NHL experts make bold 2023 playoff predictions on X factors, best series, more

The 2023 NHL season was a marketing campaign the likes of which we’ve by no means seen — and hope to by no means see once more. The sport schedule was restricted (each in general quantity and number of opponents). The fan capability was restricted. Fortunately, the permutations of how the Stanley Cup Last would possibly play out are much less restricted as a result of the NHL rebrackets the ultimate 4 as soon as we get to the semifinals.

However manner earlier than all that, we’ve eight implausible first-round matchups. That will help you prepare for the match, we tasked our panel with answering a five-pack of forward-looking questions. Click on the hyperlinks under to leap forward, or learn by means of all 5.

Extra: Playoff schedule | Sequence previews
Goalie Confidence Index | Lapsed fan’s information

Which first-round sequence are you most enthusiastic about?

Emily Kaplan, nationwide NHL reporter: Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals. There are simply manner too many juicy storylines. Taylor Corridor going scorched earth to earn a contract with Boston this summer season. Zdeno Chara versus the crew he captained for 14 years — after it snubbed him in free company. Two battle-tested groups, loads of star energy and a playoff sequence that includes Brad Marchand and Tom Wilson has a possible for some fireworks.

Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL author: Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning. Enjoyable truth: I went to the primary Lightning playoff house recreation ever on April 21, 1996, in entrance of a crowd of 25,945 on the ThunderDome baseball stadium. From that second by means of this season, the Lightning have by no means confronted their state neighbors from Dawn in a playoff sequence. The video games between these groups have been intense. The Lightning are injured and susceptible. This may very well be one thing particular.

Arda Ocal, In The Crease/SportsNation: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens. Sure, I’m slightly biased, having grown up in Toronto, however these two groups haven’t met within the postseason since 1979, though Leafs followers nonetheless have the fleeting and painful considered a 1993 Stanley Cup Last battle towards Montreal slipping from Toronto’s grasp. This is likely one of the biggest and oldest rivalries in sports activities on a stage the place it really counts. Plus, social media can be on FIRE for this one. I can’t wait.

Tim Kavanagh, senior NHL editor: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators. No, this doesn’t look like a very shut sequence on paper. However the Preds performed with a ferocity befitting their emblem in two video games towards the Canes to shut out the season, so that they gained’t go away simply. Plus, this matchup options two fan bases that make each pregame a college-football-style tailgate. This can be enjoyable.

Ben Arledge, common NHL editor: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens. An Authentic Six, all-Canadian matchup proper out of the gate? Signal me up. I’m excited to see how the Leafs’ offensive firepower will get going underneath the playoff highlight. Merely put, Toronto can’t fumble this chance to maneuver by means of the primary two rounds towards lighter-than-normal competitors.

Sach Chandan, fantasy hockey editor: Edmonton Oilers vs. Winnipeg Jets. The Oilers aren’t as full as the opposite groups on this listing, however after Connor McDavid’s historic season, I’m anticipating fireworks this postseason. His Hart Trophy-winning teammate Leon Draisaitl has additionally carved up the Jets for seven targets this season. Whereas goalie Connor Hellebuyck and the Jets have had struggles, when he’s sizzling, he’s the very best goalie within the league. If the Oilers win, it’s going to have been by means of high-scoring affairs with overs cashing aplenty. If the Jets win, it will likely be as a result of Hellebuyck recaptures his type and pulls out a number of wins.

What’s your daring prediction for the 2023 postseason?

Kaplan: The Panthers will upset the Lightning and win their first playoff sequence since 1996. I initially thought the Panthers had been a mirage this season, however they’ve proved they’re legit. Tampa Bay was in a lull to finish the season. It’s clear Victor Hedman isn’t 100%, and I don’t understand how simple it’s for Nikita Kucherov — who hasn’t performed all season after December hip surgical procedure — to leap proper in and instantly flip a change.

Wyshynski: Auston Matthews wins the Conn Smythe. Granted, I is perhaps burying the lede right here, as “perennial playoff disappointment wins first Stanley Cup since 1967 with specious goaltending” is perhaps the bolder prediction. However I hit on my Victor Hedman-for-playoff MVP prediction final postseason, so I would as properly get granular once more: The Leafs win the Stanley Cup on the again of a child from Arizona.

Ocal: Taylor Corridor will lead the postseason in scoring. After I was a bunch on Devils broadcasts years in the past, I noticed firsthand the hearth in his eyes and his sheer will to tug New Jersey to the playoffs. On many nights he regarded unstoppable, piling on factors and being in all places on the ice. I see that very same fireplace since he joined the Bruins on the commerce deadline. He seems just like the Taylor Corridor of previous, with highlight-reel targets and an aura of confidence round him that you just’d anticipate from somebody of his abilities. He as soon as once more seems unstoppable.

Kavanagh: All three of the Maple Leafs’ goalies will see motion inside the first two rounds. Usually, groups will go along with one possibility as soon as the postseason begins to experience the new hand. However the Leafs’ goaltending has been something however typical just lately. Jack Campbell had epic success this season, however he has zero postseason expertise. Frederik Andersen has that have — nevertheless it hasn’t precisely gone swimmingly for him this season. And simply to maintain this daring, we’ll say David Rittich finds his manner into the crease sooner or later too.

Arledge: Connor McDavid posts essentially the most factors in a playoff sequence of the previous 25 years. Daring sufficient? Alex Ovechkin holds the present mark with 14 towards the Penguins in 2008-09, however McDavid simply clipped 100 factors throughout a considerably shortened season. I see the potential for some longer back-and-forth sequence early within the playoffs, first towards the Jets after which probably towards the Leafs, which supplies loads of alternative. McDavid tallied 9 factors in a four-game play-in postseason sequence final summer season, and he hit 20 factors over two separate seven-game stretches this season.

Chandan: Colorado loses within the first spherical. Presidents’ Trophy winners nearly by no means make it out of the primary two rounds. The Avalanche have been among the many prime Stanley Cup favorites since we dropped the puck in January, however they’re taking part in a veteran Blues crew that has misplaced solely as soon as in regulation over its previous 12 video games. Upsets are rooted in particular groups, and for the reason that calendar modified to April, the Blues have been second finest within the league with a 32.1% power-play fee, whereas their penalty kill has grown to 83.6% from 74.6%. I’m ready to eat this L if I’m flawed, however this can be a more durable matchup for the Avs than it’d look on the floor.

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John Buccigross particulars the most important storylines within the NHL heading into the playoffs.

Which No. 4 seed will get the deepest into the playoffs?

Kaplan: New York Islanders. Come on, we’ve all been burned earlier than. It’s a yearly custom to low cost the Islanders … till they go on a run that forces you to concentrate to them. The Isles have the strongest crew identification within the league. All of them purchase in defensively and might put on groups down in a protracted sequence.

Wyshynski: New York Islanders. Yeah, it’s the Isles by strategy of elimination. Carolina and Toronto are far superior than Nashville and Montreal, respectively. The Blues definitely roll into the postseason feeling fairly good about themselves, however face an Avalanche crew that has proven it may possibly beat you in quite a lot of methods. I believed the Islanders might upset the Penguins till their offense apparently determined to maneuver to Belmont Park months earlier than the remainder of the crew does. “Anti-hockey” alone gained’t be sufficient towards Pittsburgh.

Ocal: New York Islanders. “You’ll need to undergo the island” isn’t a enjoyable proposition for an opponent, particularly when the Isles are underneath the tutelage of Barry Trotz. The Isles are scrappy, suck the soul proper out of you and have obligatory items like stable goaltending and one of the crucial gifted younger gamers within the recreation in Mathew Barzal. Not a simple first-round opponent in any respect for the Penguins.

Kavanagh: St. Louis Blues. Apologies for being a celebration pooper, however I don’t suppose any No. 4 seeds will win their first-round matchups. Nonetheless, I do suppose the Blues can push the Avalanche to a seventh recreation, because of the Jordan Binnington Revenge Tour persevering with.

Arledge: New York Islanders. I’ll be Semyon Varlamov right here to assist the Isles pull a first-round upset of the Penguins and probably even leap previous a Caps crew that has struggled in objective or a Bruins crew that has been streaky. Don’t anticipate a quiet final dance on the Coliseum.

Chandan: St. Louis Blues. I suppose I have to say St. Louis, after my daring prediction above. After an uneven begin to the season, the Blues seem to have figured issues out. Binnington, who gained the Stanley Cup as a rookie, has regarded higher with a .921 save proportion since April, and Mike Hoffman discovering his scoring contact on the primary power-play unit. Past that, I agree with the others that the Islanders are the defensively sturdy crew right here, however I can’t envision another 4-seeds making a run right here.

Which participant would be the greatest X issue for his crew this postseason?

Kaplan: Devon Toews, D, Colorado Avalanche. He was acquired for a pair of second-rounders from the Islanders final summer season. By the top of the season, he was sporting an “A” for the Avs. Toews has been dominant on Colorado’s blue line, possibly essentially the most underrated defenseman within the league.

Wyshynski: Alex Nedeljkovic, G, Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes saved all three of their goaltenders — Nedeljkovic, Petr Mrazek and James Reimer — on the commerce deadline. They’re hoping one in every of them grabs the reins this postseason. In his previous 10 begins, “Ned” is 7-2-1 with a .939 save proportion. To not get all “time is a flat circle” right here, however I do recall the final time the Hurricanes gained their division and had a rookie goalie take over the crease within the playoffs, and it ended with a shirtless Rod Brind’Amour lifting the Stanley Cup over a creek.

Ocal: Kirill Kaprizov, F, Minnesota Wild. This flashy, 24-year-old Russian tremendous rookie has been the speak of the Calder Trophy race for just about the complete season, and rightfully so. He even cemented himself within the prime 10 in targets within the NHL this season (27) and checked off all of the efficiency bonuses in his contract this yr. Nice for him! However you already know what any NHL participant will say is healthier than cash? Profitable Lord Stanley’s mug. Not many individuals are choosing the Wild to get out of the West. However that additionally implies that this No. 3 seed may have much less strain on it. Extra apparently, it’s an opportunity to see what “Kirill The Thrill” can do when the video games matter essentially the most. Kaprizov has a gold medal on the Olympics and has performed properly for the Gagarin Cup within the KHL. How will that translate to the NHL?

Kavanagh: Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning. It nearly appears unfair that the defending Stanley Cup champs are getting the most effective gamers on the planet again for the postseason, however right here we’re. Kucherov — the Hart Trophy winner as league MVP in 2019 — scored 34 factors in 26 postseason video games within the 2023 bubble, however hasn’t performed since elevating the Cup on Sept. 28. Will there be any rust after that prolonged absence? Will Jon Cooper and his employees let him work by means of that rust if the Panthers go up 2-0 … or 3-0?

Arledge: Jack Campbell, G, Toronto Maple Leafs. Is there an even bigger wild card on any of the 16 playoff groups? Toronto has a Cup-worthy roster, however the goaltending continues to be the pivotal element. If Campbell performs like he did in the course of the common season — a 17-2-2 document, .923 save proportion and a pair of.11 goals-against common — then the Leafs are in enterprise. But when he struggles in his first profession playoff motion, or Toronto is compelled to look to Frederik Andersen or David Rittich, the crew may very well be in for an early letdown.

Chandan: Alec Martinez, D, Vegas Golden Knights. Martinez was on tempo for the very best season of his profession, scoring at a 0.6 points-per-game clip earlier than his foot damage. However that’s not why I’m choosing him. When the Golden Knights are up late, his pairing with Shea Theodore is trusted by coach Pete DeBoer to grind out shut wins. A veteran of two Stanley Cup-winning groups in L.A., which incorporates scoring the series-clinching objective within the 2014 Stanley Cup Last, Martinez is listed as questionable on the damage report, and the Knights would really feel the loss if he’s not able to go for Sport 1.

Who’s profitable the Stanley Cup?

Kaplan: Washington Capitals. I picked the Caps forward of the season, so I’ll double down. The Caps employed Peter Laviolette this previous offseason to instill a way of urgency, and the crew appears to be shopping for in. So long as Alex Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie aren’t too banged up, I see a long term for Washington.

Wyshynski: Toronto Maple Leafs. There’s just one manner for this weird, unprecedented and never-to-be-repeated (hopefully!) season to finish, and that’s with the Maple Leafs lifting the Stanley Cup for the primary time since 1967. They’ll want one in every of their goalies to be competent sufficient to win 4 sequence and slightly little bit of luck to go their manner — say, avoiding Boston within the final two rounds — however Toronto ought to begin planning the (socially distanced) parade. Until, you already know, they’re simply the Leafs once more.

Ocal: Tampa Bay Lightning. I picked the Maple Leafs to win in the beginning of the season, and I believe the Stanley Cup winner will come right down to the Leafs and Lightning. The Leafs will certainly want stable goaltending all through the playoffs, and the upcoming returns of Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov will little question bolster Tampa, however the defending champs look unstoppable at occasions. I’m going with Tampa repeating as champs within the NHL’s COVID-19 period.

Kavanagh: Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes are one of the crucial full groups we’ve seen in current reminiscence, they usually play a hard-nosed, 200-foot recreation that leaves opponents begging for mercy. Plus, I’d like to see what sort of Storm Surge would happen with the Stanley Cup as a prop.

Arledge: Vegas Golden Knights. I picked them within the preseason, and there’s actually no motive to alter it up now. They’re among the many highest-scoring groups within the league, they’ve the expertise to make a run, and their goaltending has been glorious.

Chandan: Toronto Maple Leafs. If there was ever a yr for the Maple Leafs to do that, it’s 2023, they usually have a Cup-ready roster proper now. In fact, we’ve all seen the misfortune that appears to befall this membership each spring, however because of the new format, they may keep away from Boston and Tampa till at the very least the semifinals. As Ben stated earlier, if Campbell is in regular-season type, he would clear up the final drawback left for the Leafs.