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Predicting 1st Round of Western Conference |
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The table has finally been set and we now know all of the matchups in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Jets vs. Blues
Stars vs. Avalanche
Golden Knights vs. Wild
Kings vs. Oilers
Without wasting any time, here are my predictions for each matchup in the Western Conference along with a little blurb on why I picked what I picked.
Jets vs. Blues - JETS IN 6
The Winnipeg Jets are this year's Presidents Trophy winner... which typically means they will get bounced in the first round. The Blues went on a late season heater to even make it into the playoffs but their numbers started to regress near the end. Combine that with the loss of Dylan Holloway and St Louis just doesn't have the horses to match the Jets.
The biggest X factor in the Jets run is Connor Hellebuyck. As long as he plays like regular season Hellebuyck and not last year's post season Hellebuyck than the Jets could go on a deep run.
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Stars vs. Avalanche - AVS IN 7
If there is any series that feels destined to go 7 games it's this one. This is a matchup that feels more like a Western Conference Final than a 1st Round as I firmly believe these are the two best teams in the Western Conference right now. The two things that sway this in the Avs favor are the Heiskanen injury and Rantanen looking "really good" and not "elite" for the Stars. Regardless this is going to be a fun series to watch.
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Golden Knights vs. Wild - GOLDEN KNIGHTS IN 5
This year, Vegas went 3-0-0 against the Wild, scoring 12 goals while only allowing 4 and while regular season matchups matter little in the playoffs (Canucks were undefeated against the Oilers last year) I do think still think it's a bit telling in where these two teams are at. Kaprizov has played just 4 games since January 26th and clearly needs more time to get back into high end game shape. If there is any series in the West that could be a sweep, I think it could be this one.
Kings vs. Oilers - KINGS IN 6
Okay Oilers fans, hear me out. The Oilers have won three straight series against the Kings with each one being more convincing than the last. Connor McDavid stepped forward yesterday, talking about how he doesn't like hearing people say this team is injured and that they are ready to go for the playoffs but it is hard to believe him with the evidence laid out in front of us.
Ekholm is going to miss this series and while Walman can easily step into that slot that is still a massive blow for the Edmonton Oilers. Frederic and Kane may play within the first couple games but will clearly be playing either hurt or trying to catch up to playoff level hockey. Hyman also will likely be playing hurt and likely Leon Draisaitl as well.
All that being said, it's foolhardy to bet against McDavid and Draisaitl and time and time again we have seen these two players elevate to another level in the post season. After a game or two we could be discussing the Oilers chances to sweep the Kings and I would not be the least bit surprised.
The Avs, Stars, Golden Knights, Panthers, and many other teams that have been considered contenders over the past few years have each had a disappointing early exit... with the amount of injuries and struggles this Oilers team has had this year it may simply not be their year. I look forward to being proven wrong.
Thanks for reading.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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