Stanley Cup Conference Finals - Analysis And Predictions

Here is a quick analysis of and predictions for the NHL Conference Finals in the Stanley Cup playoffs:

Las Vegas Golden Knights v. Winnipeg Jets -  These teams are almost mirror images of each other and provide a model for the new NHL. Both have tremendous goaltending, both have tremendous team speed, both play solid team defense, and both get scoring from up and down the lineup. Marc Andre Fleury and Connor Hellebuyck have been the two best goalies so far in these playoffs, both capable of stealing a game at any time. Winnipeg may be slightly bigger and tougher but Vegas probably has a more solid defensive structure. I'm inclined to give a slight advantage to the Jets in this one based on slightly more offensive firepower, but this series could come down to a handful of critical plays and calls. Every year, it seems, the refereeing deteriorates the longer the playoffs go on. Referees swallow the whistle in the third period and what was an easy call in the first period becomes a non-call in the third. Just ask the Bruins fans about that. You've got to think that the NHL would love to see Vegas in the final, but it would such a joy to see a small market team like the Jets with such incredibly dedicated fans get there as well. Prediction: Jets in 7.

Tampa Bay Lightning v. Washington Capitals - Tampa Bay showed they could shut almost anyone down when they put their mind to it. They have three top-tier defensemen in Hedman, McDonough, and Stralman, and another budding superstar in Sergachev. That should be enough to contain Ovechkin and the Caps first line. The Lightning also have the luxury of rolling four really good lines, all capable of scoring as well as playing good team defense. The Caps second line will not have the field day that they had against Pittsburgh and the matchups further down the lineup don't favor the Caps. The only potential weakness for the Lightning remains goalie Andrei Vaseleskiy who has actually been reasonably solid during the first two rounds. In order for the Caps to win, they will need to find some secondary scoring and Braden Holtby will have to be as solid in net as he was for the last half of the Penguins series. That's just not going to happen.  Prediction: Lightning in 6.

The Lightning and Caps start the conference finals off tonight. Enjoy the games!