One thing for sure is the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings will NOT repeat as champions this time around because they failed to make the playoffs.
The match ups for each conference look to be wide open and it should go down to the wire in most of the first round series.
The following offers a capsule style look at the opening round matches and predictions for the Stanley Cup Finals.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins - The Rangers (113 points to lead the NHL) have been solid all season long and should oust the Penguins in SIX GAMES.
New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals - This series should go the full SEVEN GAMES with the Islanders emerging on top.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators - The Canadiens have been one of the best defensive teams all season long and this series will be a good one. Take the Habs in SEVEN GAMES.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings - It's the Lightning striking for the series win in SEVEN GAMES.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Anaheim Ducks vs. Winnipeg Jets - The Ducks are ripe for an upset once again as the playoffs get started, but expect them to advance past the Jets in SEVEN GAMES.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames - It's the Flames moving on in this one in SEVEN GAMES.
St. Louis Blues vs. Minnesota Wild - Don't be surprised if the surging Wild stuns the Blues in this one ... However, picking the Blues in SEVEN GAMES.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators - The Hawks take this series in SIX GAMES.
The rest of the playoffs will then go as follows (maybe) . . . . .
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Semi Finals
Montreal over Tampa Bay
NY Rangers over NY Islanders
Conference Finals
Montreal over NY Rangers
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Semi Finals
Anaheim over Calgary
St. Louis over Chicago
Conference Finals
St. Louis over Anaheim
STANLEY CUP FINALS
Montreal Canadiens over St. Louis Blues
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