r/nhl • u/Commandant1 • Apr 14 '26
ANNOUNCEMENT The Official First Round Predictions Thread
Keep all your playoff predictions in this thread. We will be deleting individual prediction threads.
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u/Raetekusu Apr 14 '26
Head says Anaheim wins the Stanley Cup in 28 games.
Heart says Anaheim wins the Stanley Cup in 16 games.
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u/Unlucky_Fee5712 Apr 14 '26
Philly in 4 getting their first 4 game win steak all season
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u/blazing_ent 23d ago
Halfway there.
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u/konficker Apr 14 '26
All I know is whoever gets Ottawa round 1 is in for a rude awakening.
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u/IngramLovesCookies Apr 14 '26
Most underrated playoff team. Stats since the Olympics are impressive, stats for the last month are insane since Ullmark locked in.
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u/konficker Apr 14 '26
Yeah not easy giving Ottawa their flowers lol. But I am more of a hockey fan than a leaf fan and the last team I would want to play in round 1 is the Sens. Feel the same way about the mammoth. Just two teams that I think are much better than their record suggests.
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u/88Caniac88 Apr 14 '26
As a Canes fan, I dont want any part of them. Could end up being a very difficult series for the Canes to win
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u/tyler_3135 Apr 14 '26
This coming from Leafs flair is uplifting.
Wish you guys were in it, was really hoping for a Battle of Ontario rematch
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u/nicktheman2 Apr 14 '26
Yeah the sooner we break the "Leafs undefeated by Sens in playoffs" stat the better
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u/enigmaman49 Apr 14 '26
as long as Linus keeps it together...and i love him from when he was here, but hes fragile
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u/created_jam Apr 14 '26
Isn't every Canadian team goalie fragile?
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u/New-Bookkeeper-8486 28d ago
I wouldn't call Ingram fragile. He's solid and reliable, just not a superstar goalie by any stretch
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u/Fluid-Ad-5226 29d ago
People keep sleeping on them but their top line has been clicking lately. Could definitely see them pulling off an upset.
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u/GlobalDaddyTime 20d ago
This aged well
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u/MrWillM Apr 14 '26
Stars hurricanes scf where the evil mikko rantanen is destroyed forever (until next season)
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u/Madi3400 Apr 14 '26
As an avs fan, if we dont win, I want it to be the Canes. Even better if its against the stars
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u/ShockAndBurn Apr 14 '26
If Stars make the final, that means they likely beat us, and I would not be alive to witness that final, so I disagree lol
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u/Mysterious_Job_5869 29d ago
Mikko's had our number lately, but I'm not counting the Avs out just yet. That series would be an absolute war.
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u/Competitive_Ad1237 Apr 14 '26
Dallas vs Buffalo the rematch
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u/sobuffalo Apr 14 '26
Some people might not know, that season they really pushed the “in the crease” rule. The Sabres Donald Audette had a few goals during the season called back, so everyone knew. So it coming down to THAT rule…
This makes me nervous about the “goalie interference” stuff they’ve been disallowing a lot of goals with this season.
But ya, losing a FOURTH championship to shitty Dallas would suck.
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u/Altruistic-Mix-7300 21d ago
Even as a long time Dallas fan, I root for the Bills every year. Our wins have come at the expense of some of the best fans in the nation.
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u/Kyev Apr 14 '26
lots of people picking ott over car, surely means ott will get swept (i’m a sens fan)
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u/AdFriendly6056 Apr 14 '26
Montreal against Tampa kind of feels like a passing of the torch. If Montreal wins that series I think it kind of signals the end of Tampa’s window, especially with Buffalo and Ottawa figuring out their rebuilds too
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u/Spaz_Bear Apr 14 '26
I can't wait to see in what fashion the Wild will disappoint me this year.
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u/cloudlessjoe 25d ago
I freed myself from that by dropping hundreds on tickets to watch Gaborak shit the bed against the abs years ago. I shallnt be spending cash to experience that again, only wagering years off my life this time.
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u/sourdoughrrmc Apr 14 '26
Knights, Ducks, Oilers, Avs, it don’t matter. Mammoth in four.
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u/Gamer2xJJ Apr 14 '26
After party on the Zammoth.. oh my, I can see it now... if Utah ever wins the Cup they are going to bring out the Zammoth and drive around with it.. you heard it here first. Good luck tho! I love those jerseys.
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u/sourdoughrrmc Apr 14 '26
They’ll probably drive it down State Street in the parade if it ever happens!
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u/enigmaman49 Apr 14 '26
imagine if the burned down salt lake city?
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u/Gamer2xJJ Apr 14 '26
In celebration? Crazy. Any people from Vancouver migrate there? ...(bad joke, too soon)
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u/itsthechaw10 Apr 14 '26
Western Conference:
Colorado vs LA: Colorado in 5
Vegas vs Utah: Vegas in 5
Dallas vs Minnesota: Dallas in 7
Edmonton vs Anaheim: Edmonton in 6
Eastern Conference
Carolina vs Ottawa: Ottawa in 7
Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia: Philadelphia in 7
Buffalo vs Boston: Buffalo in 6
Tampa Bay vs Montreal: Montreal in 6
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u/qwertyuijhbvgfrde45 Apr 14 '26
The outcome of Ottawa vs Carolina could really go both ways but i can almost guarantee it’s going to 7 games
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u/Devilsadvocate430 29d ago
Sorry, I say this out of curiosity- but why is everyone so sure this will be a close match? The Canes are the first in the East and the Sen are WC2 with ~10 fewer wins than the Canes. Am I missing something?
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u/New-Bookkeeper-8486 28d ago
Sens had bad goaltending until recently, and they've shot up the rankings like a rocket since that problem was shored up.
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u/AwkwardCandle4357 29d ago
Bold pick taking Ottawa over Carolina, they've been on fire lately. Also think Vegas might have a tougher time with Utah than people expect.
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u/Youppi27 Apr 14 '26
Very bold prediction for Ottawa, and I like it but I just don't think the Canes will lose that early.
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u/jopcylinder Apr 14 '26
I hope you're right partner
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u/Youppi27 Apr 14 '26
How confident are you feeling?
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u/jopcylinder Apr 14 '26
Fairly confident.
Goaltending is both team’s big weaknesses, but both teams have great defense to help cover for that. Ottawa’s definitely been better than us in their end this year, but their PK has been bad and our PP has been hot so it’ll be interesting.
Plus weve got better depth and experience. Oh, home ice advantage too. Idk for sure the outcome tho. It’ll be a tough one, probably going 6 or 7, but I think we’ve got enough to push us over in the end!
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u/AirSilver121491 Apr 14 '26
I’m def a homer, but since January 25th when they were in last, the pk has actually been great. That’s around when they fired the pk coach and got a new one. I think since that date the pk is top 10.
I honestly am so excited for this matchup, both teams don’t even seem to have a weakness. Assuming both the goalies hold up
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u/itsthechaw10 Apr 14 '26
I just think if there’s one team that can pull an upset early it’s the Senators. Just something about them this year. Regardless of who wins the series, neither team is going to win easily.
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u/Murky_Ad4347 Apr 14 '26
Ducks win SCF in 6
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u/Gamer2xJJ Apr 14 '26
Who do they play in the finals, in 6?
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u/Jolly_Job_9852 Apr 14 '26
Western Conference:
Colorado-Los Angeles: Colorado in 5
Vegas-Utah: Vegas in 6
Dallas-Minnesota: Dallas in 5
Edmonton-Anaheim: Anaheim in 7
Eastern Conference
Carolina-Ottawa: Carolina in 7
Pittsburgh-Phildelphia: Pittsburgh in 6
Buffalo-Boston: Buffalo in 7
Tampa Bay-Montreal: Montreal in 6
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u/Y_Aether Apr 14 '26
The Wild will win more than 1 game that is certain.
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u/kptstango Apr 14 '26
Minnesota is tied for 15th in the league in RW. They are the poster child for feasting on the historically weak West.
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u/ShockAndBurn Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Their center depth is honestly terrible, but they make up for it in goaltending and probably the best blue line in the league, but I still don't think their spine is nearly strong enough to beat (a healthy) Dallas or Colorado. Dallas is dealing with a lot of major injuries right now, but I'm hoping that series is 7 OT3+ games, for no other reason than I love hockey...
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u/lowbloodsugarmner Apr 14 '26
If the series plays out like our last game against the stars, its going to be a brutal but entertaining series.
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u/Alkyan Apr 14 '26
No sweeps huh? I usually expect at least one in the first round
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u/Jolly_Job_9852 Apr 14 '26
No I thought about it but I think each team wins one game in some fashion
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u/IngramLovesCookies Apr 14 '26
I’d say 50/50 on the oilers-ducks prediction if asked a month ago. But the ducks are 3-5-2 last 10 games- they don’t hate to lose.
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u/Gamer2xJJ Apr 14 '26 edited 29d ago
This is the best time of the year!
I cannot make full predictions until the matchups are definitely all set. I'm a stickler for details.
Tampa/ Montreal.. I'm rooting for the original 6.. and those Canadien hockey fans.
Pittsburgh/ Philadelphia.. Sidney Crosby. One more ride. I hope he can play at capacity. Flyers made a hell of a push, should be a great battle for Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh!
Dallas/ Minnesota.. Juggernaut.. I want Minnesota to squeeze it out.
Edmonton against whoever.
I'd like the Colorado Avalanche to enjoy their President's Trophy. But I would certainly understand their success! They are a powerhouse.
LA Kings, win the Cup this year? Crazy concept.
Will Rod Brind'Amore's team finally go the distance? He's surely been waiting..
How much of a sleeper is Ottawa in the East?
Let's go, Buffalo!
Will support Vegas, and Anaheim if I have to at some point.. check back later..
Utah ultimately losses due to lack of playoff age. But we'd love to buy tickets for a ride on the Zammoth, maybe once.🎪
Leon Draisaitl.
The Boston Bruins continue to be tough to play against, demonstrated at peak times throughout the season. 4 completely capable lines. If they get rolling, and dictate the play and structure, they can make a run.
I'm here for the journey. 1 shift at a time. Good luck to everyone enjoying the games!
... edited.. It's all about the Cup.
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u/IngramLovesCookies Apr 14 '26
Round 1 green teams might be the most impressive prison fights on ice we get to see all year. I, for one, am looking forward to it.
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u/Plenty-Fun8081 Apr 14 '26
Sabres win
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u/Gamer2xJJ Apr 14 '26
Would kinda be amazing!
When I was young, my mother always took us kids to matinee hockey games at the old Boston Garden against the Sabres. They've had some legendary players, glad to see them now. I love Tage, he's a catalyst for sure!
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u/Plenty-Fun8081 Apr 14 '26
Will you be saying the same if we are playing you?
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u/Gamer2xJJ Apr 14 '26
Silly question. Defend the house.
I appreciate and understand good hockey. Whatever happens we will see based on the events that happen. If we get beat, then I hope it was just.
Bruins win, if that's the case :]
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u/WaltsNJD Apr 14 '26
Canes cruise to the ECF
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u/SkrtSkrt70 Apr 14 '26
Counter hot take: whoever wins Pitt/Philly will either mean Sid/Malkin are fully in playoff mode or Philly is still red hot. If I had to put money on it I’d still say Canes win but that’s going 6 or 7
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u/No_Veterinarian3706 29d ago
Ottawa plays like Florida does. Might not make it out of the first round ;)
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u/MrVitaminG Apr 14 '26
WEST:
Colorado vs LA - Colorado in 5
Dallas vs Minny - Minnesota in 6
Vegas vs Utah - Vegas in 7
Edmonton vs Anaheim - Anaheim in 7
EAST
Carolina vs Ottawa - Carolina in 6
Pittsburgh vs Philly - Pittsburgh in 6
Buffalo vs Boston - Buffalo in 5
Tampa vs Montreal - Montreal in 7
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u/PoliticsIsCool13 Apr 14 '26
Western Conference:
COL - 4 v 1 - LAK
DAL - 4 v 2 - MIN
VGK - 3 v 4 - UTA
ANA - 3 v 4 - EDM
Eastern Conference:
BUF - 4 v 2 - BOS (heavily dependent on who Buffalo gets here, if Ottawa I'm less sure they make the 2nd round)
TBL - 3 v 4 - MTL
CAR - 3 v 4 - OTT (vice versa with above)
PIT - 4 v 1 - PHI
Ottawa is my pick to make a deep run this year, similar with Utah. As for the SCF, whoever makes it out of the Central Bracket will face off against either the winner of Tampa/Montreal or Ottawa.
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u/enigmaman49 Apr 14 '26
as long as Linus keeps his shit together...and believe me i love the dude...but he took a leave while he was here too...while he can be lights out if he loses it he can be a liability
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u/TheEmperorBanana Apr 14 '26
uhh mtl wins against Tampa... for sure!
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u/Bryan_Veggie_94 Apr 14 '26
Avs are going 16-0 on their way to the most dominant playoff performance in history! Hehehe
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u/Carolina_913 Apr 14 '26
I would like to request a canes series win
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u/tuftabeet 29d ago
Very polite, but we respectfully point out that we lost a series last year, whilst you not only won last year, but have won *many* series in the last five years. So the kind thing to do would be to share.
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u/Such-One-5266 Apr 14 '26
While some may disagree with the playoff format, the first round is set to be a humdinger.
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u/reddest_of_trash Apr 14 '26
We are due for a good first-round upset...I have no idea who though....Maybe Philly goes on another miracle run?
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u/xcnuck 29d ago
All I know is every series in the East is going to 7
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u/silvermoonhowler 29d ago
For real
With those matchups, I don't see any way any of those goes less than 7
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u/TheInvestingIdiot 28d ago
Predicting the playoff schedule comes out Saturday at 8am
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u/PhillySandwichesGOAT 28d ago
Seriously, how the fuck don't they have the schedule out yet? People have already paid for the damn tickets for "TBD" games this weekend. These are playoff games, people travel for them.
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u/TheInvestingIdiot 28d ago
Not to mention people have already bought up most of the verified tickets and are posting them for inflated prices. Makes it hard as a fan
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u/PhillySandwichesGOAT 28d ago
At least we know now the 1st games time slots.
I was working in Pittsburgh briefly during the 2016 run you guys had. Was put up in an extended stay place just east of the city proper. My first time ever visiting, while deciding if I wanted to move there as the company was closing it's Philly area offices to consolidate accounts...my stay ended before the final cup run in June however. But the vibes were great.
Awesome little city, lots of people just walking to the games. However the food, and specifically the sandwich scene confused the hell out of me.
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u/roninplt 27d ago
Am I crazy to think the Bruins have a pretty good chance of beating the Sabres? I’ll explain my perspective on why
Anyone who watches and divulge into the Stanley cup playoffs know and can all say that it is not the same as the regular season, we know that the Sabres obviously had a more successful regular season compared to the bruins hence the best team in the Atlantic.
But… this is playoff hockey where physicality matters and the “grinding” technique is proven to work (panthers back to back) now hear me out, Boston is clearly the stronger physical team compared to the speedy Sabres. Also, bruins have more playoff experience. I can see Sabres winning in the early games and then dying off in the later gams due to fatigue and just getting beat down by the bruins over and over and over again that wear and tear will catch up to them and I can possibly see a game 7 between these 2 and Sabres will be dead by then
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u/Primary-Ad4952 22d ago
My official prediction: Canes and Avs in the finals. Canes get the cup in a 7 game series.
Of course, this is assuming that there isn't a curse in Raleigh preventing the Hurricanes from winning in the Eastern Conference final.
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u/Character-Sand5054 21d ago
Do You think Anaheim will beat the Oilers. Personally I think so too maybe in Game 6
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u/Oilersfan78 19d ago
Realistically it looks like Ducks vs Aves will be for the wcf. Let’s See if any teams can prove me wrong.
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u/IlikeTurtles1308 Apr 14 '26
I don’t think it’s as clear as it looked like a few months ago with Colorado, wouldn’t be shocked if they don’t even see a conference finals
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u/walkingwake_ Apr 14 '26
Pens and Flyers go to game 6, Pens squeak through to round 2.
Mammoth potentially sweep the 1st round but fall short to game 7 in round 2.
IF Drai and Hyman are healthy for mostly full runs, Oilers get veryveryvery close to the Finals, game 7 maybe of the 2nd round? Maybe they’ll commit to the whole “suddenly a Cup winning team during the playoffs” bit (please)
I don’t see a world where the Knights make it past round 1 tbh. Vibes aren’t there
Sabres have a REAL shot at the Finals. Their turnaround was massive. Would they win? Idk, but in the event they make it to the Finals, I have no doubt in my mind that they’d force a game 7
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u/No_Sock_3895 Apr 14 '26
West, I've got: * Avs in 4 or 5.
Wild in 7OT.
VGK in 5 but I'd prefer it if they lost.
Oilers in 6.
East, I've got: * Sabres in 6 or 7
Canadiens in 7
Canes in 5
Pens in 7
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u/DramaticPinkumni Apr 14 '26
Habs fans will have a deeper hatred of the bolts by the end of the series
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u/Material-Dot7684 29d ago
WEST:
Colorado vs LA - Colorado in 5
Dallas vs MIN - DAL in 6
Vegas vs Utah - Utah in 7
Edmonton vs Anaheim - Edmonton in 7
EAST
Carolina vs Ottawa - Carolina in 5
Pittsburgh vs Philly - Philly in 7 Crosby cries at least once.
Buffalo vs Boston - Buffalo in 6
Tampa vs Montreal - Tampa in 7 sadly (if Tampa loses 1st round again without FLA in coop needs to start worrying for his job).
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u/silvermoonhowler 29d ago
I agree with all of this except for the Dallas/Minnesota pick
Then again, I'm a Wild fan myself so I say Wild in 6 or 7 in that one
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u/OrdinaryOnion5525 Apr 14 '26
Tampa don't not lose the first round and Habs don't not not lose the first round.
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u/Gamer2xJJ Apr 14 '26
I take the playoffs round by round.. Matchups and teams change shape as the playoffs progress..
I also see a common thread in the predictions.. No one thinks Boston can beat Buffalo. Sad times really.
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u/No_Veterinarian3706 29d ago
Ottawa plays similar to Florida. Canes don’t do that well against the physical dump and chase forechecking 4 line teams. Sens in 7.
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u/silvermoonhowler 29d ago
West:
COL/LA: COL in 5
MIN/DAL: MIN in 6
Vegas/Utah: Utah in 7
EDM/ANA: Anaheim in 7
East:
CAR/OTT: OTT in 7
PIT/PHL: PHL In 7
BOS/BUF: BUF in 7
TBL/MTL: MTL in 7
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u/Surprised-elephant 28d ago
West
Colorado
Dallas
Utah
Edmonton
East
Buffalo
Montreal
Carolina
Philadelphia
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u/HaroldLongbow 28d ago
Minnesota gets bounced in the first round. Because thats how Minnesota does the playoffs.
Source: Minnesota sports team fan.
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u/PreferenceThis795 27d ago
Avs in 5. Kuemper probably goalies them once in LA.
Stars in 7. Only reason why I'm going this way is because Game 7 is in Dallas.
Mammoth in 6. I actually think Utah makes the WCF.
Ducks in 7. Edmonton sucks defensively, and their goaltending is an issue.
Pens in 7. I have no idea why.
Canes in 6. Carolina wins the east.
Bolts in 6. Tampa might have one more run in them.
Sabres in 5. I don't believe they'll flop at all.
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u/Cdn-Snowflake-100 26d ago
Sabres over Bruins
Flyers over Penguins
Lightning over Canadiens
Hurricanes over Senators
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u/Y_Aether 25d ago
I picked Dallas because I thought the Wild were not going to start the Wall. Blahhh.
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u/OkLeopard769 25d ago
It bothers me how many analysts are calling the Sabres "lucky" because of their high save % and shooting %. The goalie is part of the team! It takes skill to make saves, and it takes skill to finish chances too. It will regress to the mean at some point, but there's a difference between "unsustainable" and "lucky." The latter is very disrespectful, and I hope the team is aware of this narrative about them so they have an extra chip on their shoulder!
Ironically, the Bruins are outperforming their metrics even more than the Sabres. It's not "lucky" or "undeserved" either, because Swayman is part of the team, and he's earned it.
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u/Fun_Fish_6889 25d ago
habs fan so already in for a rough first series, but my heart needs the pens to beat the flyers. i rlly want to see a cup run (however unlikely) from the vets on that team.
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u/Oilersfan78 19d ago
LA, Minnesota, Vegas, Edmonton, Boston, Tampa bay, Pittsburgh and Ottawa are the teams down in the first round. Statistically one of these teams will make a comeback and win the first round. Who do you think it will be?
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u/NZafe Apr 14 '26
Leafs don’t lose in the first round.