Boston Bruins - Philadelphia Flyers
This is the chance that the Flyers just got to take if they want to get a shot at the playoffs this season. It will be tough though, as they've lost six out of seven against the Bruins. Philly has been playing better again lately, after a really dry spell. Hart has looked decent in net also. Boston have upped their game too though, and since they have the upper hand against Philadelphia, I feel I have to go with the Bruins here. Boston wins!
Florida Panthers - Dallas Stars
The Stars are up and down, looking great one game, then completely unable to score in the next. The Panthers are up and up. They consistently do well in game after game. Could Dallas win this? Sure they could. But most likely, they don't. Florida wins!
Detroit Red Wings - Carolina Hurricanes
Detroit had a good run until they lost their last game by 7-1. They've shown that they can't be counted out in any game though. But the Canes are better, more consistent, and now with Mrazek back, their goaltending has improved also. He's looked really good! Carolina wins!
Chicago Blackhawks - Columbus Blue Jackets
The Jackets are struggling. Especially Laine, who just can't seem to score right now. The Blackhawks need to get wins, to catch up to Nashville in the race for the last playoff spot. I expect a close game, but Chicago have had the upper hand against Columbus this season. The Hawks also have more to play for, so I will go with them. Chicago wins!
Winnipeg Jets - Montreal Canadiens
The Jets have a good record against the Habs, winning five out of seven, and they won this matchup just the other night. Montreal has played really well lately though, and Winnipeg have their captain out with a suspected concussion. I expect a close game, but I'll give the edge to the Canadiens here actually. Montreal wins!
Ottawa Senators - Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs have actually have problems with the Senators, only winning four out of seven games so far. They are on a good spell though, and Campbell looks stellar in net. I don't see the Sens threatening them this time. Toronto wins!
Tampa Bay Lightning - Nashville Predators
A few weeks ago, this one would have been easy to call. But after losing their first five games to Tampa, Nashville beat them in the last game. And since, they've been on quite a run, winning most of their games, while the Bolts have been on a bit of a down period. I expect a close game between two really good teams. I think the Lightning looked better in their last game though, and in the end, they should be a better team. So while this game feels very open ended, they are my pick. Tampa Bay wins!
Minnesota Wild - St Louis Blues
This is a huge game for the Blues! The Blues came out big and destroyed the Wild last night, and will be looking to build on that. The Wild will be looking to bounce back. Judging by last night's games, I'll give the Blues the better chance here. St Louis wins!
Edmonton Oilers - Calgary Flames
The Oilers have owned the Flamaes this season, and they have a better trend. The Flames will try playing Gaudreau and Tkatchuk on the same line. That might get Johnny Hockey going again. Still, I think the Oilers are looking better, and they should have the better chance here. Edmonton wins!
Los Angeles Kings - San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have dominated the Kings, winning six out of seven games this season. If they can get a win here too, then they are in a good position to grab for the last playoff spot. I expect a close game, but with the current record, I have to go against the Kings. San Jose wins!
In summary, my winners are:
Boston Bruins
Florida Panthers
Carolina Hurricanes
Chicago Blackhawks
Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs
Tamp Bay Lightning
St Louis Blues
Edmonton Oilers
San Jose Sharks
