Pucks and Pitchforks Conference Finals Picks

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars

Villano: I picked the Dallas Stars to make the Stanley Cup Finals, and they are right on the cusp of doing just that. It was a stressful series against the Colorado Avalanche, and this could be an even bigger test. Vegas was dominant at times against Vancouver, and Thatcher Demko was the only thing keeping the Canucks in the series. Still, we have to go with our gut and pick the Stars. The goalie situation is scary, but the vets on this team grit it out in the end. Dallas in 7.

Parise: The Vegas Golden Knights were given a bit of scare against the Vancouver Canucks. That should have humbled them enough to play at their best against the Dallas Stars. The Vegas Golden Knights should win this series by coming at Dallas in waves. They can match Dallas as far as depth and that should give them the advantage because of the way they play. Vegas in 6.

LeDuca: I’m done underestimating the Dallas Stars. However, that doesn’t mean they’re going to win here. Vegas has them outmatched in every aspect of the game but they’re relentless enough to force seven games. Vegas in 7.

Lebovitz: Goaltending remains a big question mark in Vegas, but this is a team with no real weaknesses elsewhere. Dallas pushed Colorado to the brink but I’m not quite sold on them being as complete and deep a time as Vegas. Vegas in 6.