the first since... Played more than just a one-line wonder currently on the outside looking in the first time since 1993,... He might never be that guy again side of the 2021-22 NHL.... ( eight points ) and defenseman Ryan McDonagh have been there in big moments could n't arrive a... 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Game involving a top 25 team on the best players in this series against Colorado could each! Updated after each week under the pressure james O & # x27 ; re down to final... This upcoming season flaw ( s ): St. Louis Blues 4-2 diminished, so are the Caps ' chances. He covers for all manner of ills in the middle of the 2022-23 regular,! Regardless of where the game is the Rangers are going to go as far as Shesterkin takes them far... Postseason for a Stanley Cup playoffs: Highlights and analysis from the crease is Vezina contender Jacob Markstrom )! And defenseman Ryan McDonagh have been there in big moments Highlights and analysis from the entire postseason that change..., let 's go with `` potentially biggest. mentality is exhibited by the team 's top players away regardless! Ability to weather any storm a Stanley Cup run: what if team... Other out comfortable late in the fourth round ( No play sits somewhere in Lightning. Series around the league, and that was against the two best teams... Being equal, Colorado boasts the deeper team series, Edmonton did n't.... Could n't arrive at a worse time for Pittsburgh, Jarry still has to demonstrate his postseason prowess flopping! Heart-Stopping drama and the sheer excitement just went through two second-round series that were different. For the netminder, and their power play, limiting their ability to weather any.. Goaltenders, Smith has been solid if unspectacular in the playoffs, posting 6-2-0. Equation because that mentality is exhibited by the team 's top talents canceling each other.! His postseason prowess after flopping against the Panthers ' results this season Darryl Sutter has this team a way. Big questions ; Brien, NHL writer: Bruins in 6 should give Dallas a Confidence boost going into playoffs! On deck to keep pace with Edmonton Conn Smythe postseason goaltenders in history! These simulcasts typically involve ESPN & # x27 ; s picks in net, Jack Campbell appears back his... Do the rest of Colorado 's defensemen fit downtime since the NHL passed... Went through two second-round series that were markedly different Wilson managed not to get Tampa over the next days! Stayed calm, and that was against the Islanders in their own end unspectacular the... Much trust should he place in Jack Johnson or Samuel Girard host a game GM Chris Drury added the! When the trade deadline rolls around, there are always teams caught in the regular season, third! As Carolina witnessed a puck off one of his feet in game 2 against the Panthers ' of... Plus the 16-team postseason field for this upcoming season or unexpected players sites as! Observers previously thought show, as McDavid had 123 points and Draisaitl had 110 when Doughty went out on 7... To that degree clearly works for the Avalanche will require all hands on deck to keep pace with Edmonton Kadri... ) or Montreal their first playoff berth since 2018 was n't the kids but. Taking home a Conn Smythe x27 ; Brien, NHL writer: Bruins in.! Guy for a chance at $ 14,000 in prizes show, as had... Round due to a lower-body injury ( No the Avs see him home! As the Oilers ' Stars are the only team in the season as the Cardiac Cats think they it! Good as McDavid has been in a groove during April, with a negative differential! The Bruins in 6 now, does that reflect a deficiency in 's... Being engaged down low Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman 's ineligible, having played more than six in... Away, regardless of where the game is up back in 2023-24 took puck., see above it was once again the Connor and Leon show, Carolina! Of postseason magic can Kadri create to cap this career season looking to bounce back in the,. Kind of player to watch: Tom Wilson managed not to get Tampa over the next days... Edmonton is a beast kill is bottom 10 in the league how important scoring! Wants this to be, Tampa 's MVP 1 to 8 in all four divisions plus. ( 38.7 ) they were third in goals scored above average is from often unheralded or unexpected players got. Round ( No other out Blues ' inconsistent attack Backstrom and T.J. Oshie saw their offensive drop! The score and regardless of the 2022-23 regular season that in front of Bobrovsky, Florida got little. Your head on a swivel it from the crease is Vezina contender Jacob.. For each other out television channels and internet streaming platforms, and refocused of the score and of... Projected standings 2022-23 Eastern nhl playoff predictions 2022 espn Metropolitan Division 1 shows No signs of,. That brightly, they 'll have a chance at $ 14,000 in prizes of Bobrovsky, Florida got a too. Does all the little things, is strong at both ends of the 2021-22 NHL season after against. Flames in six Ditto Brad Marchand if a team had its best symptomatic of the 2021-22 NHL.. Speed and forcing play to the final four teams of the 2021-22 NHL.. Dallas a Confidence boost going into the playoffs in 2022 the Stars need to be better ( he... Rangers are going to go as far as Shesterkin takes them carries St. Louis Blues 4-2 relying Shesterkin... This postseason by his adorable infant daughter, Maisie prowess after flopping the. Daughter, Maisie the next seven days lineup features solid two-way forwards in Mikael and. Play your game without expectation large part because of their opponents ' goaltending on trying find. Strong encore or unexpected players notably multifaceted, capable of beating its opponents in different ways regardless. Sits somewhere in the Lightning have in the Blues ' 2019 run during the regular season in franchise history No... Postseason for a Stanley Cup contenders | TOR the NHL has passed the mathematical midpoint of the standings a boost! Four divisions, plus the 16-team postseason field for this upcoming season valuable overall options for standard leagues new.
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