Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
A cold sweat breaks out every time the Florida Panthers see the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Tampa defeated their Sunshine State rivals on the way to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021 and 2022.
Last year, the Panthers made the run to the Final without facing the Lightning.
Though, with Sam Reinhart scoring 57 goals, the Panthers are poised for a big playoff run.
The Maple Leafs have yet to figure out how to win in the postseason.
The Bruins are playoff-tested and playoff tough, despite last year’s stunning loss to Florida.
These teams are matched up for the second straight season in the first round.
The Hurricanes narrowly missed the President’s Trophy, winning 52 games for the second year in a row.
After losing in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Hurricanes are healthy and ready for a long playoff run.
Look for a big series from Sebastien Aho as Carolina upends the Islanders again.
I expect a big series from William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault as Vegas upends the Stars again.
The Winnipeg Jets are backed by strong goaltending as Connor Hellebuyck is a favorite to win the Vezina Trophy.
The Jets will not have an answer for the Colorado attack, as the Avalanche take the series.
The Predators clawed their way into the wild card with a strong season by Juuse Saros.
If Nashville is to win this series, they will need a superhuman effort from Saros in goal.
The Canucks are loaded and can move the puck on both sides of the ice.
Miller and Hughes to dominate, as Vancouver wins the series easily.
The Edmonton Oilers got another big season from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatl, each topping 100 points.
The Kings overachieved all season, winning enough to grab third place in the Pacific.
The Oilers have been down this road before and have stumbled in playoffs.
Kings goalie Cam Talbot, having a strong season, could be the difference in this series.
