Philadelphia Flyers - Boston Bruins
The Bruins looked like they have gotten things together again at last, in their last game where they beat the Penguins, and scored 7 goals. They've also won all five games against the Flyers this season. Halak is out due to a positive covid test, but Vladar has looked really good in the three games he has tended to the net so far. The Flyers saw a solid performance from Hart in their last game. Is that the light in the tunnel for their goaltending problems? I'm not sure, but I know what I'm picking here. Boston wins!
Edmonton Oilers - Montreal Canadiens
Interesting game. The Oilers have played really well lately. The Habs have done two great games after the hiatus, and then one where they lost to Ottawa. Eric Staal is supposed to make his debut as a Canadien. It will be interesting to see where he slots into the lineup. Probably not in the top two lines. It will also be interesting to see if he will play better than he did for the Sabres, where he was really not looking good. As for who wins, I think the Oilers have the best chance here, but I could see it go either way. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of goals get scored. Anyway, Edmonton wins!
Ottawa Senators - Winnipeg Jets
After a couple of losses to Toronto, the Jets will be looking to get a win again. The Senators are a weaker team, and while they have showed they can beat anyone, they are clearly the underdog here. Winnipeg wins!
Vegas Golden Knights - St Louis Blues
Back-to-back meeting between these two. Vegas have struggled with their scoring lately, but the Blues are in total free fall. They're not playing *that* bad, but they have lost way too many games lately, and even fallen off the last playoff spot. I expect a close game here, but I think the Blues struggles will continue here. Vegas wins!
Colorado Avalanche - Minnesota Wild
The Wild have showed they are a great team. But they've lost Zuccarello to an injury, and that's a big blow to a line that has worked really well so far. With or without Mats in the lineup, they are still the underdog here, agains an amazing Avalanche team. Colorado wins!
Toronto Maple Leafs - Calgary Flames
Back-to-back game, where the Leafs might have killed the last hope of the Flames last night. Sure, Calgary can still make the playoffs in theory, but there's not that many games left to catch Montreal, and the gap is very big. It was a close game between these two last night, and I expect one here too, but the Leafs have more tools in their toolbox to get the result they want. Toronto wins!
Arizona Coyotes - Los Angeles Kings
The Yotes have grabbed themselves the last playoff spot, and are looking to hold on to it. They face one of the chasing teams here. I expect a close, low-scoring game that I feel could go any way, but the Coyotes have the best trend, so I give them a slight edge. Arizona wins!
In summary, my winners are:
Boston Bruins
Edmonton Oilers
Winnipeg Jets
Vegas Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche
Toronto Maple Leafs
Arizona Coyotes
