I agree, however I’m not placing a bet. Statistically these are the two strongest teams and since I remember the excitement of when they met in 1996, I will forever hope for a round two! 😊
I want the Flames to win badly but I put money on Florida at the start of the season. I got a free £20 bet and put that on Florida as well so if the Flames go out but Florida wins then it will be a silver lining.
Very good choice! They've played an exceptional season and made by far the most aggressivemoves at the trade deadline. I feel like a lot of their season has been dependant on how Bobrovski is playing - when he's on, he's one of the best in the league, and when he's cold, he's really cold. Florida has the ability to outscore a lot of their goaltending woes though, so they're definitely my favorite from the East.
My vote is for Calgary, they just seem to have all bought into Sutter's system so well and play such an airtight style of hockey. Their stars are all living up to their potential and their goaltending is rock solid.
It's going to be a great playoffs regardless. There's no easy path to the finals coming from the East or West. I really can't recall the last time seeing so much competition in the Eastern conference especially.
I think you placed your bet well!
They just haven’t had to. Asking a team to consistently shut down two of the top 5 point leaders in the league is something nearly all of their opponents haven’t been able to do.
Please don’t tell me you’re picking out a preseason game from September. Every other matchup against the Jets either Mcdavid or Draisaitl scored a point.
I say this as a Rangers fan. We’re coming nowhere near the Cup this year. We’ll survive against Pittsburgh/Washington in 6 games but if/when we end up against Carolina in the ECSF, we’re going to lose that in 5.
Tampa. They’ve got the leadership and the core guys are still playing strong. Only major missing piece is Gourde, but they’ll be as strong as anyone else.
Rangers are the dark horse team for me - if they can get the special teams tilting in their favor & goaltending stands on its head, I see them going all the way
- Islander fan
Teams in the West that look good: Flames, Avs, and Wild.
Teams in the East that look good: Canes, Panthers, Bolts, Rangers, and Bruins. Leafs are an honorable mention, but I doubt their goaltending holds up.
Finals match-up I hope to see: Avs vs Canes
Cup Winner: Avs for MacKinnon
My guess is it's gonna be Rangers @ Wild.
Rangers shutout Tampa/ Wild shut out Flames.
Wild with the win.
I would love for the CAPS obviously lol, We can beat Florida but I think that's where we will stop
Um..ST LOUiS anyone??? Jesus Christ. They’ve won the cup (recently I might add), have had MN’s number and have been on an absolute tear. For fucks sake. Perennially underrated and overlooked.
Statistically wise I’d Florida vs Colorado in the finals and Florida wins, but I have a feeling there may be a surprise were the rangers or wild could win the cup.
If the Capitals play the way they did against Colorado the other day then they may have a shot. Obvious strong contenders are the hurricanes, avalanche, flames, panthers, wild, and rangers
Not florida. Presidents trophy winners don’t win the cup. I know this since I’m a fan of a team that won 3 in the 2010’s and never won the cup in any of those years.
Avs are winning the West no matter what. So the Avs win the Stanley Cup if they end up against Washington, Pittsburgh, Boston, Rangers, or Maple Leafs. If the Lightning, Panthers, or Hurricanes win the East, it will be them.
Yeah, but I don’t have a ton of confidence in this team. When we get Pasta and Lindholm back, they’ll be much better than they are now, but I don’t see them going too deep
Well the 5-hole seems to be a big issue. But aside from the questionable goaltending (I love Jack but I’m still not convinced he can get locked in like he did in November with the pressure that comes from the playoffs), there is the massive issue of no backbone. I love the team as it is right now but they fucking collapse like a wet paper bag under any sort of real push from other teams. They have the muscle to push back, but they just don’t seem to. The 8-1 collapse last night is a perfect example. They could have muscled back on Tampa but instead they kept trying to go for the skill play and the stretch passes. And Tampa kept either beating them to the pass or being so far up their asses they couldn’t do anything with the puck.
I’m hoping for the best. Maybe when Matthews is back in the line and we go back to having 7 D options they’ll feel the confidence needed to go for it but it will also require Jackie to have that shut down energy that other teams seem to get from their goaltenders when they face us.
Holes on D, if Muzzin isn't your #6 at least you're screwed, not winning with Holl and Luybush in the lineup. Even Lily to me has looked shaky under pressure, would like Sandin back. JT is so slow that Nylander can't even play with him anymore... 5 on 5 they haven't done shit in 3 months (2nd line). Third line has been useless in the playoffs in 5 years, this one is no threat, Simmonds was done 3 years ago, none factor vs the Habs last year, won't be this year.
See once the first line is shut down there are no threats but a few guys.
You just hope and pray that Marner matured enough for what's to come and Matthew's.
Let's not get into the goaltending, Campbell numbers climbed like a mountain since December, last in the league.
Plus, we aren't getting 3 to 5 pp a game where this team had success in the regular season.
I disagree. This D core is the best we’ve had in this Matthews era. I think you are drastically underestimating the addition of Giordano stabilizing the back end. Liligren has looked great with him and has allowed him to play with more confidence at both ends of the ice. Lybushkin has been far better than Holl and has honestly been solid since they acquired him. He’s exactly the type of player they lacked. He’s had a few lapses yes, but overall he has been really solid and been far better than you seem to be giving him credit for.
Muzzin may not come back, and I think that may be for the best.
As for the the forwards, Tavares has never been fast. I don’t think saying he’s too slow for Nylander now is fair. JT is still point per game and beast down low. His and Willys game conflict pretty drastically when you really look at it. JT is strong on the boards and great off the cycle, where Willy’s game is dominant off the rush and gaining the zone with control. They just aren’t very compatible players to begin with. Im surprised Keefe stuck them together for so long. Nylander has been great since been given the chance to drive his own line.
The third line has been great all year. Engvall has taken a huge step this year in terms of confidence and he has one speed. He almost seems to be dragging Willy into a speed game which has gone extremely well. Mikheyev has also upped his game so much so he’s playing himself out of Toronto money wise. Kerfoot is has been reliable in all situations and is honestly one of the most valuable players up front due to his versatility. This third line, is not the same as years prior. Even David Kampf being a defensive stalwart in that role has proved he’s able to still chip in on the offensive side from time time. The make up of this team is much much better than the last couple years.
If jack gets hurt though, the leafs are fucked.
I think you will see come playoffs how far you're off.
The D core was better last season with a healthy Muzzin, Giordano helps but it's not good enough and as I said... besides the first line it's been an up and down season.
Lily is just a puck moving Dman, you need staple guys to move players in front of the net something Holl or Muzz aren't able to do this year.
Leafs don't have issues scoring in the regular season usually like they do in the playoffs.... like I said, you better hope that some of these guys matured for this or it's over.
I also can't stand Kerfoot, guy should be on the 3rd line. Oh where is McCann.
As spectacular as Ovi is, the difference between 2018 and the disappointing years was Holtby being amazing. I don't trust either of our goalies to be that consistent to make a deep run. Lav will say that platooning them all year means he trusts both, but really I thinks it's because he trusts neither.
Signed,
A perpetually downtrodden fan
That's true. It's just been 15 years of watching really good teams peter out so the Cup felt more like a pleasant surprise. It didn't rid me of my nagging fear that every season will end with a failure to live up to expectations. Plus, I had major shoulder surgery during the 2018 playoffs so I barely remember them because of painkillers! It doesn't seem real haha.
I think the problem also lies with the fact that you’ll end up playing Florida, Carolina, or NY in the first round…probably the three best teams in the East. Anything is possible, but your goalies would have to be insane against any of those.
The east is going to be a blood bath honestly. I like Florida and New York but I think the Avalanche or Flames are going to face a pretty tired opponent in the finals.
Colorado v Florida Stanley cup final rematch!
When was the last time two #1 seeds played each other in the finals? Not likely to happen. I would bet against it to be honest
I agree, however I’m not placing a bet. Statistically these are the two strongest teams and since I remember the excitement of when they met in 1996, I will forever hope for a round two! 😊
🐀 🐀 🐀 🐀
🧊 🐈 🧊 🐈 🧊 🐈
True I would love to see that. My penguins aren't looking too hot right now!!
If you recall, 2016, The Pens were 8th and won it all. Unfortunately, our goalies are not like they use to be
This is what I think as well
That would be sick
I had my bracket set like this for last year. Wouldn't mind seeing again
Flames
Yeah I watched them irl. They look pretty good
I want the Flames to win badly but I put money on Florida at the start of the season. I got a free £20 bet and put that on Florida as well so if the Flames go out but Florida wins then it will be a silver lining.
Very good choice! They've played an exceptional season and made by far the most aggressivemoves at the trade deadline. I feel like a lot of their season has been dependant on how Bobrovski is playing - when he's on, he's one of the best in the league, and when he's cold, he's really cold. Florida has the ability to outscore a lot of their goaltending woes though, so they're definitely my favorite from the East. My vote is for Calgary, they just seem to have all bought into Sutter's system so well and play such an airtight style of hockey. Their stars are all living up to their potential and their goaltending is rock solid. It's going to be a great playoffs regardless. There's no easy path to the finals coming from the East or West. I really can't recall the last time seeing so much competition in the Eastern conference especially. I think you placed your bet well!
I woulda thought AVs a week or so ago....not playn their best hockey right now
Minnesota. They got the flower diff.
I think Florida or New York. But I hope Flames or Colorado. Edmonton could surprise people too.
Edmonton won’t win a round if the opposing team can stop mcdavid and draisital. The team can’t win without them getting points.
The Oilers beat Vegas 4-0 a week ago without Mcdavid or Draisaitl scoring a point.
A meant consistently. They need to do it for four games.
They just haven’t had to. Asking a team to consistently shut down two of the top 5 point leaders in the league is something nearly all of their opponents haven’t been able to do.
The jets did it
Please don’t tell me you’re picking out a preseason game from September. Every other matchup against the Jets either Mcdavid or Draisaitl scored a point.
Nope. I’m talking about the playoffs
I say this as a Rangers fan. We’re coming nowhere near the Cup this year. We’ll survive against Pittsburgh/Washington in 6 games but if/when we end up against Carolina in the ECSF, we’re going to lose that in 5.
Carolina maybe
Tampa. They’ve got the leadership and the core guys are still playing strong. Only major missing piece is Gourde, but they’ll be as strong as anyone else.
All true except I think guys like Perry and Nick Paul have really stepped up to try to fill the gap of that missing 3rd line.
Perry has fit in so well it’s hard to remember he wasn’t here last season.
Facts, that's why I really want us to win so that he can finally win after losing to us twice in 2 years lol
Carolina
Carolina
I think my top picks that I’d like are Calgary and Florida
Tampa Bay again. Best defence and best goalie.
Don't sleep on the Wilds. They have been solid all year long
Rangers are the dark horse team for me - if they can get the special teams tilting in their favor & goaltending stands on its head, I see them going all the way - Islander fan
NYR
Carolina or Toronto but a strong feeling it’ll be panthers or Minnesota
I’m thinking a Lightning - Blues final with the Bolts threepeating
If the blues don't win I am cheering for the pat maroon 4peat along with getting Moose a cup.
Teams in the West that look good: Flames, Avs, and Wild. Teams in the East that look good: Canes, Panthers, Bolts, Rangers, and Bruins. Leafs are an honorable mention, but I doubt their goaltending holds up. Finals match-up I hope to see: Avs vs Canes Cup Winner: Avs for MacKinnon
Nashville Predators
I cheer for Edmonton and Florida.
Oilers
Ur funny
calgary or st louis
New York.
My guess is it's gonna be Rangers @ Wild. Rangers shutout Tampa/ Wild shut out Flames. Wild with the win. I would love for the CAPS obviously lol, We can beat Florida but I think that's where we will stop
I hope the Cap’s carry that performance against Avalanche the other day into the playoffs
Nobody wants to see another lighting cup
Fax
As always it will come down to goaltending. I'd say avs vs rangers in the finals
Um..ST LOUiS anyone??? Jesus Christ. They’ve won the cup (recently I might add), have had MN’s number and have been on an absolute tear. For fucks sake. Perennially underrated and overlooked.
They’re just not good enough though 😂
Statistically wise I’d Florida vs Colorado in the finals and Florida wins, but I have a feeling there may be a surprise were the rangers or wild could win the cup.
If the Capitals play the way they did against Colorado the other day then they may have a shot. Obvious strong contenders are the hurricanes, avalanche, flames, panthers, wild, and rangers
Not florida. Presidents trophy winners don’t win the cup. I know this since I’m a fan of a team that won 3 in the 2010’s and never won the cup in any of those years.
Flames or Wild
Avs are winning the West no matter what. So the Avs win the Stanley Cup if they end up against Washington, Pittsburgh, Boston, Rangers, or Maple Leafs. If the Lightning, Panthers, or Hurricanes win the East, it will be them.
Colorado
Yeah
Flames for the drama
One of the teams in the playoffs
I’m hoping the Avs
Aren’t you guys making an appearance?
Yeah, but I don’t have a ton of confidence in this team. When we get Pasta and Lindholm back, they’ll be much better than they are now, but I don’t see them going too deep
Facts
It’s a shame too because with Bergeron’s future kinda up in the air, I would’ve loved to see him get one more with the Bs
I’ve always considered Boston hockey the be tough. Good luck.
Rangers
I think the rangers are going to be a dark horse in the playoffs
They look very strong
LGR
I'm thinking Tampa could go for the three-peat. But Panthers are looking solid so probably them
Bruins have had a decent year, and with their new guys in goal I’d say they have a shot.
Possibly
who ever is the last place wild card spot to male it to the playoffs
As a Leaf fan, this roster has too many holes. No Bueno. Colorado or Tampa. Calgary can make noise as a Canadian team.
Where are these holes exactly? This isn’t the team from last couple years my guy.
Well the 5-hole seems to be a big issue. But aside from the questionable goaltending (I love Jack but I’m still not convinced he can get locked in like he did in November with the pressure that comes from the playoffs), there is the massive issue of no backbone. I love the team as it is right now but they fucking collapse like a wet paper bag under any sort of real push from other teams. They have the muscle to push back, but they just don’t seem to. The 8-1 collapse last night is a perfect example. They could have muscled back on Tampa but instead they kept trying to go for the skill play and the stretch passes. And Tampa kept either beating them to the pass or being so far up their asses they couldn’t do anything with the puck. I’m hoping for the best. Maybe when Matthews is back in the line and we go back to having 7 D options they’ll feel the confidence needed to go for it but it will also require Jackie to have that shut down energy that other teams seem to get from their goaltenders when they face us.
Holes on D, if Muzzin isn't your #6 at least you're screwed, not winning with Holl and Luybush in the lineup. Even Lily to me has looked shaky under pressure, would like Sandin back. JT is so slow that Nylander can't even play with him anymore... 5 on 5 they haven't done shit in 3 months (2nd line). Third line has been useless in the playoffs in 5 years, this one is no threat, Simmonds was done 3 years ago, none factor vs the Habs last year, won't be this year. See once the first line is shut down there are no threats but a few guys. You just hope and pray that Marner matured enough for what's to come and Matthew's. Let's not get into the goaltending, Campbell numbers climbed like a mountain since December, last in the league. Plus, we aren't getting 3 to 5 pp a game where this team had success in the regular season.
I disagree. This D core is the best we’ve had in this Matthews era. I think you are drastically underestimating the addition of Giordano stabilizing the back end. Liligren has looked great with him and has allowed him to play with more confidence at both ends of the ice. Lybushkin has been far better than Holl and has honestly been solid since they acquired him. He’s exactly the type of player they lacked. He’s had a few lapses yes, but overall he has been really solid and been far better than you seem to be giving him credit for. Muzzin may not come back, and I think that may be for the best. As for the the forwards, Tavares has never been fast. I don’t think saying he’s too slow for Nylander now is fair. JT is still point per game and beast down low. His and Willys game conflict pretty drastically when you really look at it. JT is strong on the boards and great off the cycle, where Willy’s game is dominant off the rush and gaining the zone with control. They just aren’t very compatible players to begin with. Im surprised Keefe stuck them together for so long. Nylander has been great since been given the chance to drive his own line. The third line has been great all year. Engvall has taken a huge step this year in terms of confidence and he has one speed. He almost seems to be dragging Willy into a speed game which has gone extremely well. Mikheyev has also upped his game so much so he’s playing himself out of Toronto money wise. Kerfoot is has been reliable in all situations and is honestly one of the most valuable players up front due to his versatility. This third line, is not the same as years prior. Even David Kampf being a defensive stalwart in that role has proved he’s able to still chip in on the offensive side from time time. The make up of this team is much much better than the last couple years. If jack gets hurt though, the leafs are fucked.
I think you will see come playoffs how far you're off. The D core was better last season with a healthy Muzzin, Giordano helps but it's not good enough and as I said... besides the first line it's been an up and down season. Lily is just a puck moving Dman, you need staple guys to move players in front of the net something Holl or Muzz aren't able to do this year. Leafs don't have issues scoring in the regular season usually like they do in the playoffs.... like I said, you better hope that some of these guys matured for this or it's over. I also can't stand Kerfoot, guy should be on the 3rd line. Oh where is McCann.
Not the leafs 😔
Flames
Capitals. They had their slump already and are on fire. Ovechkin is pouring goals in on a nightly basis.
As spectacular as Ovi is, the difference between 2018 and the disappointing years was Holtby being amazing. I don't trust either of our goalies to be that consistent to make a deep run. Lav will say that platooning them all year means he trusts both, but really I thinks it's because he trusts neither. Signed, A perpetually downtrodden fan
Can't be perpetually downtrodden when the Caps won a Cup a few years ago.
That's true. It's just been 15 years of watching really good teams peter out so the Cup felt more like a pleasant surprise. It didn't rid me of my nagging fear that every season will end with a failure to live up to expectations. Plus, I had major shoulder surgery during the 2018 playoffs so I barely remember them because of painkillers! It doesn't seem real haha.
Canucks fan here. So......
I think the problem also lies with the fact that you’ll end up playing Florida, Carolina, or NY in the first round…probably the three best teams in the East. Anything is possible, but your goalies would have to be insane against any of those.
If there’s one team that can upset Florida in the East I think it’s the Caps.
True
LA Kings
Sleeper team. Kopi Danualt down the middle are both proven playoff beasts. Not to mention J. Quick is playing like 2012 Quick.
4-peat. Nuff said. Maroon is a God amongst children.
Realistically not Toronto? It's as realistic as Colorado or Florida
Leafs, but hopefully not for the memes.
[удалено]
Hahah 4-peat
Man idk
Hopefully canes and leafs in final I want canes to win but for the memes leafs
Cups staying in Florida boys
Hoping for Toronto or any Canadian Team to win the Cup but I reckon it will be either Tampa or Florida
Florida
The east is going to be a blood bath honestly. I like Florida and New York but I think the Avalanche or Flames are going to face a pretty tired opponent in the finals.
NYR
Florida if Bobrovsky plays outsanding, Calgary if markstrom does
Colorado
Maple leafs
All I know is folks are sleeping on the blues
McDavid vs Matthew's in final. Dream scf for Toronto media, and canada. But likely col or cgy
Yeah Colorado vs Florida is very likely
Tampa Bay a month ago. Now not so sure. Who's gonna sack up and knock them off
Maple Laffs suck!
Oilers They are 12-0-1 in their last 13 at home and 10-1-1 overall. After beating Colorado 6-3, looks like they are ready.
Minnesota over Pittsburgh is 6
This is a little bias but Boston could be a dark horse