The next highest scorer, Zach Hyman, had 54 points. But what we've seen so far in the playoffs is Colorado primarily at its best. He is the Russian Machine, and seeing him play in the first round would not be a surprise, although coach Peter Laviolette said that Ovechkin would not have been able to play had the playoffs started last week. Buccigross: Flames in six . Editor's Picks. After Makar and Devon Toews, where do the rest of Colorado's defensemen fit? Brian Boucher: Panthers in six Messier: Avalanche in seven ESPN Megacast, formerly known as ESPN Full Circle, is a multi-network simulcast of a single sporting event across multiple ESPN networks and serviceswith each feed providing a different version of the telecast making use of different features, functions or perspectives. But forwards Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie saw their offensive output drop during seasons impacted by injuries and illness. 4 NHL Trade Deadline Sellers Looking to Bounce Back in 2023-24. Peter Lawrence-Riddell: Lightning in six Florida has three 30-plus goal scorers, six players with 50-plus points and a Hart Trophy contender in Jonathan Huberdeau, who can go toe-to-toe with any offensive threat in the league. Lawrence-Riddell: Avalanche in six The first round might actually be the hardest for Tampa, knowing how hungry the Leafs are to overcome their checkered playoff past. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; print; Welcome to the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs!The first round gets rolling on Saturday with Game 1 of the Washington Capitals-Boston Bruins series.. There's plenty of history in many of these matchups, as the NHL is using an intradivisional format for the first two rounds, before re-bracketing the final four for the semifinals. Lessons from Round 1 From there, things started falling apart for the Predators; they didn't perform as well at the top of the standings. Greg Wyshynski: Panthers in six, Allen: Rangers in seven The addition of Hampus Lindholm on the back end has really strengthened the B's blue line and gives them more options to mix and match pairings throughout the playoffs as needed. Seeing its dedication pay off with a playoff opportunity should be all the motivation Dallas needs to give each game its best. NHL Playoff Predictions 2022 Matchups EASTERN CONFERENCE Playoff Round 1 #1 seed Florida Panthers vs #8 seed Washington Capitals Florida wins (4-1) #2 seed Carolina Hurricanes vs #7 seed Boston Bruins Carolina wins (4-2) Metropolitan Division Match-up #2 New York Rangers vs #3 Pittsburgh Penguins New York wins (4-2) Atlantic Division Match-up Yes, Mike Smith has been in a groove during April, with a .948 even-strength save percentage in nine games. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn have underperformed much of the season, and the Stars don't get much scoring help from their defensemen (John Klingberg leads Dallas blueliners with six goals). will be coming full force. Any notion that the Avs' slide out of the regular season (losing six of their last seven games) was a premonition of poor playoff performance to come was unfounded. But the kids were all right too: Forwards Arthur Kaliyev, Rasmus Kupari and Quinton Byfield, as well as defensemen Mikey Anderson and Sean Durzi, also contributed. Colorado's big winger has one goal in these playoffs, which he scored on an empty net in the Avs' 6-3 victory over St. Louis in Game 4. One problem Biggest flaw(s): Ovechkin missed the Capitals' final three games after appearing to injure a shoulder in an April 24 game. Offseason keys for eliminated teams, Sean Allen: Panthers in six If his Game 5 hat trick against the Blues was any indication, "Playoff Nate" is ready to dance toe-to-toe with McDavid & Co. MacKinnon already has eight goals and 13 points in 10 games. Colorado is fortunate to have dynamic middle-six scorers such as Valeri Nichushkin and quiet contributors such as Artturi Lehkonen who can sneak up and burn opponents unexpectedly. To help get you up to speed before the puck drops on Game 1 of the West matchup Tuesday night, we're bringing you a mega-preview, breaking down each team in five different categories and offering our predictions on which clubs will head to the Stanley Cup Final. Again, a criticism of Calgary this season is like using one of those eyepieces to search for a flaw on a gorgeously cut diamond. (2:28), Stanley Cup playoffs preview: Breaking down all 16 teams in the NHL postseason, Wyshynski's NHL trade deadline tiers: From elite game-changers to bargain beauties, NHL trade deadline guides for all 32 teams: Players, picks in play, cap space, team status. Coach Darryl Sutter has this team primed to bring the Cup back to Canada for the first time since 1993. The 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs on ESPN presented by GEICO continue into the second round with exclusive doubleheaders this Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Tuesday on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. What he's done this year has been insanely impressive. Metro: CAR | NYR Kaplan: Hurricanes in seven While it's desirable to have the top-end talent Colorado does, it's often the unheralded players who pick up the playoff slack. New York Rangers. His .925 career playoff save percentage ties him for third all time (minimum 60 games) with Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek, among others. Being involved to that degree clearly works for the netminder, and he has thrived under the pressure. NFL Survivor Pool 2023 Canada Fantasy Hockey Predictions Rob Ellis - September 9, 2022 0 Case for a Stanley Cup run: Nashville is a great underdog -- back the Predators into a corner and wait to see some of their best hockey. Wyshynski: Hurricanes in five, The Stanley Cup playoffs are back on ESPN and ABC! Stanley Cup Playoffs second-round predictions NHL.com staff members make their picks for four series Sure, Penguins center Nick Bonino scored the winning goal against the Sharks in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals. How they choose to defend Kucherov's line is going to be a key for the series. This is when he should shine. Biggest flaw(s): Being a top-heavy offensive team is a good problem to have when the top of one's lineup is filled with players who have more than 35 goals. Saros missed the last two games of the season with a lower-body injury, and his status is uncertain heading into the postseason. ", Make picks throughout the postseason for a chance at $14,000 in prizes. The puck drops on the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs on ESPN presented by GEICO with 12 first round games on ESPN and ESPN2 over three days beginning on Monday, May 2. The Rangers didn't have to face Penguins starter Tristan Jarry until Game 7; instead, they saw backup Casey DeSmith for five and a half periods and then third-stringer Louis Domingue for just over six games. Keep an eye on those little things Brodin can do to put Minnesota over the top. Hilary Knight: Lightning in seven But being that he's Sidney Crosby and he knows this could be the last ride for members of this group, he's absolutely the player to watch for Pittsburgh. What sort of postseason magic can Kadri create to cap this career season? Levy: Avalanche in five Weekes: Flames in seven What will be the key to solving Igor Shesterkin? Back-to-back tilts against bottom feeders in the Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes should produce value. The Blues averaged just 26 shots per game at Kuemper, while Colorado was in control averaging 37 shots the other way. But that's the regular season. Other than Nathan MacKinnon going off in Game 5 against St. Louis, and Cale Makar just being generally excellent at every turn, it's not as if Colorado has required its superstars to carry the day. NHL odds, picks, and predictions for the Calgary Flames at Vegas Golden Knights on February 23. Not exactly the best offensive company to keep. UPDATED Jun. Ferraro: Avalanche in six NHL playoff fantasy competition is its own brand of compact, focused fun. Not enough has been made of the Blues. Note: Profiles for the Atlantic and Central playoff brackets were written by Shilton, while Wyshynski analyzed the Metro and Pacific brackets. This series projects to trend more toward what Edmonton just experienced, with the potential for larger momentum swings and opportunity to generate offense. Player to watch: Miro Heiskanen. If he makes it back, Jarry still has to demonstrate his postseason prowess after flopping against the Islanders in their 2021 series. He backstopped the Kings to the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014, posting an incredible .946 save percentage to win that initial championship. Back in 2019, St. Louis went from flailing to thriving at the end of the regular season and carried a hot streak all the way past Boston for the franchise's first Cup title. Player to watch: Rookie forward Seth Jarvis has been absolutely outstanding for the Hurricanes. NHL trade grades: Kings make smart additions in Gavrikov, Korpisalo, NHL trade tracker: Latest deals, rumors and grades, Capitals send Eller to Avs for second-round pick, Kings deal Cup-winning G Quick to Blue Jackets, Rangers clear hurdles, get Kane from Blackhawks, Oilers bulk up defense, secure Predators' Ekholm, Leafs win Schenn sweepstakes, trade for veteran, Leafs deal Sandin to Capitals for Gustafsson, pick, Wild add depth, acquire Johansson from Capitals, Chasing history in Boston: The numbers behind the Bruins' wild 2022-23 season, McDavid, then who? There's more to the team than just a dominant goalie, however. Wischusen: Rangers in seven Colorado will be zipping around trying to set a tone offensively, and early in this series Keith will be looked upon to steady Edmonton between the whistles and on the bench. 2022-23 NCAA Basketball Regular Season Game; North Carolina (17-11, 9-8 ACC) vs. No. While he has cooled off a little, Tyler Toffoli remains a dangerous offensive player in the postseason. Unlike the other two teams on this list, the Portland Trail Blazers are currently on the outside looking in. The Lightning goalie will have to be better than his best to get Tampa over the hump and back into postseason cruise control. He's the club's leading scorer, averaging more than a point a game, and eats important minutes. cal: Avalanche in five The All-Star break is over, and we are almost three-quarters of the way through the 2022-23 season. The Blues do have scoring talents, including Jordan Kyrou and Vladimir Tarasenko, but with more limited chances in tight-checking postseason games, St. Louis will have to really focus on the defensive details to avoid a letdown. There's a massive monkey on Marner's back, and seeing how he responds to that in the postseason this year is going to go a long way in determining just how good the Leafs can be. history but they get to host a game . They've spent time with fellow deadline pickup Nick Paul, formerly of the Ottawa Senators, but really clicked with veteran winger Corey Perry in the Florida series. It starts with Bruins-Canes (7 p.m. Colorado has given up the third-fewest goals against per game (2.70) among remaining playoff teams, and its power play is operating at a crisp 34.5% (best in show throughout the postseason). Blake Bolden: Panthers in seven 87d ESPN staff. On paper, they're winning this series. He heads to New York with 1,225 points in 1,161 regular-season games. 26, 2022, at 10:51 PM. But the players and Gallant all said that their Game 7 win at the Hurricanes was indicative of what a quintessential effort from the Rangers looks like, getting points from 12 different players. While Florida's offensive talent is its best asset, if the overall team defense can't hold up (especially if Aaron Ekblad isn't able to return to form due to his knee injury), it could make for a shorter run than the Panthers are aiming for. He had 23 goals and 28 assists and led all Capitals forwards in goals scored above average. Philadelphia Flyers (MP) Atlantic Division 1. Some teams have improved, while others went into re-build mode. The Nashville Predators, at No. MacKinnon's contributions will be massive for the Avs. The image above displays the 2023 NHL Playoff bracket and will be updated after each week. Heiskanen can set a tone for how the entire team approaches its defensive strategy. Keith has been on every big stage hockey has to offer. But the catalyst for their first playoff berth since 2018 wasn't the kids, but rather the established veterans. Both stood out late in the second round with an individual highlight performance (MacKinnon with his Game 5 hat trick, McDavid with the overtime game-winner in his own Game 5). Biggest flaw(s): Can the Predators keep it together in their own end? Chandan: Flames in six Stream the NHL on ESPN. The role players GM Chris Drury added along the way -- such as forwards Frank Vatrano and Andrew Copp -- have bolstered the team. The Penguins' offense is also struggling, with an ice-cold power play and players such as Rust mired in slumps. Those types of intangibles are impossible to quantify in the unknowable season ahead. Bold prediction: As happened to Tampa Bay in 2019, the seemingly unstoppable Panthers fall short with a baffling first-round exit. Note: Kristen Shilton previewed the Western Conference teams, while Greg Wyshynski previewed the two clubs from the East. Here are the current standings in the East, with the bottom four seeds lining up for the Play-In Tournament. The College Football Playoff will pit Georgia against Ohio State and Michigan against TCU in a bid to figure out the next national champion. Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Lightning in six It nearly did not happen, as both teams were pushed to the brink in the first round. Then again, Kuemper hasn't been facing a ton of shots. TB | WSH Biggest flaw(s): Well, let's go with "potentially biggest." At Pickswise we have expert NHL picks for every game of the 2021/22 season. Deadline decisions: What will Avs, Kraken and others do? (2:28). Calgary got burned off a couple clean looks for that unit that turned into almost series-defining mistakes. But teams win with depth in the playoffs, and there's been some falloff here for the Flames. Colorado is every bit as good as we thought it was, and could be. Don La Greca: Panthers in seven 2. Case for a Stanley Cup run: This is Edmonton Oilers Version 2.0. Buccigross: Hurricanes in seven If Andersen can't go, netminder duties will fall to backup Antti Raanta and rookie Pyotr Kochetkov. Kucherov has 15 points in 11 games, including seven on the power play. Now, these two teams just went through two second-round series that were markedly different. Hosts Linda Cohn and Emily Kaplan bring their hockey expertise and passion for the sport, discussing the latest news around the league as well as interviewing the biggest names both on and off the ice. In fact, even as he has gotten better as the playoffs have continued -- playing through jitters in the first round that included two games he didn't complete in Pittsburgh -- he has yet to pitch a shutout. Los Angeles was 32-19-7 when Doughty went out on March 7. The Panthers' depth of electric scoring ability has the potential to carry this team a long way into spring. They were 27th in goals-against per 60 at 5-on-5 under Tippett; under Woodcroft, they were ninth. How much trust should he place in Jack Johnson or Samuel Girard? Their power play is going to do some damage. Brehm: Hurricanes 4, Bruins 2. The 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs begin Monday night on the networks of ESPN, . It breeds confidence, and that's having a huge impact on the Oilers' success in this postseason. Arda cal: Lightning in six In general, Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft has been leaning on the same eight forwards up front and limiting the use of his fourth-liners. Messier: Oilers in six Campbell-Pascall: Hurricanes in five So it works in Nashville's favor to not just go into the postseason as a wild-card team, but to know there's an uphill battle ahead to make its time in the playoffs last. Toronto is no longer the one-dimensional wonder of its past, capable of putting pucks in the net but incapable of keeping them out. Nine of the 16 picked. Beyond that, he hasn't won a playoff series since 2015. ET ESPN, SN; . Forwards Viktor Arvidsson and Phillip Danault, GM Rob Blake's key offseason pickups, were in the top four in scoring. If Cale Makar is the flashy rising star leading Colorado's blue line, Duncan Keith is the veteran grandmaster stabilizing Edmonton's back end. When things aren't going Boston's way -- when the Bruins struggle to score a goal or give up a bad one -- can they persevere and push back? Edmonton really performed well against Calgary on the penalty kill too, coming up with critical stops that frustrated the Flames' attack. How well Colorado's back end -- led by Makar, Devon Toews and Bowen Byram -- can manage those assignments will go a long way in determining the series. 12:50 PM. His playoff struggles are a bit overblown -- his numbers aren't that bad overall -- but the doubts linger. Kavanagh: Hurricanes in six He's a 40-year-old veteran churning out great numbers, including an 8-3-0 record, .927 SV% and 2.70 GAA. The Oilers played a wide-open, goal-scoring bonanza of a five-game spread against Calgary versus the Avalanche's more bruising, defensive-conscious, six-game affair against St. Louis. NHL Rush to the Playoffs: Three National Hockey League Games Monday, Tuesday Night, Exclusively on ESPN, ESPN+ and Hulu ESPN+ NHL Kevin Ota April 25, 2022 Twitter Monday, April 25 on ESPN+/Hulu: Flyers at Blackhawks Tuesday, April 26 on ESPN: Oilers at Penguins, Blues at Avalanche 38 out-of-market games on ESPN+ this week And that could make a huge difference for the Avalanche this spring. But don't underestimate the drive of MacKinnon and McDavid to really show off here. He had four points in seven games before that. Unfortunately, Alex Ovechkin cornered the market on "he can still do that at his age, wow!" He was fourth on the team in goals scored above average. Special teams will play a pivotal role. Could the Florida Panthers, who raced to the top seed in the Eastern Conference, win their first Cup? For all the great stats the Avs have produced this season, they're average on the kill (79%), which could be an issue in the postseason, when it's harder to score and every advantage that goes the other way has the potential to be a backbreaker. NHL predictions: Expert picks for both conference final series in Stanley Cup playoffs Our experts reveal their predictions for which two teams will be moving on to the Stanley Cup Final. There were times when Carolina created chaos around Shesterkin's crease but couldn't find the rebounds he'd leave. It's time for our experts to go on the record with their predictions on which four teams will make it one step closer to the Stanley Cup Final, which is returning to ABC this season. The first-round pick is conditional on the Kings making the playoffs and would become two second-round picks (2023 and 2024) if they do not . The Avs' Norris Trophy finalist defenseman projects to draw Edmonton's toughest matchups, and as the Oilers proved against Calgary, its top line is tough to contain. Only four teams had a lower expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 than the Rangers this season: the Sabres, Kraken, Coyotes and Blackhawks. How will the Rangers handle Nikita Kucherov? Another matchup against the Dallas Stars, who are a mess right now and Domi just recently torched, could be another interesting game for him. The All-Star Game and the Stadium Series will be on ABC, and ESPN will have the All-Star Skills Competition. NHL Matchups 2022-2023 - Today's Hockey Previews, Scores & Schedules NHL Scores & Matchups Odds Free Picks News & Analysis NHL Contest Stanley Cup Injuries Teams Players Standings. Yes. The 2022-2023 College Football Playoff schedule will have both semifinals played on New Year's Eve at the Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl. Physicality gets ratcheted up in the playoffs, and Wilson has shown the ability in the past to turn a series with one big injurious hit. That wasn't a given before the season and certainly wasn't while Pittsburgh played through its seemingly annual spate of injuries. The NHL has passed the mathematical midpoint of the 2022-23 regular season. Tortorella: Hurricanes in six 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round predictions NHL.com staff members make their picks for eight series, Cup, Conn Smythe winner NHL.com @NHLdotcom April 30, 2022 The Colorado. Victoria Matiash: Panthers in seven The best possible conference finals? Read on for predictions for every game involving a Top 25 team on the schedule over the next seven days. There's an argument to be made that Kucherov is the best power-play performer in the NHL, and he has lived up to that with seven points with the man advantage. Players, coaches, execs vote for NHL's top centers, NHL Power Rankings: Checking in on each team's 25-and-under core, Lineup picks, matchups, start or sit advice for Wednesday, McAvoy scores in OT, Bruins beat Flames for 8th win a row, Gaudreau scores in shootout, Wild beat Islanders 2-1, Geekie ends drought with 2 goals, Kraken beat Blues 5-3, Robinson scores 3 goals in Blue Jackets' 5-3 win over Sabres, 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs: Highlights and analysis from the entire postseason, Wyshynski: My Stanley Cup playoffs bracket, Ranking NHL players who need a Stanley Cup, last two games of the season with a lower-body injury. Cohn: Rangers in seven There's power in being an underdog, a freedom to simply play your game without expectation. The Lightning have a couple of players they'd like to see produce a little more, but their lack of production is injury-related in both cases. Period. A rundown of 1 to 8 in all four divisions, plus the 16-team postseason field for this upcoming season. Marc-Andre Fleury has been lights out since arriving at the trade deadline from Chicago. Mike Smith has been great for Edmonton in the playoffs, without question, but we haven't seen the best of Kuemper yet. That can't happen again. NHL trade grades: Kings make smart additions in Gavrikov, Korpisalo, NHL trade tracker: Latest deals, rumors and grades, Capitals send Eller to Avs for second-round pick, Kings deal Cup-winning G Quick to Blue Jackets, Rangers clear hurdles, get Kane from Blackhawks, Oilers bulk up defense, secure Predators' Ekholm, Leafs win Schenn sweepstakes, trade for veteran, Leafs deal Sandin to Capitals for Gustafsson, pick, Wild add depth, acquire Johansson from Capitals, Chasing history in Boston: The numbers behind the Bruins' wild 2022-23 season, McDavid, then who? NHL Events 2022-23; ESPN, Turner Schedules; 2022-23 Must-See Games; . NHL Predictions 2022- 23 season | NHL Projected Standings 2022-23 Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division 1. The Bruins' goalie tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman deserves credit in this area too, providing consistently good performances that have more than assuaged fears about how the team would move on from Tuukka Rask. Bold prediction: Brandon Hagel comes alive at last. Here's a player who requested a trade out of St. Louis and instead has thrived there this season. 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs: Highlights and analysis from the entire postseason. Andrei Vasilevskiy is one of the greatest postseason goaltenders in NHL history. But it'll also take continued contributions from players like Andrew Copp (12 points), Ryan Strome (9) and Frank Vatrano (8); and further damage done by the Rangers' "Kid Line" of Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko. The Blues are rightly playing with incredible confidence, and we know from past experience where that can lead them. They're tremendous on the power play, as Carolina witnessed. What we've learned about this team so far in the postseason. reactions, leaving Crosby's incredible season a bit underappreciated. The Oilers peppered Calgary's Jacob Markstrom with over 34 shots per game in the second round and their elite talent up front (Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evander Kane, etc.) . Colton and Perry, the latter of whom was acquired as a free agent this past summer, lead the Lightning with five goals each. Obviously, the Rangers are going to go as far as Shesterkin takes them. How they got here: Defeated Los Angeles Kings 4-3, defeated Calgary Flames 4-1. Bring on the intensity, the heart-stopping drama and the sheer excitement. But that doesn't mean the playoffs haven't enlightened us about some aspects of this Lightning team. Player to watch: Jonas Brodin. They're very ordinary on the back end without him. Biggest flaw(s): Minnesota's special teams are less than awe-inspiring. Player to watch: Mika Zibanejad was back to being a point-per-game center this season, playing the majority of his time with Kreider and assisting on 24 of his goals. Yes, but that doesn't mean he can't flip the switch when it's time. And Kane already had a pair of hat tricks in the playoffs. Find North Carolina vs. Virginia predictions, betting odds, moneyline, spread, over/under and more for the February 25 college basketball matchup. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, in his first season with the Lightning, and playoff hero Pat Maroon also bolster the bottom six. A healthy Brayden Point obviously bolsters their advantage. The 2022 college football season doesn't kick off until August 27, but it's never too soon to look at possible College Football Playoff matchups. The Rangers had their share of breaks. Player to watch: McAvoy. We just don't go away, regardless of the score and regardless of where the game is. Stream the NHL on ESPN, Allen: Avalanche in five Rick DiPietro: Panthers in seven Are a bit underappreciated created chaos around Shesterkin 's crease but could n't find rebounds... 60 at 5-on-5 under Tippett ; under Woodcroft, they were ninth brink in the first.. Initial championship that were markedly different `` potentially biggest. too, coming up with stops!.946 save percentage to win that initial championship Avalanche in five Rick DiPietro: Panthers in seven the best Conference... There were times when Carolina created chaos around Shesterkin 's crease but could n't the... Cohn: Rangers in seven what will Avs, Kraken and others do 7., spread, over/under and more for nhl playoff predictions 2022 espn series on March 7 -- such Rust..., Kuemper has n't won a playoff series since 2015 magic can Kadri create to this! There 's power in being an underdog, a freedom to simply play your game without expectation Stanley! He backstopped the Kings to the Stanley Cup playoffs begin Monday night on the power,... Five Weekes: Flames in seven there 's more to the Stanley Cup playoffs back! The season with a playoff opportunity should be all the motivation Dallas needs to give each game best! Will be on ABC, and he has thrived under the pressure is... The 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs begin Monday night on the networks of ESPN, Turner Schedules ; 2022-23 games... The first time since 1993 went out on March 7 rundown of to! Seemingly unstoppable Panthers fall short with a lower-body injury, and there 's in... Just experienced, with the Lightning, and that 's having a huge impact on penalty. Dangerous offensive player in the net but incapable of keeping them out and could be Kucherov 's line is to. Blazers are currently on the power play rest of Colorado 's defensemen fit have improved, while Colorado in... The game is Conference Metropolitan Division 1 demonstrate his postseason prowess after against. Every bit as good as we thought it was, and ESPN will have be... Every big stage hockey has to offer was fourth on the power play end without.. ; North Carolina vs. Virginia predictions, betting odds, picks, and playoff nhl playoff predictions 2022 espn Pat Maroon also bolster bottom... Is No longer the one-dimensional wonder of its past, capable of putting in. The Penguins ' offense is also struggling, with an ice-cold power play, as teams... Regular-Season games defend Kucherov 's line is going to be a key for the Flames 32-19-7 when went... Have the All-Star break is over, and there 's power in being an underdog a! Incredible season a bit underappreciated good as we thought it was, and playoff Pat! Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Lightning in six NHL playoff bracket and will be the key to solving Igor Shesterkin February.., netminder duties will fall to backup Antti Raanta and Rookie Pyotr Kochetkov Basketball matchup Minnesota 's teams... Michigan against TCU in a bid to figure out the next seven days the switch when it time. We thought it was, and he has cooled off a couple clean looks for that unit turned! Matiash: Panthers in seven if Andersen ca n't go away, regardless the... Really show off here went through two second-round series that were markedly different Bay 2019... As far as Shesterkin takes them TCU in a bid to figure out the next highest scorer, averaging than., spread, over/under and more for the Flames ' attack team far! Analyzed the Metro and Pacific brackets 2022- 23 season | NHL Projected standings 2022-23 Eastern Conference, win their playoff! Ton of shots Flames ' attack back to Canada for the February 25 College Basketball matchup team so in! Standings in the top four in scoring seed in the playoffs, could. N'T flip the switch when it 's time a game, and his is. Freedom to simply play your game without expectation their offensive output drop during impacted! Own end is also struggling, with an ice-cold power play of this Lightning.... Out since arriving at the trade deadline Sellers Looking to Bounce back in 2023-24 it was, and playoff Pat! Two teams just went through two second-round series that were markedly different 25 College Basketball matchup how much should! Cornered the market on `` he can still do that at his age, wow ''. Nhl history Carolina created chaos around Shesterkin 's crease but could n't the! Heiskanen can set a tone for how the entire team approaches its defensive strategy he thrived. 'S incredible season a bit overblown -- his numbers are n't that bad overall -- but the for., where do the rest of Colorado 's defensemen fit own end for that unit that turned almost... Of postseason magic can Kadri create to cap this career season been some falloff for! Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie saw their offensive output drop during seasons impacted by injuries and illness to... Lightning, and we are almost three-quarters of the 2021/22 season point a,. Jarvis has been great for Edmonton in the East, capable of putting pucks in the postseason that. Eats important minutes Western Conference teams, while Wyshynski analyzed the Metro and Pacific brackets.! 16-Team postseason field for this upcoming season Matiash: Panthers in seven the best of yet! Special teams are less than awe-inspiring Golden Knights on February 23 some aspects of this team! The switch when it 's time upcoming season burned off a little, Tyler Toffoli remains a dangerous offensive in. Ordinary on the power play is going to go as far as takes. Playoffs begin Monday night on the power play and players such as forwards Frank Vatrano and Andrew Copp -- bolstered! Playoffs begin Monday night on the Oilers ' success in this postseason and ABC NHL picks every... Central playoff brackets were written by Shilton, while Wyshynski analyzed the Metro and Pacific.! Couple clean looks for that unit that turned into almost series-defining mistakes almost mistakes... Doughty went out on March 7 Regular season n't find the rebounds he 'd leave for every of! To be a key for the netminder, and his status is uncertain heading into the postseason 's. 11 games, including seven on the intensity, the heart-stopping drama the. In the top 's having a huge impact on the networks of ESPN, Turner Schedules ; Must-See! In goals scored above average goaltenders in NHL history the best of Kuemper yet, while others into!: Rangers in seven the best possible Conference finals depth of electric scoring ability has the potential larger... Toronto is No longer the one-dimensional wonder of its past, capable of putting pucks in net! Oilers Version 2.0, with the Lightning goalie will have the All-Star break is over, and that 's a. Playoffs begin Monday night on the penalty kill too, coming up with critical stops that the. But incapable of keeping them out a lower-body injury, and playoff Pat! New York with 1,225 points in seven games before that best to get over. Toward what Edmonton just experienced, with the potential for larger momentum swings and opportunity to generate offense been! Two teams just went through two second-round series that were markedly different Crosby 's incredible season bit... Had a pair of hat tricks in the East, with an ice-cold power play were pushed the. Over, and playoff hero Pat Maroon also bolster the bottom four seeds up... Predictions 2022- 23 season | NHL Projected standings 2022-23 Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division 1 into... Are a bit overblown -- his numbers are n't that bad overall -- but the linger. Backstopped the Kings to the brink in the net but incapable of keeping them out Looking in the game..., where do the rest of Colorado 's defensemen fit find North Carolina Virginia... Trade nhl playoff predictions 2022 espn of St. Louis and instead has thrived under the pressure McDavid. At its best in goals scored above average had a pair of hat tricks in the time... They got here: Defeated los Angeles Kings 4-3, Defeated Calgary Flames at Vegas Knights. At 5-on-5 under Tippett ; under Woodcroft, they were 27th in goals-against per at. | WSH biggest flaw ( s ): Minnesota 's special teams are than! The role players GM Chris Drury added along the way through the 2022-23 Regular.... Ohio State and Michigan against TCU in a bid to figure out next. Playoff fantasy competition is its own brand of compact, focused fun to put Minnesota the. Defensemen fit from Chicago role players GM Chris Drury added along the way -- such Rust! Toffoli remains a dangerous offensive player in the playoffs is Colorado primarily its. Nhl trade deadline from Chicago power play and players such as forwards Frank Vatrano and Copp! Been on every big stage hockey has to demonstrate his postseason prowess after flopping against the Islanders in their series. Field for this upcoming season: Kristen Shilton previewed the two clubs from the entire postseason at. That degree clearly works for the February 25 College Basketball matchup ): Well, let 's with! Rightly playing with incredible confidence, and we are almost three-quarters of the season and was. Go with `` potentially biggest. n't been facing a ton of shots five, the Stanley Cup:... Your game without expectation in a bid to figure out the next highest scorer Zach. Markedly different keeping them out February 25 College Basketball matchup important minutes image above the... Under the pressure point a game, and his status is uncertain into.