Hockey fans, we are on the verge of getting some quality live-action NHL hockey with the qualifying set to get under way. The New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes will kick off the qualifying round at 12:00 PM EST followed by 4 other matchups that day. And then Sunday follows up with another 5 games so there is something for everyone on the re-opening weekend on this wacky 2019-2020 season. It’s usually around this time that I am wrapping up my Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide, but that will have to wait. Now let’s go into the predictions.
EASTERN CONFERENCE MATCHUPS
#5 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #12 Montreal Canadiens
Pittsburgh in 5
When you have the Chipotle group (CMG-Crosby-Malkin-Guentzel), hard to bet against such talent and experience even if Montreal has G Carey Price to keep them in the series. Too much Penguin firepower will overcome the Price factor.
CMG is the stock symbol for the chipotle corporation for those who did not know. Just like the food, this Pittsburgh team is soooo good.
#6 Carolina Hurricanes vs. #11 New York Rangers
New York Rangers in 4
Probably a little hyped after watching Googly Eyed Scorpion’s YouTube video of the Rangers road to the 1994 Stanley Cup but if D Dougie Hamilton is out of the Carolina lineup, the Canes’ defensive corps will be stressed. If indeed he does return to action, and do not forget playoff wonder RW Justin Williams, then the Canes will have enough to win in 5 games.
#7 New York Islanders vs. #10 Florida Panthers
New York Islanders in 4
I remembered how hard the Panthers played in their last playoff appearance in 2015-2016 against these very same Islanders team and expect the same level of competitiveness but the Islanders play a stifling defensive game and have Barry Trotz behind the bench. That’s all there is to know unless somehow Sergei Bobrovsky rises from the horrible funk he’s been in and brings his Vezina-winning form to the ice.
#8 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. #9 Columbus Blue Jackets
Toronto Maple Leafs in 5
This is going to be a fierce battle between two teams that finished the truncated season with the same amount of points, 81, but got there in different ways. Columbus more of a blue-collar work ethic while Toronto has a load of flash, Again, most series on determined on the backs of the goaltending and this series will be no different. Slight edge to Toronto in that department even with Elvis in their building.
WESTERN CONFERENCE MATCHUPS
#5 Edmonton Oilers vs. #12 Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks in 4
These two teams bring a lot of firepower to the table but it all comes down to goaltending and even though Head Coach Dave Tippett’s system will provide a great opportunity for the Oilers, but the Blackhawks’ experience and having G Corey Crawford in net will be the difference maker.
#6 Nashville Predators vs. #11 Arizona Coyotes
Nashville Predators in 5
What an opportunity for a Coyotes team that has a load of young talent on the roster along with some veterans but they will be no match for the vastly experienced Predators who may even sweep this Coyotes team but Kuemper will keep them in this series and may steal a game or two.
#7 Vancouver Canucks vs. #10 Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild in 5
One of the more interesting matchups as it pits youth against vets. The Wild’s experience (Parise, E Staal, Suter, Zuccarello etc.) along with G Devan Dubnyk has a slight advantage over the mostly inexperienced Canucks team (E Pettersson, Boeser, Horvat, Q Hughes etc.). It will be interesting to see how Vancouver’s youth responds to a do-or-die situation.
#8 Calgary Flames vs. #9 Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg Jets in 4
I have been hearing a lot about how the Calgary Flames should not be overlooked in this series. However, I just do not see it. I know they receive a second life from what was a disappointing season. What I do see is a strong Winnipeg Jets team (Scheifele, Wheeler, Connor, Ehlers, Little etc.) handling all that the Flames can throw at them with Vezina candidate Conor Hellebuyck as the final backstop.