Pregame Skate writers update their playoff predictions
The race for the Stanley Cup kicked off Monday night.
Pregame Skate’s 2021-2022 NHL Playoff Predictions
Thomas Pepin
Eastern Conference
Hurricanes vs. Bruins = Bruins
Rangers vs. Penguins = Penguins
Panthers vs. Capitals = Panthers
Maple Leafs vs. Lightning = Lightning
Penguins vs. Bruins = Penguins
Panthers vs. Lightning = Lightning
Lightning vs. Penguins = Lightning
Western Conference
Avalanche vs. Predators = Avalanche
Wild vs. Blues = Blues
Flames vs. Stars = Flames
Oilers vs. Kings = Oilers
Avalanche vs. Blues = Avalanche
Flames vs. Oilers = Flames
Avalanche vs. Flames = Flames
Stanley Cup Champion: Tampa Bay Lightning
From the Editor: Parker Milner
Eastern Conference
Hurricanes vs. Bruins = Hurricanes
Rangers vs. Penguins = Penguins
Panthers vs. Capitals = Capitals
Maple Leafs vs. Lightning = Lightning
Hurricanes vs. Penguins = Hurricanes
Capitals vs. Lightning = Lightning
Hurricanes vs. Lightning = Hurricanes
Western Conference
Avalanche vs. Predators = Avalanche
Wild vs. Blues = Wild
Flames vs. Stars = Flames
Oilers vs. Kings = Oilers
Avalanche vs. Wild = Avalanche
Flames vs. Oilers = Flames
Avalanche vs. Flames = Avalanche
Stanley Cup Champion: Colorado Avalanche
Discussion
If you compare our preseason predictions to now, you’ll notice a few differences. In Thomas’ case, his two favorites — the Islanders and Canucks — finished just on the outside this season. Holding true to the remainder of his picks, he puts the Lightning and Penguins at the top of the Eastern Conference, but thinks the Bruins would have a good shot in a Penguins vs. Bruins Division Final. In the Western Conference, Thomas believes the Avalanche and Flames are the best contenders, but believes the Stars could go far if they can get past the Flames.
In the end, Thomas sees the Lightning’s experience, depth, and goaltending guiding them to a shocking third-straight Stanley Cup.
As for Parker, he’s only needed to make minor changes to his picks. After seeing the season play out, he still believes in the Capitals, Lightning, and Penguins in the East, but has been impressed by the Hurricanes’ performance. As for the West, the Avalanche are his clear favorite, and he sees the Flames as the only team in the Conference that stands in their way.
With a much easier path to the Final, Parker still expects the juggernaut Avalanche to end up on top, in turn producing the franchise’s third Stanley Cup.
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