The Toronto Maple Leafs will beat the Columbus Blue Jackets in three games.
When the NHL season resumes with a best-of-five play-in round later this summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets, and according to last week’s Eastern Predictions, they will win in three games
I know it’s way too early to predict winners, but even predictions under optimal circumstances are dumb at the best of times – the odds are known by everyone and anyone who goes against them will a) be wrong more often than not and b) just be guessing.
But we do it anyways because its fun.
And even if the playoffs are still several weeks away, it’s never to early to talk hockey.
In last week’s article, I predicted victory for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Mattews over the Blue Jackets, as well as victories for the Montreal Canadiens (over the Penguins) the Florida Panthers (Islanders) and the Carolina Hurricanes (Rangers).
Western Conference Predictions
Oilers vs Blackhawks
The Oilers couldn’t have screwed up more over the last ten years if they were doing it on purpose, but with McDavid and Draisaitl, all they need is decent goaltending and their even-money against everyone.
The Blackhawks – regardless of what the standings say – are one of the NHL’s worst teams.
Oilers in three.
Coyotes vs Predators
Neither of these teams is too good, but Darcy Kuemper has been the NHL’s best goalie – when he’s healthy – over the last two years.
Coyotes in four.
Canucks vs Wild
Canucks are overrated, the Wild are underrated, neither team is great, so this series could go either way.
However, I think the Wild are better, and though Elias Pettersson is the best player in the series, I think the Wild’s superior defense will get the job done. The Canucks have some nice pieces, but they aren’t there yet – and their GM is bad, so they might ever get there.
Either way, with the NHL’s most underrated roster, the Wild will win in five.
Flames vs Jets
The Jets are a bad team, with a bad coach, a bad GM and great goalie. Their forwards are also pretty awesome, but they are in reality what people think the Leafs are (a poorly managed mess, with a bad cap situation and the worst blueline in the NHL).
The Flames will win this one pretty easily. Let’s say in thee.
There you have it: the Flames, Coyotes, Oilers and Wild will join the Toronto Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Panthers and Hurricanes in the “first” round of the NHL playoffs.