Pucks And Pitchforks Return To Play Predictions For Stanley Cup Play-In Round

The Pucks and Pitchforks writers pick their winners for the play-in round.

After four long months with zero new hockey games on our TV, the NHL is moving right into the best tournament in sports. (Sorry, not sorry March Madness.) The NHL Playoffs begin this weekend with the most teams eligible in the history of the sport. 24 teams are still alive, fighting for Lord Stanley’s Cup.

The New Jersey Devils are not one of the teams fighting for the Cup, unfortunately. It would have been a really good experience for this young roster to get some do-or-die games under their belt. Despite the fact they were terrible for most of the season, the Devils were playing very well down the stretch, and since they lost the lottery anyway they would have lost very little to get a shot in the playoffs.

That’s beyond the point now. The Devils are waiting until December to play again, and most of the rest of the league is going for the sport’s top prize. Here at Pucks and Pitchforks, we didn’t want to just sit on the sidelines. We’re here, making our own picks for the play-in round of the playoffs! We will go round by round telling you who we think is going to come out on top, as some of our writers give their predictions for how these series will go.

5. Pittsburgh Penguins vs 12. Montreal Canadiens

Nick Villano (Site Expert/Editor):

People are actually putting their chips on the Montreal Canadiens, but if they win it will show the craziness that this pandemic-driven playoff style truly is. The Penguins should win this with some quickness, but we’ll give the Canadiens one game just to get the Canadian media riled up. Penguins in 4.

Vinnie Parise: (Head Site Writer):

The Montreal Canadiens have a good goaltender and some good players but they were well out of the playoffs before the pause. The Penguins still have championship aspirations as long as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are there. Also, don’t forget that Jake Guentzal had time to heal. Penguins in 3. 

Rob DeLuca (Staff Writer): 

All of the Alexis Lafreienere to Pittsburgh jokes can die right here. They would have to lose in order for this to happen, and unfortunately, Carey Price can’t do that by himself. Penguins in 4.

Charlie Borges Jr. (Staff Writer):

The Pittsburgh Penguins should have a fairly easy time beating the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens aren’t even remotely close to being a playoff team. The depth of the Penguins will carry them to victory. The only way the Canadiens can win is if Matt Murray can’t shut the door and Mike Sullivan is too stubborn to start Tristian Jarry. Penguins in 4.

Andy Studna (Staff Writer):

The Canadiens should be tanking this for a chance at the first-overall pick, no question. All jokes
aside, this is the most lopsided matchup in the qualifier. I don’t buy into the narrative of Carey
Price magically getting white-hot and pushing this series to the limit. The Penguins are better in
every facet of the game and should coast to a 3-game sweep in this one. Penguins in 3.

Owen Egbert (Staff Writer): 

How do the shaky canadiens compete with the depth and star power of the Pittsburgh Penguins? They don’t. Penguins in 3.

Dave Browne (Staff Writer):

Even the great Carey Price can’t make up for the average team that Montreal is. Pittsburgh will avenge last year’s playoff disappointment. Penguins in 3.

David Lebovitz (Our Much-Needed Comic Relief During These Tough Times):

Unless Carey Price goes lights out, which is entirely possible, I don’t see how this is remotely competitive. The Pens are back-to-back Cup winners in recent years for a reason, and their players who were good then are still just as good now. Penguins in 3.

7. New York Islanders vs. 10. Florida Panthers

Villano: Two Devils fan favorites in Brian Boyle and Andy Greene go head to head in this matchup. The Panthers feel extremely flawed if not terribly talented. The structure put in place on The Island will end up being the winning factor. Islanders in 4.

Parise: This is one of the hardest series to predict. The Islanders have a Stanley Cup-caliber coach behind the bench. They play a very strict defensive game, and it helps them win some games despite sacrificing offense. The Panthers have some high-end skill that likes to attack. The problem for Florida is that Sergei Bobrovsky has been bad since signing his big deal and that might be a major difference. Islanders in 4. 

DeLuca: Florida looked FLAT in there exhibition game on Wednesday. I believe this will be telling in the series and the Islanders will exploit that in quick fashion. Islanders in 4. 

Borges: Sergei Bobrovsky is not the Bobrovsky that he was with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is not playing like a player who is making $10 million. Matt Barzal shows again that the Islanders have their new future captain further solidifying that they never needed John Tavares to succeed. Islanders in 4.

Studna: This is the classic defense vs. offense matchup. When all is said and done, I think the Islanders will be able to score the bare minimum amount of goals they need while shutting down the Panthers’ high-octane, yet inconsistent offense. Islanders in 3.

Egbert: The Islanders bring depth, discipline, and consistency to the table that the Panthers have nothing close to. Back that up with solid goaltenders and this one will be a clear win for the Islanders. Islanders in 3.

Browne: The Islanders’ defensive style suits them well against the Panthers. While talented offensively, Florida won’t shake their inconsistencies against the playoff tested Islanders. Islanders in 4.

Lebovitz: This January, I was in Florida and saw the Panthers light up the Leafs 9-3. I had no clue the Panthers were that good a team – great skaters, phenomenal passers, solid systems – and if their goaltending stays steady, they are absolutely poised for an upset. Panthers in 5.

8. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. 9. Columbus Blue Jackets

Villano: This one is interesting, as nobody thought the Columbus Blue Jackets would be in this position after losing the big names they did this offseason. Still, the Maple Leafs come out of this one since they finally avoid the Boston Bruins in a playoff series. Maple Leafs in 5. 

Parise: The Columbus Blue Jackets are a nice story this season. They were excited to be bad after losing three of their biggest stars to free agency. With that said, everyone seems to love making fun of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Well, once they can get over the mental hurdle they should really be capable of making a deep run. Maple Leafs in 4.

DeLuca: I think Columbus will be peskier than everyone is giving them credit for. But Toronto will squeak by and BOLD PREDICTION here, match up against the Boston Bruins next. Maple Leafs in 5.

Borges: It still boggles my mind that the roster the Maple Leafs have, they are one of the teams outside looking in fighting for their lives. The Blue Jackets were a team many thought would have been at the bottom of the NHL standings fighting for Alexis Lafreniere. Instead, John Tortorella and Elvis Merzlikins have kept them in it. However, the scoring juggernaut that we all know the Maple Leafs can be finally emerges. Maple Leafs in 5.

Studna: We know the John Tortorella-led Blue Jackets will bring the grit and raw determination to win. The real question is whether or not the Leafs’ skilled players will be able to match it. Despite all the talent, I don’t think they will. The Blue Jackets will be surprising us early in the postseason for the second straight year as they take this qualifier in 5 games. Blue Jackets in 5.

Egbert: I think the Jackets get great performances in goal and rally in front of that. Throw that together with the passion of Torts behind the bench- I think they will want it just a pinch more than the Leafs. Blue Jackets in 5.

Browne: Intriguing series as the high flying Leafs face off against the defensive, low scoring Blue Jackets. The Leafs score just enough, and Frederik Andersen is the X-factor. Maple Leafs in 5.

Lebovitz: As a lifelong fan of Team Chaos, I was hoping the Leafs would miss the playoffs by two points because of the loss to David Ayres. Alas, the Leafs’ forward depth gives them the edge in my mind. Maple Leafs in 5.

5. Edmonton Oilers vs. 12. Chicago Blackhawks

Villano: The Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks are built similarly. Youth is supplementing the means while the superstars drive play. The superstars on Edmonton are just better, and Patrick Kane is only able to steal one against Connor McDavid and the other MVP candidate. Oilers in 4.

Parise:  The Chicago Blackhawks have some all-time great players on their team but they don’t have the depth on defense to keep up with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and company. Oilers in 5.

DeLuca: This is going to be way more exciting and close than people think. Do not ever count out that Chicago team in the playoffs especially while Patrick Kane is healthy. Blackhawks in 5.

Borges: The Oilers have the best 1-2 combo in the National Hockey League right now in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. While they don’t have the experience in postseason play as a few of the Blackhawks do, they are just flat out unstoppable. The only reason this becomes a close call for them is because of their lack of depth up front and inconsistent goaltending. Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith will out two victories, but 97 and 29 are too much. Oilers in 5.

Studna: Both teams are extremely heavy up front, which will make for an exciting series. I think the Oilers’ defense will be able to keep Patrick Kane and Co. at bay, but I don’t see how the Blackhawks will have any kind of answer for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Oilers in 4.

Egbert: 2 words: McDavid. Draisaitl. Oilers in 4.

Browne: If you like goals, this is your series. The game’s best player in Connor McDavid and underrated superstar Leon Draisaitl top Patick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Oilers in 5.

Lebovitz: The Oilers will go exactly as far as McDavid and Draisaitl will take them, and they’re basically playing on home ice the entire time. I’ll never count out the Hawks, who have more depth and experience, but they feel like the late 80s “you gotta get through us first” post-dynasty Islanders. Oilers in 5.

6. Nashville Predators vs. 11. Arizona Coyotes

Villano: Taylor Hall finally gets to play playoff hockey. John Hynes finally gets to coach playoff hockey. They were together just six months ago, but now their opponents while both are no longer on the New Jersey Devils. Wild. The Coyotes have too many distractions to come out on top, and as long as Hynes actually plays his star players, this one goes to the Music City. Predators in 4.

Parise: The Nashville Predators have a strong defense and good goaltending. Their forwards should be able to score just enough on the good Arizona Coyotes goaltending to win the series. Arizona has a good team, but they always fail to meet expectations. Predators in 5. 

DeLuca: This is going to be quick and boring. Arizona was on a major downhill slope that even John Hynes can’t screw up on the Nashville side. Predators in 3.

Borges: The off-ice distractions for the Coyotes as of late have been the hottest story in the NHL. Right before the RTP starts the entire front office drama takes place. But on the ice, the Predators are a better team on paper and have plenty of experience going on deep runs. Taylor Hall will try to get the Coyotes to the playoffs, but John Hynes knows Hall’s game too well and comes up with a plan to slow him down. Pekka Rinne‘s inconsistency brings this to 5 games. Predators in 5.

Studna: Whether it’s been under Peter Laviolette or John Hynes, the Predators have just not looked consistent this year. I’ve been sour on them since watching the Devils take them to a shootout in what was a truly sloppy 6-5 game in late-January. Coyotes in 3.

Egbert: The Coyotes have to lose so they can screw the Devils out of a draft pick, right? A team with Taylor Hall will never win anything. Predators in 4.

Browne: Devils fans are keeping a close eye on this series. An Arizona win guarantees the Devils their 1st-round pick, while a loss has the Devils anxiously awaiting the NHL’s long overdue ‘second lottery.’ Arizona has been a jumbled mess ever since acquiring Taylor Hall, yet Nashville has issues of their own with an inconsistent offense and former Vezina winner Pekka Rinne having a down year. Maybe John Hynes has the Predators playing a ‘fast, attacking and supportive’ style. Who are we kidding, that is very unlikely. Hall delivers as Arizona steals the series. Coyotes in 5.

Lebovitz: The Preds have more depth across the board, and they’ve got more experience. Coyotes somehow have a slight goaltending edge, but Roman Josi alone is having a better season than anyone on the Yotes – sorry, Hall. Predators in 4.

7. Vancouver Canucks vs. 10. Minnesota Wild

Villano: The New Jersey Devils are watching this series as much as any. This is the one series where if one team wins, they get a pick, but if the other wins they lose the pick. Minnesota has played much better under their new head coach, but the Canucks have a lot of motivation to get past this series. Canucks in 4.

Parise: The Canucks are the deeper team but they lack any sort of playoff experience. The Wild has a lot of veterans that were having good years to join a new budding core before the pause. Minnesota had a lot of momentum going before they were shut down and they are going to pick up where they left off. Wild in 5. 

DeLuca: Minnesota is not going to be able to handle the speed and quickness that Vancouver is going to bring. It will be a quick beat down but not a sweep. Canucks in 4.

Borges: The Canucks will be led by a determined Brock Boesor and Elias Pettersson to defeat the Wild. The Wild don’t have that much going for them. Devan Dubynk will steal a game, maybe two. Jacob Markstrom, who is in a contract year, will continue to play out of his mind for a big pay day whenever free agency starts. The Wild have one of the oldest cores in the league, but Vancouver’s speed gets it done. Canucks in 4.

Studna: I’m excited to see the Canucks’ young core get a chance to compete on the big stage. On the flip side, this might be the last kick at the can for some of the Wild’s aging players. I think the younger legs of the Canucks will fare better in a short series preceded by a long break. This one’s going the full 5, but the Canucks will prevail. Canucks in 5.

Egbert: The Canucks bring a level of depth to the table that the Wild just don’t have. Not to mention, Vancouver reps a quite proven tandem in net. Canucks in 4.

Browne: Finally, the question will be answered if the Devils receive Vancouver’s 1st round pick in 2020 or 2021. In a deep draft, the Devils could only be so lucky. However. Devan Dubnyk steals this series away for Minnesota, begrudgingly forfeiting the pick until 2021. Wild in 5.

Lebovitz: I’m sorry, but there’s nothing you can say that will make me have an opinion on either of these teams. I just picked the one with the Hughes brother, but this match is a stoppable force meeting a movable object. Canucks in 5.

8. Calgary Flames vs. 9. Winnipeg Jets

Villano: This one is very hard, but with the Winnipeg Jets coming into this series with something like 15 free agents on the roster, it’s do or die for them. This is the last hurrah for a team that looks wildly different than it did even a few months ago. Jets in 5.

Parise: This Winnipeg Jets team exceeded my expectations this season. Dustin Byfuglien leaving them right as training camp got underway was the cherry on top of their defense taking big hit after big hit. With that said, the Flames just seem built to win a short series using toughness and skill. Flames in 4.

DeLuca: The hockey Canada world has been BLESSED to see this rivalry happen in the playoffs. These teams are going to kill each other but Winnipeg will be JUST outlast Calgary. Jets in 5.

Borges: Connor Hellebyuck. That’s it. That’s the explanation. But going more in depth, the Jets have a Vezina Caliber goaltender, a high powered offense, while their defense is their only weak point. The Flames will have a good offense as well but if they can’t solve Hellebuyck, then its game over for the Flames. If David Rittch can stand on his head, the Flames will steal a game or two. Jets in 5.

Studna: When I think of the Flames and Jets, star-power up front is the first thought in my head. That being said, the Jets have a definitive advantage in goal with Connor Hellebuyck. Both teams will score their fair share of goals, but Hellebuyck will come through with a few more saves than David Rittich/Cam Talbot. Jets in 4.

Egbert: Their coaching and discipline will shine through in a series with no home ice advantage for the energetic flames to feed off of. Not to mention the clear goaltending advantage in favor of Winnipeg. Jets in 5.

Browne: Connor Hellebyuck is the difference in the series as he will get the best of Sean Monahan and Johnny Gadreau, two players who have had down years. Subsequently, rumors swirl as the Devils try to bring back ‘Johnny Hockey’ to the Garden State. Jets in 5

Lebovitz: The playoffs almost always just comes down to goaltending. The Flames may have more defensive depth, but I’ll take Hellbuyck over whoever the Flames put in net. Jets in 4.