That's a weird picture above as I swore the Canucks were a postseason given.....and yet.
There are many story lines that the media create to try and bring excitement to some of these series. There will be some series that just won't be exciting.
We, the highly paid and knowledgable gurus at NM, will look into their crystal beer bottle and predict the winner of a meaningless trophy. (because the Canucks are not there)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Ottawa Senators (WC2) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (1A)
Game 1: Senators at Maple Leafs, Sunday, April 20, 7 p.m. ET; SN, CBC, TVAS, ESPN2
Game 2: Senators at Maple Leafs, Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. ET; SN, CBC, TVAS, ESPN2
Game 3: Maple Leafs at Senators, Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m. ET; SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS, ESPN2
Game 4: Maple Leafs at Senators, Saturday, April 26, 7 p.m. ET; SN, CBC, TVAS, TBS, truTV, MAX
Game 5: Senators at Maple Leafs, Tuesday, April 29, TBD *
Game 6: Maple Leafs at Senators, Thursday, May 1, TBD *
Game 7: Senators at Maple Leafs, Saturday, May 3, TBD *
Westy: An all Canadian series that helps Bettman get rid of one of them early. Ratings death is what they call this in the states. I'm sure all of Ontario is in a grand circle jerk over this matchup, that was lop-sided during the regular season as the Sens won all three games. During the regular season these teams were pretty equal on special teams. I doubt that will be the case in this series unless Tkachuk and his group can play a physical series and rattle Matthews and Co.. If I watch any of these games, I will definitely mute it as I can't listen to COTU ra-ra. Leafs in 6
jimmi: Unfortunate that Gary gets a win in the 1st round. This could be a tough series. For Laff fans. I'm not bitter Trav is having success, getting in the playoffs with an upstart team, but why couldn't he do that consistently for us? /rhetorical question Expect the Green grind will wear down the Rogers Media Hometowners. Sens in 7.
Kent- While it would have been preferable to not have two Canadian teams face each other until the second round, this one should be a lot of fun. The Battle of Ontario has never disappointed, and with the Leafs looking good this season, and perhaps having their goaltending issues solved, as well as the rebirth of the Senators, this won't be as simple as looking at the regular season standings. While I would love to see a Sens upset here, I feel like the Leafs will pull this off, but it'll be a war. Leafs in 7
Florida Panthers (3A) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (2A)
Game 1: Panthers at Lightning, Tuesday, April 22, 8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN360, TVAS2, FDSNSUN,
Game 2: Panthers at Lightning, Thursday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. ET; TBS, truTV, MAX, SN360, TVAS2,
Game 3: Lightning at Panthers, Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m. ET; TBS, truTV, MAX,, SN, TVAS, FDSNSUN,
Game 4: Lightning at Panthers, Monday, April 28, TBD
Game 5: Panthers at Lightning, Wednesday, April 30, TBD *
Game 6: Lightning at Panthers, Friday, May 2, TBD *
Game 7: Panthers at Lightning, Sunday, May 4, TBD *
Westy: The battle of Florida should be a good one as the defending champs have to play an experienced Lightning team that believes they can win it again. These teams already hate each other, so it should be a hard hitting affair. I would love to see Florida and Ottawa in a 2nd round series just so the Tkachuks beat on each other. I doubt that happens. In fact, I think TB can find a way to win here. TB in 7.
jimmi: Reigning champs have been sandbagging for weeks - have Upchuk ready for game 4, after going down 0-3 and come back and win the 7th OT in game 7. Or more likely the winning coach from the 4 Nations - which we won btw - will (not) be onto the 2nd round. Cats in 5. (or so)
Kent- Another installment of the Battle of Florida, you say? While the temptation may be to tag the defending champs with a first round upset (and if any team could make that happen, it's Tampa), the Panthers still have all the key pieces that led them to their first ever Cup last year. Another coin toss, really, but I think the acquisition of Brad Marchand at the trade deadline is going to be a factor here. Panthers in 7.
Montreal Canadiens (WC2) vs. Washington Capitals (1M)
Game 1: Canadiens at at Capitals, Monday, April 21, 7 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS, MNMT
Game 2: Canadiens at Capitals, Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS, MNMT
Game 3: Capitals at Canadiens, Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. ET; SN, CBC, TVAS, TNT, truTV, MAX, MNMT
Game 4: Capitals at Canadiens, Sunday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. ET; SN, CBC, TVAS, TBS, truTV, MAX, MNMT
Game 5: Canadiens at Capitals, Wednesday, April 30, TBD *
Game 6: Capitals at Canadiens, Friday, May 2, TBD *
Game 7: Canadiens/at Capitals, Sunday, May 4, TBD *
Westy: The power of hockey in Montreal was shown as the French party debate time was moved because all of Quebec would be watching the Canadiens. Unfortunately, the Cinderella finish to the season won't get them past a Washington team that is just better. I would love to see Ovie get knocked out in the first round, but Caps in 6.
jimmi: Westy may well be correct. Technically. But morally, not even close. I do not want that friend of war criminal Putler getting anything, but booos and jeers. And disappointment. So those young Habs need to elevate their game and win the series. For Canada. For Democracy. For Hockey. No pressure. Habs in 7.
Kent- The two biggest surprises in the Eastern Conference going head to head. The Washington Capitals barely made the playoffs last year, so to see them have this kind of a season was shocking. And the Montreal Canadiens rebuild essentially fast forwarding a couple years to snag a wild card slot was a nice surprise for Habs fans. While the Caps have the experience, Montreal is a team that could surprise people. Sam Montembault will have to come up huge here, but I can absolutely see the upset here. Habs in 7.
New Jersey Devils (3M) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (2M)
Game 1: Devils at Hurricanes, Sunday, April 20, 3 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, SN360, TVAS, FDSNSO, MSGSN
Game 2: Devils at Hurricanes, Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN360, TVAS2, FDSNSO, MSGSN
Game 3: Hurricanes at Devils, Friday, April 25, 8 p.m. ET; TBS, MAX, SN360, TVAS2, FDSNSO, MSGSN
Game 4: Hurricanes at Devils, Sunday, April 27, 3:30 p.m. ET; TBS, truTV, MAX, SN, SN360, TVAS,
Game 5: Devils at Hurricanes, Tuesday, April 29, TBD *
Game 6: Hurricanes at Devils, Friday, May 2, TBD *
Game 7: Devils at Hurricanes, Sunday, May 4, TBD *
Westy: Now here's a series I don't care about. I think Rod gets his Canes team to play speed bumps in the neutral zone and bore the crap out of us....and win. Canes in 6.
jimmi: Here I can agree with Westy. No interest or care about this series. Seems like evenly matched teams, in different ways. Since Quinn will be there giving his brother, Luke, the Huggie deke mojo, gotta go with Jersey in 6.
Kent- There might not be a more unlikable team in the East right now than Carolina. They're jerks alright, but not the lovable kind. The problem is, they're up against a Devils team that without Jack Hughes, isn't going to stand a chance. The Devils are going to continue to get better, but it's not their year. As much as I would love to see the Canes get sent packing early, it's not gonna happen. Canes in 5.
St. Louis Blues (WC2) vs. Winnipeg Jets (1C)
Game 1: Blues at Jets, Saturday, April 19, 6 p.m. ET; SN, CBC, TVAS, TNT, truTV, MAX, FDSNMW
Game 2: Blues at Jets, Monday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS2, ESPN2, FDSNSW
Game 3: Jets at Blues, Thursday, April 24, 9:30 p.m. ET; ESPN2, SN, CBC, TVAS, FDSNSW
Game 4: Jets at Blues, Sunday, April 27, 1 p.m. ET; TBS, truTV, MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS, FDSNMW
Game 5: Blues at Jets, Wednesday, April 30, TBD *
Game 6: Jets at Blues, Friday, May 2, TBD *
Game 7: Blues at Jets, Sunday, May 4, TBD *
Westy: Are the Jets the team to beat? Are the Jets Canada's best hope? I think the answer is yes to both. Fuck Binnington and the Blues. Jets in 5.
jimmi: Ok, now it gets personal, Canada. Gary does NOT want a small market Canadian team getting anywhere. Sure, they won the Prez trophy, but Gary sent them a cheap knockoff, made in Giiinah. We'll be watching how the refs job the Jets, game after game. Doesn't matter. The Jets must not only win this round, but the western final as well.... so they meet Montreal in the SCF and crater Gary's FSA TV ratings. To make it simple for Westy, for us, Jets in 5.
Kent- If you'd told me that the Winnipeg Jets would be Canada's best shot at a Cup in years, I would have laughed, but there's a very real path for these guys to make it to their first ever final, and if Connor Hellebuyck continues to play the way he has, we could see that happen. The Blues went on a heater after the 4 Nations Cup Break, but let's be real here. They're not even close, and this series is gonna expose them as the frauds they are. I am so glad we can get back to hating Jordan Binnington again. Jets in 5.
Colorado Avalanche (3C) vs. Dallas Stars (2C)
Game 1: Avalanche at Stars, Saturday, April 19, 8:30 p.m. ET; TNT, MAX, truTV, SN360, SN, TVAS,
Game 2: Avalanche at Stars, Monday, April 21, 9:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN360, TVAS-D, Victory+, ALT
Game 3: Stars at Avalanche, Wednesday, April 23, 9:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN360, TVAS2, Victory+, ALT
Game 4: Stars at Avalanche, Saturday, April 26, 9:30 p.m. ET; TBS, truTV, MAX, SN, TVAS, Victory+, ALT
Game 5: Avalanche at Stars, Monday, April 28, TBD *
Game 6: Stars at Avalanche, Thursday, May 1, TBD *
Game 7: Avalanche at Stars, Saturday, May 3, TBD*
Westy: I will probably watch a minute or two of this series as we get to see Gabriel Landeskog play against Mikko Rantanen. This should be a fast-paced series and unfortunately for Dallas, they have found the wrong time of year to suck. Avs in 6.
jimmi: Westy covered the high points. The low point... despite Nucks beating the Stars AND Avs this month, the stupid league wouldn't give us their spots regardless of the NM Rule change. If the NHL assigned both spots to us as directed, Nucks would win the 1st round - without ever playing a single game! Probably the best way for this roster to win a series. Anyways... despite our binding NM resolution, we have to watch the Avs win in 7.
Kent- Hands down the series to watch in the West. The Avs getting Gabe Landeskog back for the first time since they won the Cup in 2022 is going to be something to watch, and while this series will be competitive, I don't think Dallas is as good as people think they are. I mean, what kind of a team blows a 3 goal lead with 60 seconds left? Avs in 6.
Minnesota Wild (WC1) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (1P)
Game 1: Wild at Golden Knights, Sunday, April 20, 10 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, SN360, TVAS, FDSNNO,
Game 2: Wild at Golden Knights, Tuesday, April 22, 11 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, SN360, TVAS, FDSNNO,
Game 3: Golden Knights at Wild, Thursday, April 24, 9 p.m. ET; TBS, truTV, MAX, SN360, TVAS2,
Game 4: Golden Knights at Wild, Saturday, April 26, 4 p.m. ET; TBS, truTV, MAX, SNW, SNP, SN1, TVAS,
Game 5: Wild at Golden Knights, Tuesday, April 29, TBD *
Game 6: Golden Knights at Wild, Thursday, May 1, TBD *
Game 7: Wild at Golden Knights, Saturday, May 3, TBD *
Westy: Vegas is stacked and has dominated Minnesota all year. Minnesota likes to throw the body and has some speed, but Vegas is too much. Vegas in 4
jimmi: Westy has called it. Correctly. Other than the length of the series. Minni will get one game, because Vegas didn't take the tussle seriously. Nighties in 5.
Kent- Again, I hate to see an easy path for the Golden Knights, but this Minnesota Wild team are absolutely fraudulent. They don't match up well against a team like Vegas, and unless they steal this series with goaltending, it's gonna be over quickly. Vegas in 5.
Edmonton Oilers (3P) vs. Los Angeles Kings (2P)
Game 1: Oilers at Kings, Monday, April 21, 10 p.m. ET; ESPN2, SN, TVAS2, FDSNW
Game 2: Oilers at Kings, Wednesday, April 23, 10 p.m. ET; TBS, MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS, FDSNW
Game 3: Kings at Oilers, Friday, April 25, 10 p.m. ET; SN, CBC, TVAS2, TNT, truTV, MAX, FDSNW
Game 4: Kings at Oilers, Sunday, April 27, 9:30 p.m. ET; SN, CBC, TVAS, TBS, truTV, MAX, FDSNW
Game 5: Oilers at Kings, Tuesday, April 29, TBD *
Game 6: Kings at Oilers, Thursday, May 1, TBD *
Game 7: Oilers at Kings, Saturday, May 3, TBD *
Westy: I feel dirty cheering for the Kings, but it would be awesome to see the Oilers knocked out early. And the if the season series is any indication, the Kings 3-1 record against the Oilers is a good sign. The Oilers have had injuries and special teams issues this year. The Kings have even surprised themselves with their record. Is this the year the Kings can finally get past the Oil slick.....Oilers in 7.
jimmi: There's no winners here. No cheering for either team. This season, tOilers won't get to the 2nd round or 3rd or anti-climatic loss in the 4th round. They let an errant BC Faerie vessel dock in their land-locked city. No Ekholm, beat up McD, Dry still hurt. If LA bumps already concussed Skinner, Picard ain't getting Oils to round 2. So... LA in 6. I hate LA.
Kent- When I look at this series, this has such a Canucks/Chicago 2011 vibe to it. The Kings have gone out three straight times to the Oilers, but this Kings can definitely roll with them, and if they can exploit the dodgy goaltending the Oilers have had all season, and control the bleeding caused by McDavid and Draisaitl, they can definitely pull this off. Kings in 7.
