First Round Predictions
The Stanley Cup playoffs are here as this tournament is usually unpredictable. The Penguins have hoisted the Cup each of the last two seasons, while the Predators surprised the league by entering as a Wild Card as reaching the Cup Final.Our stable of handicappers will provide series predictions throughout the playoffs as well as analysis on their selections.

Out west, handicapper Stephen Nover sees the miracle run for Vegas coming to a stop, "I think there is value getting a plus price with the Kings. The Golden Knights were the story of the regular season. But the Stanley Cup playoffs are an entirely different animal that the expansion Golden Knights have not experienced. The Kings are the type of hard-checking, veteran team with good goalies that can bother Vegas. Los Angeles gave up the fewest goals per game in the NHL and also ranked No. 1 in penalty killing. Having Jeff Carter back is huge for LA. The Kings were 17-10 this season with Carter on the ice.”
From an upset perspective, money leader Matt Fargo predicts Toronto knocking out Boston, “Of all the first round NHL series, this has the potential to be the biggest upset. Toronto matches up well with Boston as it caught a break with the Bruins losing in the final regular season game. This is the best season Toronto has ever had which is saying something considering the franchise is 100 yards old. Only Tampa Bay and Winnipeg had more goals than the Maple Leafs this season as they averaged 3.29 gpg. Defensively, they are not as strong as Boston, but they allowed only 10 goals in the four meetings, three of which were won by Toronto.”
Below are each analyst’s predictions for all eight opening round series:
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