Pucks and Pitchforks First-Round Picks For Stanley Cup Playoffs

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The Stanley Cup Playoffs are officially here after an exciting play-in round that led to the ouster of two five seeds, which means two teams that were in 12th place in their conference are now fighting for a chance to win Lord Stanley’s Cup. We wish the New Jersey Devils were here for our predictions, but alas it wasn’t in the cards.

It was a wild start as we predicted it was. Now that we have some kind of handle on the playoffs, the Pucks and Pitchforks writers will be making picks for the next round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which is the first round. 2020 is strange, but here we go.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Montreal Canadiens

Nick Villano: The Montreal Canadiens rode Carey Price to a play-in round win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the Philadelphia Flyers won’t disappear offensively in the same fashion. Price will steal a game, but unfortunately for us, Philly takes it easily. Philadelphia in 5.

Rob DeLuca: There is a reason that the Habs are here and the Pittsburgh Penguins are not. Carey Price stood on his head and will continue to do so to propel this upset. Montreal in 7.

Charlie Borges Jr.: Shea Weber would be the Conn Smythe Winner if the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup instead of just a play-in round. An argument could be made for Carey Price as well. But the Flyers seemed to have steamrolled over everyone in the round robin and look like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. Philadelphia in 6.

Dave Browne: Just like everyone predicted, Montreal beat Pittsburgh. Could Montreal sweep the state of Pennsylvania and beat Philadelphia as well? With Carey Price locked in, it’s possible. However Carter Hart will be amazing on the other end, and the Flyers pull through. Philadelphia in 6.

Steve Palumbo: The Habs victory in the qualifying round was a great story, but like all good stories it must eventually end. The Flyers are the better Pennsylvania team and should win this series easily. Philadelphia in 6.

Andy Studna: The Flyers looked fantastic throughout round robin play, going 3-0 in dominant fashion. While the Canadiens played well against the Penguins in their qualifier, Pittsburgh simply never had their legs and the Habs took advantage of that. Philadelphia in 6.

David Lebovitz: The Flyers looked exceptional in that round robin game against the Lightning. They also have an advantage that Pittsburgh didn’t – a blueline without Jack Johnson. Philadelphia in 5.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Villano: This is just ironic that the Tampa Bay Lightning get a chance at redemption in the first round. This feels like when the New England Patriots went up against the New York Giants in the Super Bowl the second time, but since it’s a seven-game series there will be a different result. Tampa Bay in 7.

DeLuca: The Blue Jackets are here in yet another shocking upset and are looking forward to this rematch. But it is the Lightning who will get their revenge following last year’s sweep. Tampa Bay in 6.

Borges: The Lightning will exercise their demons from last year and get revenge against the Blue Jackets. This will be the closest series in the East and it is going to be a great one to watch. Even though John Tortorella will keep his team focused, they don’t have Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, or Matt Duchene. Tampa Bay in 7.

Browne: Was it really a surprise that Columbus defeated Toronto? To many it was, however it shouldn’t be. John Tortorella has the team of overachievers believing in themselves when no one will. Tampa Bay is dealing with some injuries (Steven Stamkos & Victor Hedman) but have the depth and goaltending to hold on. Tampa Bay in 7.

Palumbo: John Tortorella is press conference gold and he’s even better behind the bench almost willing his never-say-day Jackets to victory. That will be the sword Columbus dies on because Jon Cooper and Tampa Bay won’t allow a repeat of last seasons collapse. Tampa Bay in 7.

Studna: I want this series spoon-fed to me; it will be a good one. Outside of a few isolated meltdowns, the Blue Jackets’ defensive system was dominant against the Leafs. I think it will once again give the Lightning fits, but they will be on high alert after what happened in last year’s first round. This will be one of the hardest fought, nastiest series in the first round. Tampa Bay in 7.

Lebovitz: The Bolts want revenge, no question, so expect this series to get weird. I think they might just be thinking more about revenge instead of winning hockey games – plus, Lumbus winning again would be hilarious. Columbus in 6.

Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders

Villano: Barry Trotz is looking for revenge before a very important offseason for the Islanders. This feels like an upset with Sergei Varlamov finding a stride we didn’t know he still had. Ovechkin still goes off, but it’s not enough. New York in 6.

DeLuca: The Capitals simply have the Islanders number during the playoffs. This will continue this season but as always it will be close. Washington in 6.

Borges: Even though I pick this series to end in six games, the series will be a lot closer than that. Barry Trotz knows who he is coaching up against. The Capitals know who they are playing against. Ovechkin vs Barzal will be an incredible thing to watch. The Capitals have the experience and the resume to go on. The Islanders are about another year or two away from being able to reach the later rounds. Washington in 6.

Browne: Washington will not be rolling out the red carpet for Islanders head coach Barry Trotz. The former Capitals coach knows the Capitals’ staff and personnel so well you would think it would give the Islanders an advantage. However, the Capitals know how Trotz’s teams like to play. This series will be the perfect chess match, but ultimately Washington’s offensive depth is too much for the Islanders. Holtby also has a big series. Washington in 7.

Palumbo: This is going to be a great series and should go the distance and quite frankly it’s a toss up. I just like what I’ve seen from the Isles more and any team with Uncle Lou at the helm is a force to be reckoned with. New York in 7.

Studna: This series is a bit “bleh” for me. We know how good the Capitals are and we know what the Islanders are going to do to try to win this series. Unfortunately for New York, the Capitals are not the same unstructured, inconsistent team the Panthers are. The Caps will be able to break down the Isles’ structure en route to victory. Washington in 6

Lebovitz: This is my pick for best series – besides the obvious Trotz narrative, these are two exciting teams. It’s all going to depend on how healthy the Caps are, and I only give them the edge because of experience. Washington in 7.

Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes

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Villano: Boston is a powerhouse, but they looked extremely beatable in the round robin. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes look like a force to be reckoned with. That defense is insane, and we have a knock-down, drag-em-out series that comes down to a Game 7 overtime, in which our boy Sami Vatanen scores the game winner. Carolina in 7.

DeLuca: The Bruins that we saw during the round robin was an absolute fluke. We all know they will be what we saw during the regular season, which was absolutely lethal. Boston in 6.

Borges: The other team that was in the Stanley Cup Finals last year, much like their opponent, completely disappointed in the round robin. They looked lost and unprepared. Lines weren’t clicking like they were in the regular season. While the Hurricanes looked like a well-oiled machine and swept the Rangers. The Hurricanes will continue their roll and beat the Bruins. Hopefully, giving us another crying Marchand meme. Carolina in 5.

Browne: Boston definitely wasn’t at it’s best in the round robin series while Carolina dominated their qualifying round against the Rangers. ‘Canes goaltender Petr Mrazek is either really good or really bad. In this series, Boston’s Tuukka Rask outperforms him. While Carolina won’t be an easy out, Boston finds a way to pull through. Boston in 6.

Palumbo: I’ve been really impressed with the Canes. They made the sweep of the NYR look easy. The B’s are actually good and not a fake playoff team like NY, but they too did not impress in the qualifying round. Carolina in 6.

Studna: This series is one big “Uh-oh” for the Bruins. Even the near-flawless Avalanche or Golden Knights want any part of the Hurricanes right now. The Canes were quite simply the most dominant team in the qualifying round. On the flip side, the originally number-one seeded Bruins were largely disappointing in round robin play. It’s so difficult to pick against the Canes right now, especially against a struggling Boston squad. Carolina in 6.

Lebovitz: The Canes are a scary good, scary fun team, and Boston is ready to take them seriously. The problem is that I just don’t see any weaknesses in Boston’s game, while the Canes still feel close-but-not-quite there. Boston in 7.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Villano: The Chicago Blackhawks played a team that was extremely similar to them in Edmonton. That won’t be the case here. Vegas dominates, putting the “Chicago is back” crowd back to bed. Vegas in 4.

DeLuca: The Blackhawks got by the Edmonton Oilers almost with ease. I said it in the previous predictions, never count this team out especially while Patrick Kane still exists. Chicago in 7.

Borges: Robin Lehner sticks it to his old team and the returning Max Pacioretty becomes the X-factor in the series. The experience the Blackhawks had propelled them against the Oilers. The Golden Knights are a better team than the Oilers and will show it against the Blackhawks. Vegas in 6.

Browne: This has the makings of a fun series. Original 6 vs Sin City. More goals for Chicago means more of The Fratellis’s ‘Chelsea Dagger’ being blasted in the background. Yet, Vegas will find ways to score more than Chicago to advance to the next round. Vegas in 6.

Palumbo: I’m high on Vegas and all aboard their glitter train. Chicago took advantage of an Oilers team that can’t get out of it’s way. Vegas will make this look easy. Vegas in 5.

Studna: Behind the Avalanche, the Golden Knights were the most impressive team in the entire round robin. They are reportedly getting Max Pacioretty back for this series which will make them even more dominant. While the Hawks undeniably have a plethora of playoff experience, I don’t think it will be enough. Vegas in 6.

Lebovitz: Yes, Chicago made shorter work of Edmonton than we thought. But Vegas has a few things that the Oilers don’t – namely, more than one NHL-level defesemen and and two actual goalies. Vegas in 5.

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Colorado Avalanche vs. Arizona Coyotes

Villano: Maybe this is hopeful thinking, but Darcy Kuemper looked really good for the Arizona Coyotes. Good enough to get us a 2nd-round pick. Colorado looks really good too, but Arizona seems to be clicking like they were early in the season. Arizona in 7.

DeLuca: LOL John Hynes and Nashville Predators. Imagine making this Arizona team look good, this is going to go real fast. Colorado in 4.

Borges: The Coyotes played well and surprised people against the Nashville Predators. However, the Colorado Avalanche are an absolute powerhouse and will continue to roll over teams throughout the postseason. Taylor Hall and Phil Kessel try their best to make it a series, but cannot get it done. Colorado in 5.

Browne: Darcy Kuemper was the difference in the qualifier for Arizona along with Nashville’s ineptitude. Thanks for nothing John Hynes. Kuemper will have to be even better against the Avalanche, who are one of the league’s premier scoring teams. The Avalanche reminds me of last year’s Lightning as they were upset at the hands of the Blue Jackets. Somehow, Arizona steals the series and shocks the hockey world. Arizona in 6.

Palumbo: Unlike the East, the gap between the top teams and bottom teams in the conference is vast. Colorado is a juggernaut in the making. Kudos to the Yotes for making the playoffs, but just like Taylor Hall’s last trip to the dance – it will be short lived. Colorado in 5.

Studna: Saying the Coyotes got absolutely bailed out of their qualifying series with the Predators is an understatement. Darcy Kuemper was one of the most impressive goalies in the qualifiers. However, they won’t be able to hide behind their goalie against a dominant Avalanche squad. Outside of Kuemper playing above his head, the Avalanche are simply better up and down the lineup. Colorado in 5.

Lebovitz: One players or one line can’t win a playoff round, much less a game – ask Taylor Hall – but even with good goaltending I can’t see the Yotes with an answer for MacKinnon. Colorado in 5.

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Dallas Stars vs. Calgary Flames

Villano: The Dallas Stars were my original pick to get out of the Western Conference, and a lot of that pick was because I thought they’d work out the kinks in the round robin. Despite what they looked like a week ago, I’m still confident they win this series. Dallas in 5.

DeLuca: The Stars managed to squeak by the St. Louis Blues in a shootout to receive this matchup. They are badly outmatched here. Calgary in 5.

Borges: This series will be a great one to watch. Anticipate a lot of back and forth action between the teams. Seguin against Gaudreau, Benn against Monohan, and Klingberg vs Giordano. A lot of individual matchups that will be great to keep an eye on. Matthew Tkachuk will put the team on his back and become the hero of the series. Ben Bishop will keep it close though. Calgary in 7.

Browne: Could Matthew Tkachuk get under the skin of Dallas much like he did against Winnipeg? Dallas stays composed, has better goaltending and an all around better team. Dallas in 6.

Palumbo: Tough series to call. I’m going with my gut because I’m not buying what Dallas is selling. Pacific Division cast-offs Corey Perry and Joe Pavelski won’t be enough to defeat the Pacific Division dwelling Flames. Calgary in 7.

Studna: Neither of these squads were overly impressive the past few weeks. The Stars scratched together one shootout win in round robin play, while the Flames took advantage of a crippled Winnipeg Jets roster. Both teams have undeniable talent up-front, but the Stars’ inability to score goals worries me. Calgary in 7.

Lebovitz: The Flames are all sorts of fun, but their goaltending is a real question mark. Lots of the Stars are underperforming – I forgot Pavelski signed there – but they’ll go as far as Ben Bishop can carry them on his stork-like body. Dallas in 6.

St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks

Villano: St. Louis did not look good in round-robin play, but that really isn’t worrying me like it’s worrying some others. The Vancouver Canucks are wildly outmatched here, but their stars pull one out to go away in 5. St. Louis in 5.

DeLuca: This will probably be the closest series out there. But the defending champs will live to keep the title. St. Louis in 7.

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Borges: The Blues surprised a lot of people by how bad they played in the round robin tournament. However they are the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Jordan Binnington will have to be better to carry his team again. Alex Pietrangelo will be motivated enough to try for another run with the Blues before free agency. Another pending UFA Jakob Markstrom will make it interesting but the Blues we all know will come to play. St. Louis in 6.

Browne: Much like Boston, St. Louis did not look like the best version of themselves. Whether it was motivation or just being rusty, the Blues did not look like the team that won the Stanley Cup last season. Vancouver will give them a series, but St. Louis’s experience prevails in the end. St. Louis in 6.

Palumbo: St. Louis is still the defending Cup champs and they won’t go quietly. The Canucks are a good young team on the rise. This should be a great series but I have to go with experience in this one. St. Louis in 6.

Studna: For whatever reason, the Blues looked extremely flat in round robin play going 0-3. However, I’m confident in their ability to flip the switch once the actual playoffs start. On the Canucks’ side of things, I was impressed with the way their young core played despite getting roughed up in most of their games vs. the Wild. Unfortunately for them, they won’t be able to overcome to veteran leadership and experience of the defending champs. St. Louis in 5.

Lebovitz: This is either going to be the best series of the playoffs or the worst, and I have no idea which. I just think Markstrom is too big a question mark, and the Blues, uh, blueline is pretty tough. St. Louis in 7.

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