I think Carolina is the biggest lock of all the 1st round series.
While I wouldn’t be extremely surprised if Tampa won via vasilevski shenanigans, Florida is the better team and should have that series this time around. Even in the game the Panthers dropped to Tampa this year, they smoked them.
Florida is a cup contender. Obviously you can't count a vet team like TB out and Vasy is known to do crazy stuff, but so is Bob. The only time we beat Florida this year was the most, how the fuck did we just win, moment I've ever had in hockey. My brain says no but my heart says yes.
Bolts
I think Canes probably sweep Islanders, but Canes tend to fall apart in playoffs. On paper they look to me like the best team in the East for the past two years but I guess we'll see.
Canes
Caps have no business being in the playoffs with about 5 other teams in the metro but Lindgren deserves this more then any other player on the season so the experience it provides the team is a huge win here.
Rags
Leafs will crumble. This is known.
Bears
Stars are one of the least talked about god tier teams in the game right now. But I think Vegas is like 200 mil over cap coming into the playoffs so you never know. But fuck Vegas.
Stars
Oilers have been playing really well without McDavid and actually have some decent tending this year, although I do love watching Kings when they're hot too. But can't count out McJesus.
Oilers
Avs are a cup contender for sure but I think Winipeg is the most disrespected team in the league right now. I'm going out on a limb and giving them their respect.
Jets
Nucks are also favorites in the West but not sure on the playoff grit. I want to say yes. I think they have among the best shooting game in the league. But playoffs there's way more guys willing to take the bullet. Still they're way to elite to give Nashville the upper hand but this is one upset I could see happening.
Nucks