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Congratulations Everyone, we made it! Playoff hockey is here. Get comfy and locked in, we’re going every night for the next two weeks. Eastern Conference is going to be a battle, Let’s get’er going…
Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers
Series Starts: Monday 4/17, 7:30 pm EST
Everyone knows by now the Bruins are in the midst of an historic season, most wins in NHL History, most points etc… The Florida Panthers are not going to be an easy out. If Bergeron misses significant time, this series could be a lot closer than people think. The Panthers have been the 3rd best team in the Eastern Conference playing 5v5 hockey since the trade deadline. Also, the perception is that they have a goaltending problem. they’re 5th in the East in Save Percentage since the deadline with a .92. The Season series was pretty even with the Bruins going 2-1-1. There will be multiple OT games in this series.
Game 1 Pick: Draw (+350)
Series Pick: Bruins in 6
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Series Starts: Tuesday 4/18 7:30 PM EST
Tampa has been struggling down the stretch this season. They’re under .500 since the trade deadline. They’re giving up more 5×5 goals than they’re scoring. 3 straight years of playoff runs seems to be taking it’s toll. It was a great run, but I think it’s over. I’ll give the Bolts the edge in goaltending, but that’s about it. Toronto finally gets out of the first round.
Game 1 Pick: Toronto -1.5 (+170)
Series Pick: Toronto in 5
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders
Series Starts: Monday 4/17 7 PM EST
The Hurricanes have been a wagon all season. If the Bruins didn’t exist, people would be talking a lot more about what a run this Carolina team had. BUTTTTT… goaltending wins in the playoffs. Carolina has not been getting good goaltending. A .905 Save Percentage since January 1 for the ‘Canes, and since the Trade Deadline they have been snake-bit shooting at just 6.7%, the league average over that time period is 8.9% and for playoff teams it’s 9.1%. Normally you would say well that will normalize, but will it? Over a maximum of 7 games, against an Islanders team giving up 1.83 goals per game since the trade deadline. I don’t know.
Game 1 Pick: Islanders ML (+143)
Series Pick: Islanders in 7
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
Series Starts: Tuesday 4/18 7 pm EST
I have been wrong on the Devils all year. They’re fun to watch, young, talented, energetic really any sort of adjective you associate with exciting hockey applies. Meanwhile, the Rangers are more of a veteran team with what feels like a lot more playoff tested guys. Kane, Tarasenko, Panarin, Zibanejad, Fox, Trouba on and on. Not to mention goaltending working in the Rangers favor. The Devils took a big step, but they need to lose in the playoffs before they can win. Experience over Exuberance.
Game 1 Pick: Rangers ML (+110)
Series Pick: Rangers in 6
