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

By Nick Villano

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 07: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers takes a pass against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Oilers 4-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 07: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers takes a pass against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Oilers 4-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Mika Zibanejad – New York Rangers and Jordan Staal – Carolina Hurricanes (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Mika Zibanejad – New York Rangers and Jordan Staal – Carolina Hurricanes (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

6. Carolina Hurricanes vs. 11. New York Rangers

Villano: The New York Rangers have a major goalie controversy, but Carolina is hoping a stellar defense keeps their questionable goalie from losing them the series. This one will be close, but the Rangers squeak out a Game 5 victory. Rangers in 5.

Parise: The Rangers are lucky to have Artemi Panarin to be in this spot. The Hurricanes are extremely deep on defense and can score some goals. Hurricanes in 3. 

DeLuca: This is going to be one of the most exciting series of the play in. It will be very close and competitive but goaltending will end up giving New York the edge. Rangers in 5.

Borges: There is a reason the Hurricanes were one of the only two teams to say no to the new return-to-play format. The Rangers had their number the entire season going 4-0-0 against the Hurricanes. With Artemi Panarin as a Hart Trophy finalist, he is going to want to prove people wrong. I think Panarin and Mika Zibanejad take over and shut down the Canes. Rangers in 5.

Studna: I think a lot of the fanfare around this series comes from the fact that the Rangers’ young talent came on a big way late in the season. Igor Shesterkin is the real deal and should be starting Game 1. However, I’m not forgetting the impressive resume the Canes put together in last year’s run to the Conference Final. This will be the most exciting series in the entire qualifying round. Hurricanes in 5.

Egbert: As a Devils fan I hate to say this, but I think the Rangers rally behind Panarin and Zibanejad. Great goaltending also helps. However, the Hurricanes will not go easy. Rangers in 5.

Browne: Devils fans will be keen on watching the Rangers lose, and hoping to coup a 3rd round pick from Carolina if they advance and Sami Vatanen plays in over 70% of the rest of the playoffs. However, rooting for the Rangers to lose will mean the Rangers get a chance to win the ‘second lottery.’ Devils fans cannot have their hated rival get the first overall selection. Henrik Lundqvist went 3-0 and had a .947% against the Hurricanes this season, or they could ride Igor Shesterkin. Minka Zibaneja, Artemi Panarin and their goaltending advantage win the series for New York.  Rangers in 4.

Lebovitz: This isn’t just a homer pick – the Canes are one of the more entertaining and explosive teams in the league right now. New York is still in rebuild mode, albeit further along than expected this year, and I just don’t see it happening unless goaltending steadies. Hurricanes in 5. 

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