EASTERN CONFERENCE
Lightning vs. Bruins
My prediction: Lightning in 6
RESULT: LIGHTNING IN 5
Post-Series Thoughts: After a relative blow-out by the Bruins in game 1, it was all Tampa the rest of the way. They found a way to win. Well done.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Lightning are just a little deeper, a lot faster, and have the edge. I wouldn't be surprised if this one goes the distance, but I think Tampa will take it.
Capitals vs. Penguins
My prediction: Capitals in 7
RESULT: CAPITALS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: This was a pretty good matchup. And the officials absolutely did try to skew this in the Penguins' favor (the most disgusting example being Pittsburgh's 2nd goal in game one, which was the direct result of a "missed" call by the officials). But the Caps found a way. Great job.
Pre-Series Thoughts: This is actually a pretty good matchup. I think the Capitals will dispatch the Pens, but it really is hard to discount the officials any time any team plays Pittsburgh. The NHL really seems to want its golden team back with a Cup win.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Predators vs. Jets
My prediction: Predators in 5
RESULT: JETS IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: The Jets really surprised me (and everyone else). They won this series for two reasons: simple hard word, and Connor Hellebuyck. They simply outworked the Preds, who played well enough to win against most teams, but not well enough to beat a hard working Jets team that just wanted it more. Add Hellebuyck into the mix...who played out of his mind...and this is a really great win by the Jets.
Pre-Series Thoughts: Nashville is the best team in the NHL this year. The Avalanche put up a great fight, and they are a weaker team than the Jets. Yet I just can't see the Jets beating the Preds.
Golden Knights vs. Sharks
My prediction: Knights in 6
RESULT: KNIGHTS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: This was a bizarre series. A couple of blowout games from both teams, and an equal number of tight one goal games. And it turned out pretty much how I expected.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Knights are arguably the only team that could be considered the best in the league next to the Preds, and though the Sharks rolled through round 1 in 4 games, so did the Knights. The Sharks may steal a game or two, but I think the Knights take it in 6.
