It’s finally that time of year folks. The playoffs are upon us. Let’s take a look at the 2 matchups in the Central Division.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Nashville Predators
Embed from Getty ImagesThis first round match up is a battle of two teams with some of the rowdiest fans and worst jerseys in the league. What the hell is that logo the Hurricanes have on the front of their jerseys? Absolutely horrendous. And the yellow the Predators rock is simply disgusting. Both teams deserve to lose based on their uniforms.
The Hurricanes come in as the heavy favourites after finishing just behind Colorado in the race for the Presidents Trophy.
Between the pipes I feel its a pretty even matchup with the rookie sensation Alex Nedeljkovic kicking the pillows for the Canes and Juuse Saros doing the same for Nashville. Saros threw the Pred’s on his back down the stretch as he was their best player. I don’t think we could have two worse names for me to spell. Thanks for the help hockeydb.com.
Up front Carolina has top end talent that Nashville lacks outside of Philip Forsberg. On top of that they have perhaps the best 1-6 defence in the league.
If this series comes down to special teams it could be over quickly. The Hurricanes ranked in the top 3 in both power play and penalty kill percentage during the regular season. Nashville was straight up dog shit in both categories.
Despite all this Nashville was one of the hottest teams in the second half of the season.
Still, I’m going with Carolina in 6.
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Embed from Getty ImagesI sure feel bad for the Florida Panthers and their fans. Of course after having one of the best seasons in franchise history they get the defending Stanley Cup champions in the first round. That’s just how things have always gone down in south Florida. It’s a cruel, cruel world.
I just can’t see them getting past the Lightning. However, It is a strong possibility that I am wrong. A great number of hockey experts have picked the Cats to come out on top in this series and, I am an idiot.
My logic in picking Tampa Bay is pretty straight forward. When one team clearly has the advantage in goal, on defence, and up front, that’s who I am going with. Have people forgot they have the best goalie in the world with the second best defenceman (Makar is #1) playing in front of him. Oh ya, they’re also getting back a healthy Stamkos and Kucherov. People are sleeping on Tampa and I am sure the boys in the dressing room are loving it.
I would absolutely love to see the Panthers pull this off. Unfortunately, I just don’t see it happening. Do they even know who their starting goalie will be? Bobrovsky has seen more playing time down the stretch, but Driedger has had the better season.
I do think it will be a closer series than I am making it sounds. Still, I gotta go with Tampa in 6.