AIDAN POLLARD
Sports Editor
It’s because of the Lightning.
The Tampa Bay Lightning ended their season with a total of 128 points on a 62-16-4 record.
They’re 21 points ahead of the next best team, The Calgary Flames. That’s a difference of 10.5 games.
Besides the Lightning, the playoffs seem like they’re going to be an absolute bloodbath, with every team having a legitimate shot at beating another, especially in a playoff atmosphere.
The First round matchups are all set, and the playoffs start tonight at 7:00p.m.
It’s gonna be the first round where we’re going to see the biggest upsets and the most classic Stanley Cup moments.
There’s gonna be fighting, hard hits and a lot of ugly beards.
Western Conference:
This conference is close. Most of these series could easily be a toss-up.
Nashville Predators vs. Dallas Stars
The predators are going to take this one based on their strong record throughout the season. They’re a strong team that has a bit of a hard time putting a ton of pucks in the net, but their defense will be enough to ward off the pretty weak Dallas offense in about six games.
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
This is a complete toss-up. These two teams’ records are nearly identical, and they both ended the season with 99 points, but based on the Blues low ability to score throughout the season, this series ils going to go to the Jets.
This one will go a full seven games.
Calgary Flames vs. Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are a throw-away team for the Flames.
Colorado is easily the weaker wildcard in the conference, and the Flames should be able to make short work of them in about five games.
San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights Sophomore year was not nearly as impressive as their debut, and they sit as a pretty weak team in the playoffs. After finishing their season on a 3-5-2 final ten games, there’s no reason why the Sharks shouldn’t be able to slide past the Golden Knights.
Eastern Conference:
This conference is a little more cut-and-dry, especially with the Lightning dominating the league. There will be some interesting games, but there really aren’t many close calls here.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Tampa. 4 games.
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have one of the most dream-team offenses in the NHL right now. Between Auston Matthews and John Tavares, they should be able to get through the Bruins no problem within six games. Even though the Bruins have a better record, the Maple Leafs can score like no one’s business.
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The Caps certainly have not felt any hangover after winning the Cup last year. They were the most deserving of the cup by far last year, and this year they’re the most deserving of starting a streak. Ovechkin deserves every cup that gets thrown his way.
The Caps take this one based purely on the fact that they’re still the most hungry team in the league, even after last year.
NY Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Everybody said that the Islanders were going to be a literal dumpster fire before the season started, and then their new coach Barry Trotz graced them with the power of the hockey gods and they had their best season in a long while. Without Tavares.
The Islanders take this one, and move on to at least the semis.
Based purely on spite.