It’s time for the West Division breakdown. Let’s go!
Colorado Avalanche vs St.Louis Blues
Embed from Getty ImagesAlright finally a series to discuss that tightens my pants. My Avs against those poor bastards from St.Louis.
In my opinion there is no chance this is a close series.
The Avs are absolutely rolling right now. Fresh off their President’s Trophy win they are as healthy as they have been all season. They hold the edge in every facet of this matchup.
Philipp Grubauer is in the midst of his best season as a pro and should get strong consideration for the Vezina. On the backend Colorado hasn’t had a group this deep since the days of Bourque, Blake, and Foote. Cale Makar is the most talented defenceman in the league since Erik Karlsson was in his prime. Toss in the highly underrated Samuel Girard and Devon Toews and the Avs have the clear advantage. Up front the good guys have simply the best line in hockey. It’s playoff time so you know Nate Dogg will be taking his game to another level and the troops will follow.
Ya I get it I am being a homer in favour of Colorado. How can I not be with a lineup like that.
With cup champion Binnington in net there is always a chance he can steal a game or two on his own. Ryan O’Reilly is a beast built for playoff hockey. With 3 Sasky boys in their top 6 you know they won’t go down easily. This is a veteran group with 15 players still remaining from their championship season a few years ago. Unfortunately for them it appears top scorer and lead rat David Perron will miss time early in the series. That is a heavy blow.
I’ll give the Blues the benefit of the doubt and say they steal at least 1 game. Avs in 5.
Just kidding. No chance in hell they win a game. Avs in 4.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild
Embed from Getty ImagesI haven’t got a clue who is winning this series.
Logic says the Knights roll to an easy win. Statistics tell me a different story.
The Wild took the season series off Vegas and the the Golden Knights have never won a game in regulation in Minnesota. Ever. Granted they have only been around for four years. Still quite surprising.
Despite what happened during the regular season, I just don’t see Vegas losing this series.
In net they have the best 1-2 punch in the league. If Fleury falters at all they have Lehner to come in and hold the fort. He would normally be the starter, but Fleury has been so good this season you just can’t take him out of the net. On the backend the Golden Knights are stacked with Theodore and Petro leading the way and good physical Sasky boy Brayden McNabb ready and willing to lay the body on any opposing forwards. Up front the blue collar superstar Mark Stone heads up a talented, hardworking group.
The thing I like about Minnesota is that this is not the Wild of the past. They are no longer a boring defensive team. Rookie sensation Kirill Kaprizov is one of the most exciting players in the league. I don’t think he will be affected by the bright lights of playoff hockey. There is nothing flashy about the Wild top 4, but they are a very steady group. They will need to be with the heavy forecheck of Vegas.
I have got to go with my gut on this one. Vegas is just too big and talented. It will be a grind though. Vegas in 6.