After going four-for-eight with my predictions in the first round, I went pathetically one-for-four in the second round. So guys, don’t base your conference finals bets on my predictions. Remember, this is all just for fun.
Anyway, let’s see if I can get better luck this time. Feel free to tag and laugh in the comments section. Bet responsibly, kids. Stupid, money and all that …
Eastern Conference Finals
Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers
The Hurricanes got here by eliminating the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils while the Panthers upset the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Despite the absence of offensive tackles Andriy Svitchnikov, Max Pacioreti and Tevo Tervainen, the Hurricanes did gain production from depth forwards Jordan Martinok, Jesper Fast and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Sebastian Aho remains the focus of their attack.
Defense and goal leadership are the Hurricanes’ strength. Led by Jacob Slavin and Brent Burns, Bluewell contributed offensively while shutting down the opposing scorers. His penalty percentage of 90.0 is the best in the post-season. The great Frederick Andersen was among the pipes against the demons. The 2.55 goals per game scored by the Canes is the second fewest.
Decisive factors in getting them to this point were the Panthers’ physical style and ruthless offense. Matthew Tkachuk rose to the occasion as a playoff performer, Brandon Montour provides invaluable blueline production while forwards Alexander Barkov, Carter Verheig, Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart and Anthony Dockler prove difficult to contain.
Sergei Bobrovsky has been solid against the Panthers since midway through the first round match against Boston. Their all-around defensive game has put a damper on the Bruins and Leafs’ top scorers.
It will be an interesting game between Carolina’s strong defense and Florida’s aggressive marking. Given how the games get tighter as the playoffs go on, that could be in the Hurricanes’ favor. Prediction: Tornadoes at 6.
Western Conference Finals
Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights
The Stars reached this point with wins over the Minnesota Wild and Seattle Kraken. Vegas Golden Knights beat Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton Oilers.
This is the fourth time in six years that Vegas has reached the Western Conference Finals. It is also the second time since 2020 that they have faced the Superstars, whom they defeated last time.
Vegas’ average of 3.73 goals per game is the second highest this season. Leading scorer Jack Eichel makes his first-ever NHL playoffs. Mark Stone, Jonathan Marquessault, and Chandler Stephenson also thrived in these playoffs.
The Golden Knights have a solid defense that Alex Pietrangelo is anchored with. Injuries plagued the goalie, but Aden Hill replaced Laurent Brossuyt at halfback for the Oilers and powered them to victory.
Led by Rob Hintz and Joe Pavelski, the Stars have plenty of goals of their own. Regular season scoring leader Jason Robertson has only scored two goals but has collected 10 assists so far. Trading deadline veterans Jimmy Bean, Tyler Seguin and Max Dumy were major contributors.
Dallas starting goaltender Jake Oettinger has had a few tough games, but he’s also shown his ability to rebound well. Led by Miro Heiskanen, the Stars have given up the third-fewest shots (29.4) and have the third-best penalties.
Both clubs have plenty of talent and roster depth so this series can get the most out of it. Defense should make the difference here. If Oettinger stays sharp, this should go Dallas’ way. Prediction: stars in seven.