I’m bored in an online class so figured do a prediction article.

East

1. Florida vs 8. Carolina

Prediction – Florida in 5

Carolina has a solid squad and one of the better starters in the league in Grubauer, they could hold their own against most teams but Florida has too much firepower and depth for Carolina to handle. Games shouldn’t be all blowouts as Carolina does have talent, but this matchup isn’t the best for Carolina. Grubauer will need to stand on his head every game for them to win this series.

 

2. Philly vs 7. Boston

Prediction – Philly in 5

Boston has one hell of a d-core, but the lack of any real firepower up front and no real starting goalie really hurt their chances against Philly. Philly is such a well rounded squad, they will be tough to beat. Boston’s d-core can likely steal them a game or 2 but don’t see them winning this series unfortunately.

 

3. New York(R) vs 6. Toronto

Prediction – Toronto in 7

Todd has made the Rangers the new up and coming team this year, from one of the worst squads to one of the best. Unfortunately they play the well rounded Leaf’s squad who are led by Crosby and Bergeron. Rangers will put up a fight but the Leaf’s are just really good. For the Rangers though this is just the beginning, they will be back with all their youthful talent.

 

4. Buffalo vs 5. Columbus

Prediction – Buffalo in 5

Columbus has plenty of young talent, but this is just not their year. Buffalo is just too good of a squad for MAF to makeup for the lack of good d-men in Cbus. However, watch out for the Jackets next season, lots of youth on cheap deals who will re-rate verrrry well. Buffalo is just much more established this season.

 

1. Florida vs 6. Toronto

Prediction – Florida in 7

I think this could be a tough series for either team to win. Florida’s main weakness is their goalie isn’t the strongest core ratings wise while Saros is pretty great. Both have top end centers for their top 2 lines, this could go either way. Overall a great series and neither GM deserves to get outed in the 2nd round.

 

2. Philly vs 4. Buffalo

Prediction – Buffalo in 7

Once again a tough series, but I think the top end players that Buffalo have will make the difference. Philly has the superior tendy though, so that could swing the scales his way. Like the Florida vs Toronto series it could be a series that could go either way.

 

1. Florida vs 4. Buffalo

Prediction – Florida in 7

Neither team has the advantage goalie wise, Buffalo and Florida both have lots of star power, but I give the edge to Florida with his 1-2 deadly C combo. Buffalo has that nice d-combo of Nurse and Makar. Neither team has an overly strong goalie either. This could be a series with a lot of overtimes.

West

1. Anaheim vs 8. Winnipeg

Prediction – Anaheim in 7

Winnipeg is a strong 8 seed with Kopi and Smith leading the way. Anaheim doesn’t have a really strong goalie so it could go Winnipeg’s way, however I think that Anaheim’s depth will help them prevail over Winnipeg. Not the usual case of a 1 seed destroying an 8 seed.

 

2. Dallas vs 7. Arizona

Prediction – Dallas in 5

Robert made some (controversial) adds recently to his squad, but a this moment in time they are not enough to get him past Dallas. Perron is a good forward for your top line, and Robert does have a solid d-core, but the lack of scoring depth and lack of good goalie will kill him against Dallas. Probably steals a game but Dallas just too good for the Yotes.

 

3. Los Angeles vs 6. Colorado

Prediction – Los Angeles in 6

This would be a fun series to actually see in real life. McDavid vs Mackinnon. That would be something special, and it will probably lead to some high scoring games in the sim, and both teams have good depth. So why does LA have the edge? Vasi is just miles better than Markstrom. Lance and his squad will put up a good fight, but it will just be too fatal of a flaw to overcome.

 

4. Calgary vs 5. Chicago

Prediction – Chicago in 7

This is a really weird series to evaluate. On one hand the Flames have a scary top 6 and a top end goalie. But then the defense. They are solid, but, I don’t know if they are good enough. Then Chicago while having a solid d-core, solid goalie and solid depth, are led by the Juggernaut Matthews. This series will be determined by if Varly can make up for the Flames lack of D or not. For now I think it’s Hawks in 7

 

 

1. Anaheim vs 5. Chicago

Prediction – Chicago in 7

This series would be a battle, both teams boast depth, solid (but not all-star) goalies, and are well rounded. However, I think Matthews gives the Hawks a slight edge. It would be a great story to see Anaheim reach the finals after being a bottom feeder last year, but I think the Hawks can beat them. Like many 2nd round series both teams deserve to be here and it could go either way.

 

2. Dallas vs 3. Los Angeles

Prediction – Los Angeles in 6

I think this is the worst matchup that the Stars could get. The stars have a stud goalie and decent depth on d and atop end top line. However, LA has a better top line, and a better goalie. I give the edge to Dallas for their d-core, but LA has more than just one really good line. Their 2nd line is pretty damn good and their 3rd line is decent. Plus McDavid is just a god. Dallas puts up a good fight but just can’t outmatch the Kings.

 

3. Los Angeles vs 5. Chicago

Prediction – Los Angeles in 7

I had to think long and hard about this one. Both teams are pretty evenly matched up front. Chicago has a better d-core but it’s not miles better than Los Angeles. But than it came down to goalies, and I think Vasi is too good with that d-core in front of him. The d-core of LA isn’t special, kinda like Calgary’s d-core, but their DF stat is much better than Calgary’s. The battle of McJesus and Matthews comes out with McJesus victorious.

 

Finals

Prediction – Florida in 6

Both teams have come so far it’s hard to pick one as the loser, but I think ultimately Florida wins and Adrian get’s his first SHL cup with this matchup. Vasi is far better than Rask and that will cause LA to win a couple of games, but I think Florida’s depth is just too much to handle. Now I haven’t considered injuries in any of these series, but I think it would take one of Leon or Barkov being injured for the Kings to win. McJesus is better than them both, but, those 2 are just too good of a combo to beat.

Flame away