Boston Bruins - Washington Capitals

No Lauzon for Boston. That's a huge blow for them. He's their big guy at the back. Who will stop Ovie now? Nobody, I think. On the other hand, the goalie situation is uncertain for the Caps. Vanecek is day-today. I doubt he starts tonight. Anderson looked OK when he came in in the first game, but he let off some bad rebounds. Samsonov has had a shaky season, and has just come off the Covid list. Will he start? Hard to say. Either way, it's a shaky goalie situation for the Capitals. The first game was really, really close. I expect something similar here, but I think the loss of Lauzon is capital. Sorry for the pun. Anyway, I think this could go either way, but I think that's a bigger concern for the Bruins, than the goalie situation is for the Caps, even with goaltender being the most important position. Washington wins!

Nashville Predators - Carolina Hurricanes

The Preds finished the regular season in a fantastic way! Saros is on fire! But I can't pick them against the Canes, can I? Against Aho, Svechnikov, Tereväinen, Necas, that amazing blueline, and super goaltending? I expect a very close game, and the Canes excell at those. I think I will have to go with them. Carolina wins!

St Louis Blues - Colordado Avalance

No Perron for the Blues. That's a huge loss. And regardless, they are the underdog against Colordado. The Avs finished the regular season really strong, and while I won't count out St Louis as without chance, I see them as major underdogs here. Colordado wins!

In summary, my winners are:

Washington Capitals
Carolina Hurricanes
Colordado Avalance