2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview - Eastern/Western Conference Semifinals

1st Round Scores:

Eastern Conference:

#1 Tampa Bay Lightning defeat WC #2 New Jersey Devils (4-1)
#1 Washington Capitals defeat WC #1 Columbus Blue Jackets (4-2)
#2 Boston Bruins defeat #3 Toronto Maple Leafs (4-3)
#2 Pittsburgh Penguins defeat #3 Philadelphia Flyers (4-2)

Western Conference:

#1 Nashville Predators defeat WC #2 Colorado Avalanche (4-2)
#1 Vegas Golden Knights defeat WC #1 Los Angeles Kings (4-0)
#2 Winnipeg Jets defeat #3 Minnesota Wild (4-1)
#3 San Jose Sharks defeat #2 Anaheim Ducks (4-0)

Forman Faceoff Conn Smythe Standings:

1. Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - 4 wins, 0.65 GAA, .977 Save %, 2 shutouts

2. Sidney Crosby (PIT) - 6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points

3. David Pastrnak (BOS) - 5 goals, 8 assists, 13 points

4. Martin Jones (SJS) - 4 wins, 1.00 GAA, .970 Save %, 1 shutout

5. Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 5 goals, 5 assists, 10 points

6. Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - 4 wins, 1.93 GAA, .924 Save %, 2 shutouts

7. Jake Guentzel (PIT) - 6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points

8. Braden Holtby (WSH) - 4 wins, 1.92 GAA, .932 Save %

9. Brad Marchand (BOS) - 3 goals, 6 assists, 9 points

10. Austin Watson (NSH) - 4 goals, 3 assist, 7 points

Here's a look at the 4 Conference Semi-Final match-ups:

#1 Tampa Bay Lightning vs #2 Boston Bruins

Season Series: Bruins won the season series 3-1-0

November 29, 2017: Boston Bruins 3, Tampa Bay Lightning 2
March 17, 2018: Boston Bruins 3, Tampa Bay Lightning 0
March 29, 2018: Boston Bruins 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 2

April 3, 2018: Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Boston Bruins 0

Players to Watch:

Tampa Bay: Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Brayden Point, Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat

Boston: Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak, Tuukka Rask, Zdeno Chara, David Krejci

X-Factor:

Tampa Bay: Nikita Kucherov

Boston: Brad Marchand

Team Leaders:

Goals: Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 5, David Pastrnak/Jake DeBrusk (BOS) - 5
Assists: David Pastrnak (BOS) - 8, Nikita Kucherov/Steven Stamkos (TBL) - 5

Points: David Pastrnak (BOS) - 13, Nikita Kucherov - 10
Wins: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 4, Tuukka Rask (BOS) - 4
Goals Against Average: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 2.01, Tuukka Rask (BOS) - 2.94

Save Percentage: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - .941, Tuukka Rask (BOS) - .899

Prediction: Both of these teams battled neck and neck for the Atlantic Division title this season, with the Bruins losing on the last day of the regular season to fall 1 point short. This series has two high-powered offenses going head to head and will be very close, but I give the edge to the Bruins fresh off their big game 7 win vs Toronto.

(BRUINS IN 7)

#1 Washington Capitals vs #2 Pittsburgh Penguins

Season Series: Season series tied 2-2-0

October 11, 2017: Pittsburgh Penguins 3, Washington Capitals 2
November 10, 2017: Washington Capitals 4, Pittsburgh Penguins 1
February 2, 2018: Pittsburgh Penguins 7, Washington Capitals 4
April 1, 2018: Washington Capitals 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 1

Players to Watch:

Washington: Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, John Carlson, Braden Holtby, Devante Smith-Pelly

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Matt Murray, Jake Guentzel, Bryan Rust

X-Factor:

Washington: Alex Ovechkin

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby

Team Leaders:

Goals: Sidney Crosby/Jake Guentzel (PIT) - 6, Alex Ovechkin (WSH) - 5
Assists: John Carlson (WSH) - 8, Sidney Crosby/Jake Guentzel (PIT) - 13
Points: Sidney Crosby/Jake Guentzel (PIT) - 13, John Carlson (WSH) - 9
Wins: Braden Holtby (WSH) - 4, Matt Murray (PIT) - 4
Goals Against Average: Braden Holtby (WSH) - 1.92, Matt Murray (PIT) - 2.20
Save Percentage: Braden Holtby (WSH) - 9.32, Matt Murray (PIT) - 9.11

Prediction: Penguins vs Capitals, 2nd round, for the 3rd consecutive year...We want to think this year will be different for Ovechkin and company, but I can't bet against the two-time defending champs and think the Penguins are just too deep and strong right now.

(PENGUINS IN 6)


This would have the Eastern Conference Finals match up as:

#2 Boston Bruins vs. #2 Pittsburgh Penguins

#1 Nashville Predators vs #2 Winnipeg Jets

Season Series: Predators won the season series 3-1-1

November 20, 2017: Nashville Predators 5, Winnipeg Jets 3 
December 19, 2017: Winnipeg Jets 6, Nashville Predators 4
February 27, 2018: Nashville Predators 6, Winnipeg Jets 5
March 13, 2018: Nashville Predators 3, Winnipeg Jets 1
March 25, 2018: Winnipeg Jets 5, Nashville Predators 4 (SO)

Players to Watch:

Nashville: Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson, PK Subban, Pekka Rinne, Mattias Ekholm, Austin Watson

Winnipeg: Patrik Laine, Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck, Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers

X-Factor:

Nashville: Filip Forsberg

Winnipeg: Blake Wheeler

Team Leaders:

Goals: Filip Forsberg/Austin Watson (NSH) - 4, Mark Scheifele (WPG) - 4
Assists: Mattias Ekholm (NSH) - 5, Dustin Byfuglien (WPG) - 5
Points: Austin Watson/Colton Sissons (NSH) - 7, Mark Scheifele/Dustin Byfuglien (WPG) - 5
Wins: Pekka Rinne (NSH) - 4, Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - 4
Goals Against Average: Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - 1.93, Pekka Rinne (NSH) - 2.60
Save Percentage: Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - .924, Pekka Rinne (NSH) - .909

Prediction: It's almost a shame that this match up is in the 2nd round and not the Conference Finals, arguably two of the best teams in the NHL going head to head in a major heavyweight tilt. After seeing the Predators beat my Avalanche in 6 I know how impressive they can be, but I'm giving the very slight edge to Winnipeg and see them advancing to the Conference Finals.

(JETS IN 7)

#1 Vegas Golden Knights vs #3 San Jose Sharks

Season Series: Golden Knights won the season series 3-0-1

November 24, 2017: Vegas Golden Knights 5, San Jose Sharks 4 (OT)
February 8, 2018: Vegas Golden Knights 5, San Jose Sharks 3
March 22, 2018: San Jose Sharks 2, Vegas Golden Knights 1 (OT)
March 31, 2018: Vegas Golden Knights 3, San Jose Sharks 2

Players to Watch:

Vegas: Marc-Andre Fleury, James Neal, Johnathan Marchessault, William Karlsson, Reilly Smith, Ryan Carpenter

San Jose: Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, Brent Burns, Joe Thornton, Martin Jones, Evander Kane

X-Factor:

Vegas: Marc-Andre Fleury

San Jose: Joe Pavelski

Team Leaders:

Goals: Tomas Hertl/Marcus Sorensen/Evander Kane (SJS) - 3, James Neal/Cody Eakin/Alex Tuch - 1
Assists: Joe Pavelski (SJS) - 4, Reilly Smith (VGK) - 3
Points: Joe Pavelski/Logan Couture (SJS) - 5, Reilly Smith (VGK) - 3
Wins: Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - 4, Martin Jones (SJS) - 4
Goals Against Average: Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - 0.65, Martin Jones (SJS) - 1.00
Save Percentage: Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - .977, Martin Jones (SJS) - .970

Prediction: Most of the hockey world (myself included) has expected the Golden Knights to fall down to earth eventually, but the miracle expansion season continues in Vegas. After dismantling the Kings in 4 games in round 1, I think Marc-Andre Fleury carries the Golden Knights past the Sharks in this series and straight to the Conference Finals.

(GOLDEN KNIGHTS IN 6)


This would have the Western Conference Finals matchup as:

#1 Vegas Golden Knights vs #2 Winnipeg Jets

2nd round begins tonight!


Joel Forman

2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview - Eastern/Western Conference Quarterfinals

The best time of the year: Stanley Cup Playoffs! A ton of storylines heading into the playoffs this year, whether that's the expansion Vegas Golden Knights winning the Pacific Division, the Avs going from 48 points last year to 95 points and a playoff spot this year, or the Devils going from picking 1st in the NHL draft last summer to the playoffs this year. With that being said, here's a look at the Eastern/Western Quarterfinals match ups and how I predict they will play out:

#1 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. WC #2 New Jersey Devils

Season Series: Devils won the season series 3-0-0

October 17, 2017: New Jersey Devils 5, Tampa Bay Lightning 4 (SO)
February 17, 2018: New Jersey Devils 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 3
March 24, 2018: New Jersey Devils 2, Tampa Bay Lightning 1

Players to Watch:

Tampa Bay: Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Brayden Point, Tyler Johnson, JT Miller

New Jersey: Taylor Hall, Kyle Palmieri, Nico Hischier, Will Butcher, Keith Kinkaid, Brian Boyle

X-Factor:

Tampa Bay: Nikita Kucherov

New Jersey: Taylor Hall

Team Leaders:

Goals: Taylor Hall (NJD) - 39, Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 39
Assists: Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 61, Taylor Hall (NJD) - 54
Points: Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 100, Taylor Hall (NJD) - 93
Wins: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 44, Keith Kinkaid (NJD) - 26
Goals Against Average: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 2.62, Keith Kinkaid (NJD) - 2.77
Save Percentage: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - .926, Keith Kinkaid (NJD) - .913

Prediction: Despite a breakout season from Taylor Hall and their 1st playoff appearance since 2012, the Devils face an extremely tough task at beating the Lightning in this series. Tampa Bay will overpower them with ease and roll on the 2nd round.

(LIGHTNING IN 5)

#1 Washington Capitals vs. WC #1 Columbus Blue Jackets

Season Series: Capitals won the season series 3-1-0

December 2, 2017: Washington Capitals 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 3
February 6, 2018: Washington Capitals 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
February 9, 2018: Washington Capitals 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
February 26, 2018: Columbus Blue Jackets 5, Washington Capitals 1

Players to Watch:

Washington: Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, John Carlson, TJ Oshie, 

Columbus: Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, Seth Jones, Zach Werenski, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Thomas Vanek

X-Factor:

Washington: Alex Ovechkin

Columbus: Sergei Bobrovsky

Team Leaders:

Goals: Alex Ovechkin (WSH) - 49, Artemi Panarin (CBJ) - 27
Assists: Evgeny Kuznetsov (WSH) - 56, Artemi Panarin (CBJ) - 55
Points: Alex Ovechkin (WSH) - 87, Artemi Panarin (CBJ) - 82
Wins: Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ) - 37, Braden Holtby (WSH) - 34
Goals Against Average: Philipp Grubauer (WSH) - 2.35, Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ) - 2.42
Save Percentage: Philipp Grubauer (WSH) - .923, Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ) - .921

Prediction: Is this finally the year for Ovie and the Caps? They are in tough in round 1 against the feisty Blue Jackets, this series could truly go either way. I give the slight edge to the Capitals and see them moving on to round 2.

(CAPITALS IN 6)

#2 Boston Bruins vs. #3 Toronto Maple Leafs

Season Series: Maple Leafs won the season series 3-1-0
November 10, 2017: Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Boston Bruins 2 (OT)
November 11, 2017: Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Boston Bruins 1
February 3, 2018: Boston Bruins 4, Toronto Maple Leafs 1
February 24, 2018: Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Boston Bruins 3

Players to Watch:

Boston: Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak, Tuukka Rask, Charlie McAvoy, Ryan Donato

Toronto: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, Frederik Andersen, James van Riemsdyk, Jake Gardiner

X-Factor:

Boston: Auston Matthews

Toronto: Tuukka Rask

Team Leaders:

Goals: James van Riemsdyk (TOR) - 36, David Pastrnak (BOS) - 35
Assists: Brad Marchand (BOS) - 51, Mitch Marner/Jake Gardiner (TOR) - 47
Points: Brad Marchand (BOS) - 85, Mitch Marner (TOR) - 69
Wins: Frederik Andersen (TOR) - 38, Tuukka Rask (BOS) - 34
Goals Against Average: Tuukka Rask (BOS) - 2.36, Frederik Andersen (TOR) - 2.81
Save Percentage: Frederik Andersen (TOR) - .918, Tuukka Rask (BOS) - .917

Prediction: A rematch of the fantastic 2013 1st round series, the Bruins and Leafs renew the rivalry and this has the potential to be a very high-scoring series. While I certainly think this can go either way, the Bruins look like the more complete team and will move on to round 2.

(BRUINS IN 7)

#2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #3 Philadelphia Flyers

Season Series: Penguins won the season series 4-0-0
November 27, 2017: Pittsburgh Penguins 5, Philadelphia Flyers 4 (OT)
January 2, 2018: Pittsburgh Penguins 5, Philadelphia Flyers 1
March 7, 2018: Pittsburgh Penguins 5, Philadelphia Flyers 2
March 25, 2018: Pittsburgh Penguins 5, Philadelphia Flyers 4 (OT)

Players to Watch:

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust, Jake Guentzel

Philadelphia: Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, Sean Couturier, Wayne Simmonds, Shayne Gostisbehere, Ivan Provorov 

X-Factor:

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby 

Philadelphia: Claude Giroux

Team Leaders:

Goals: Evgeni Malkin (PIT) - 42, Claude Giroux (PHI) - 34
Assists: Claude Giroux (PHI) - 68, Sidney Crosby (PHI) - 60
Points: Claude Giroux (PHI) - 102, Evgeni Malkin (PIT) - 98
Wins: Matt Murray (PIT) - 27, Brian Elliott (PHI) - 23
Goals Against Average: Brian Elliott (PHI) - 2.66, Matt Murray (PIT) - 2.92
Save Percentage: Brian Elliott (PHI) - .909, Matt Murray (PIT) - .907

Prediction: When the Flyers and Penguins faced off the 1st round in 2012, that was one of the best playoff series I have ever witnessed in my 27 years on this planet. The battle of Pennsylvania round 2 has the Flyers attempting to knock off the 2-time defending champs, and this series is going to be very close. However, I think the Penguins are chasing history and will fight off their rivals and move on to round 2

(PENGUINS IN 6)

This would have Tampa Bay, Washington, Boston and Pittsburgh advancing to the next round. The match ups would be as follows:

#1 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #2 Boston Bruins

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #2 Pittsburgh Penguins

#1 Nashville Predators vs WC #2 Colorado Avalanche

Season Series: Predators won the season series 4-0-0
October 17, 2017: Nashville Predators 4, Colorado Avalanche 1
November 18, 2017: Nashville Predators 5, Colorado Avalanche 2
March 4, 2018: Nashville Predators 4, Colorado Avalanche 3 (OT)
March 16, 2018: Nashville Predators 4, Colorado Avalanche 2

Players to Watch:

Nashville: Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, PK Subban, Roman Josi Viktor Arvidsson, Pekka Rinne

Colorado: Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog, Tyson Barrie, Tyson Jost, Nikita Zadorov

X-Factor:

Nashville: Pekka Rinne

Colorado: Nathan MacKinnon

Team Leaders:

Goals: Nathan MacKinnon (COL) - 39, Viktor Arvidsson (NSH) - 29
Assists: Nathan MacKinnon (COL) - 58, PK Subban (NSH) - 43
Points: Nathan MacKinnon (COL) - 97, Filip Forsberg (NSH) - 64
Wins: Pekka Rinne (NSH) - 42, Semyon Varlamov (COL) - 24
Goals Against Average: Pekka Rinne (NSH) - 2.31, Semyon Varlamov - 2.68
Save Percentage: Pekka Rinne (NSH) - .927, Semyon Varlamov (COL) - .920

Prediction: As a die-hard Avalanche fan the past 12 months have been strange, very strange. From the lowest of the low last season, to making the playoffs now, it's just a stunning turnaround lead by MVP-candidate Nathan MacKinnon. While I recognize the Avs are outmatched and will probably be bested by the Predators, I have to pick my team in their 1st playoffs since 2014.

(AVALANCHE IN 7)

#1 Vegas Golden Knights vs WC #1 Los Angeles Kings

Season Series: Season series tied 2-1-1

November 19, 2017: Vegas Golden Knights 4, Los Angeles Kings 2
December 28, 2017: Vegas Golden Knights 3, Los Angeles Kings 2 (OT)
February 26, 2018: Los Angeles Kings 3, Vegas Golden Knights 2 (OT)
February 27, 2018: Los Angeles Kings 4, Vegas Golden Knights 1

Players to Watch:

Vegas: William Karlsson, James Neal, Jonathan Marchessault, Marc-Andre Fleury, Reilly Smith, Shea Theodore

Los Angeles: Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, Dustin Brown, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Muzzin

X-Factor:

Vegas: Marc-Andre Fleury

Los Angeles: Jonathan Quick 

Team Leaders:

Goals: William Karlsson (VGK) - 43, Anze Kopitar (LAK) - 35
Assists: Anze Kopitar (LAK) - 57, David Perron (VGK) - 50
Points: Anze Kopitar (LAK) - 92, William Karlsson (VGK) - 78
Wins: Jonathan Quick (LAK) - 33, Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - 29
Goals Against Average: Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - 2.24, Jonathan Quick (LAK) - 2.40
Save Percentage: Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - .927, Jonathan Quick (LAK) - .921

Prediction: The toast of the NHL this season has been the NHL's newest team: the Vegas Golden Knights. After putting up the best season in expansion draft history, the Golden Knights won the Pacific Division and home ice in round 1. However, they have a tough task at hand in the LA Kings, Cup winners in 2012 and 2014 with much of the same core still here. While everyone is rooting for Vegas, I think the Kings are too strong and will ultimately win this series on experience.

(KINGS IN 6)

#2 Winnipeg Jets vs #3 Minnesota Wild

Season Series: Jets won the season series 3-1-0
October 20, 2017: Winnipeg Jets 4, Minnesota Wild 3
October 31, 2017: Winnipeg Jets 2, Minnesota Wild 1
November 27, 2017: Winnipeg Jets 7, Minnesota Wild 2
January 13, 2018: Minnesota Wild 4, Winnipeg Jets 1

Players to Watch:

Winnipeg: Patrik Laine, Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck, Dustin Byfuglien, Paul Stastny

Minnesota: Eric Staal, Devan Dubnyk, Zach Parise, Jason Zucker, Matt Dumba, Mikael Granlund 

X-Factor:

Winnipeg: Blake Wheeler 

Minnesota: Devan Dubnyk

Team Leaders:

Goals: Patrik Laine (WPG) - 44, Eric Staal (MIN) - 42
Assists: Blake Wheeler (WPG) - 68, Mikael Granlund (MIN) - 46
Points: Blake Wheeler (WPG) - 91, Eric Staal (MIN) - 76
Wins: Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - 44, Devan Dubnyk (MIN) - 35
Goals Against Average: Connor Hellebuyk (WPG) - 2.36, Devan Dubnyk (MIN) - 2.52
Save Percentage: Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - .924, Devan Dubnyk (MIN) - .918

Prediction: The Jets return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, and the White Out will be in full force trying to lead them deep into the playoffs. While I think the Wild will put up a fight in this series, the loss of #1 D Ryan Suter is too much to overcome and the Jets will march on.

(JETS IN 6)

#2 Anaheim Ducks vs #3 San Jose Sharks

Season Series: Sharks won the season series 3-0-1

November 4, 2017: San Jose Sharks 2, Anaheim Ducks 1 (SO)
November 20, 2017: Anaheim Ducks 3, San Jose Sharks 2 (SO)
January 21, 2018: San Jose Sharks 6, Anaheim Ducks 2
February 11, 2018: San Jose Sharks 3, Anaheim Ducks 2 (SO)

Players to Watch:

Anaheim: Ryan Getzlaf, Rickard Rakell, Corey Perry, Ryan Kesler, Jakob Silfverberg, Hampus Lindholm

San Jose: Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, Brent Burns, Joe Thornton, Evander Kane, Tomas Hertl

X-Factor:

Anaheim: Ryan Getzlaf

San Jose: Joe Pavelski

Team Leaders:

Goals: Rickard Rakell (ANA) - 34, Logan Couture (SJS) - 34
Assists: Brent Burns (SJS) - 55, Ryan Getzlaf (ANA) - 50
Points: Rickard Rakell (ANA) - 69, Brent Burns (SJS) - 67
Wins: John Gibson (ANA) - 31, Martin Jones (SJS) - 30
Goals Against Average: Ryan Miller (ANA) - 2.35, Martin Jones (SJS) - 2.55
Save Percentage: Ryan Miller (ANA) - .928, Martin Jones (SJS) - .915

Prediction: The SoCal rivals meet in the 1st round and this series has the potential to be one of the most exciting in the 1st round. Both these teams are big, strong but skilled teams and match up very well against each other. While I think either team is capable of winning the series, I will side with the home team and give the Ducks the slight edge.

(DUCKS IN 7)

This would have Colorado, Los Angeles, Winnipeg and Anaheim advancing to the next round. The match ups would be as follows:

#2 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC #2 Colorado Avalanche

#2 Anaheim Ducks vs WC #1 Los Angeles Kings

The playoffs kick off tomorrow night in Winnipeg! Who is going to hoist Lord Stanley this year? Time will tell...

-Joel Forman - The Forman Faceoff