Western Conference Playoff Preview
The Western Conference is expected to be hard-fought with some of the most competitive series on paper in the first round. Here is a look at the opening matchups in the West.
Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights
There’s not much harder first-round matchups you can have than with the defending Stanley Cup champions. That is the prospects facing the Dallas Stars. The top team in the Western Conference pulled away from a tight three-team race to grab the Central Division title. What may help the Stars in this series is their depth of scoring. The third line of Wyatt Johnston-Jamie Benn-Logan Stankoven may be the X factor. The defense has been solid since the acquisition of Chris Tanev at the trade deadline. Goalie Jake Oettinger has stamped himself as one of the league’s best.
The Golden Knights are excited about getting forward Mark Stone back from injury to team on the second line with Chandler Stephenson and Tomas Hertl, picked up from San Jose. They have to decide between Logan Thompson and last year’s playoff hero, Adin Hill, in goal.
Prediction: Stars in six.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche
One of the more competitive matchups in the first round. The Jets stumbled in March, but closed the season on an eight-game winning streak. They beat the Avalanche in all three meetings during the season. Connor Hellebuyck went from being in a contract squabble with the team in the offseason to being third in the league with a 2.37 goals against average along with 37 wins. The offense is led by the ultra-consistent Mark Scheifele, who led the team with 72 points. Watch out for the second line of Sean Monahan centering Tyler Toffoli and Nikolaj Ehlers.
The high-powered offense of the Avalanche hopes that style can carry over to playoff hockey. Nathan MacKinnon is one of the top MVP candidates. He’s coming off a 51-goal, 89-assist regular season. They also feature high-scoring defenseman Cale Makar. The one question mark for Colorado is in goal where Alexander Georgiev has had an up-and-down campaign.
Prediction: Jets in seven.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Nashville Predators
The Pacific Division champion Canucks begin their trek to make a Stanley Cup final for the first time since 2012. Vancouver won the three meetings this season, but they last played in December. The Canucks won 10 of their first 13 games and hasn’t slowed since. They will be buoyed by the return of a healthy Thatcher Demko in goal. The defense partnership of Quinn Hughes and Flip Hronek has become one of the best around. Hughes tallied 91 points and is one of the favorites for the Norris Trophy. Up front, J.T. Miller recorded a 100-point season and Brock Boeser went over the 40-goal mark for the first time in his career.
The Predators had a tremendous February and March, but struggled in April. Goalie Juuse Saros went from being a trade candidate to leading the team into the playoffs. Roman Josi is a top caliber defenseman. His partner is veteran Cup winner Ryan McDonagh. Ryan O’Reilly has proven to be an important offseason acquisition.
Prediction: Canucks in six.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Oilers and the Kings meet for the third straight postseason. Edmonton hopes Stuart Skinner can improve upon last season’s postseason as a rookie. Of course, with Edmonton, it starts with the dynamic Connor McDavid, who dazzled with his playmaking ability this season, registering 100 assists. Zach Hyman was a 50-goal scorer playing with McDavid. Leon Draisaitl headlines the second line. Veteran Corey Perry, picked up from Chicago, could be an important depth piece for the Oilers. They took off since Kris Knoblauch replaced Jay Woodcroft as coach in November.
The Kings haven’t won a playoff series since 2014. 36-year-old Anze Kopitar is the heart and soul of the team. The two-time Cup champion had 70 points in the regular season and is expected to see a lot of McDavid. Quinton Byfield had a breakout season and played in three games against Edmonton. What may save LA is their penalty kill, ranked third in the league.
Prediction: Kings in six.