2023 NHL Round 1 Playoffs Recap
Eastern Division
Western Division
3/4 correct thanks to Dallas, Edmonton and Vegas
Round 1 total – 4/8 correct which is right at the mean
Eastern Conference Round 2 Playoff Series
Florida Panthers (Atlantic Division Wildcard #2) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (Atlantic Division #2)
Regular Season records: Florida 42-32-8, 92 points; Toronto 50-21-11, 111 points
Head-to-Head matchups for 2022-2023: Toronto won three out of four games and outscored the Panthers 15-10 in total goals.
Florida Panthers Analysis
Need to take a minute and look at the statistical anomaly the Panthers pulled off in upsetting the Boston Bruins in seven games during the first round. Bruins won twenty-three more games and had forty-eight more points, during the regular season than Florida. Strange things can happen in a seven game series. Panthers rallied from a 3-1 games deficit, won three road games, two overtime games and had the eye of the tiger in crunch time. Bruins folded like a rusty lawn chair and looked emotionally drained. That’s the beauty of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Due to forward Matthew Tkachuk and a suddenly hot Sergei Bobrovsky in net, the Panthers will continue to make some noise in the Eastern Conference playoffs bracket.
Toronto Maples Leafs Analysis
A huge sigh of relief was heard across the entire Canadian province of Ontario on 4/29/23, when John Tavares OT shot deflected off a Tampa Bay defenseman’s skate and into the net for a series winner. Maple Leafs hadn’t won a playoff series since 2004 and suddenly have a huge monkey off their back. Now that this squad can breath a little bit and relax, the free wheeling offense should return to highlight reel goals led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Defenseman Morgan Rielly scored three goals in the first round and is now a critical offensive force. If Toronto gets solid goaltending and quietly deals with the Michael Bunting situation, they have a chance for a deep run.
Prediction: Most entertaining series of Round 2 and there will be more twist and turns than a modern day roller coaster. Toronto finds a way to advance in seven games.
New Jersey Devils (Metropolitan Division #2) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Metropolitan Division #1)
Regular Season records: New Jersey 52-22-8, 112 points; Carolina 52-21-9, 113 points
Head-to-Head Matchups in 2022-2023: New Jersey and Carolina split the four games they played (2-2). Devils outscored the Hurricanes 13-12 in total goals
New Jersey Devils Analysis
Devils head coach Lindy Ruff is still trying to forget the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals, when a bad no call for a man in the crease, caused the Dallas Stars to beat his upset minded Buffalo Sabres. Fast forward twenty-four years, and his New Jersey squad is gelling at the right time. Center Jack Hughes headlines a deep and talented offense that can score goals quickly and in bunches. Dougie Hamilton continues to lead the defensemen corps, focusing on clearing the zone instead of shutting players down. Ruff is sitting in the catbird’s seat due to having a steady goalie (Vitek Vanecek), fully supporting the goalie with the hot hand (Akira Schmid). Devils will be a hard out no matter who’s starting in goal.
Carolina Hurricanes Analysis
Hurricanes took care of business in Round 1 with a six game series win over the New York Islanders. Carolina finally won not one, but two road games to get rid of bad memories from the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. Forward Sebastian Aho (4 goals, 3 assists) and defensemen Brent Burns (0 goals, 5 assists) will continue to push the puck forward. Situational playing center Paul Stastny (3 goals), will continue to hold off father time to see if his scoring skills have some magic left. Only question mark with the Hurricanes is goaltending. Antti Raanta (3 wins, 2.59 GA/G) was solid, but Frederick Andersen (1 win, 0.91 GA/G) is waiting for the call from the bench.
Prediction: Teams were separated by one point during the regular season and split four games. Hard series to pick due to both teams trending up and relying on hot hands in goal. Carolina advances in seven games due to head coach Rob Brind’Amour shortening his bench at critical junctures.
Western Conference Round 2 Playoff Series
Seattle Kraken (Pacific Division Wildcard #1) vs. Dallas Stars (Central Division #2)
Regular Season records: Seattle 46-28-8, 100 points; Dallas 47-21-14, 108 points
Head-to-Head matchups in 2022-2023: Dallas won two of the three games played and outscored Seattle 13-10 in total goals
Seattle Kraken Analysis
Kraken used a complete team approach to upset the defending Stanley Cup champions (Colorado Avalanche), in the first round in seven games. Head coach Dave Hakstol’s aggressive forechecking style of play completely befuddled the Avalanche. Fifteen players scored 1+ goals each in the first round. Philipp Grubauer shook off his rust in net and posted a sound 2.44 GA/G and .926 SAV%, to show that he’s back in top tier form. A deep and rested squad with no expectations, is a scary opponent to face in the second round.
Dallas Stars Analysis
Stars had a workmanlike six games series win over Minnesota in the first round. Currently on a three game winning steak due to the play of second year goalie Jake Oettinger (2.01 GA/G, .929 SAV%). Three headed offensive monster (Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, Tyler Seguin), combined for 11 goals and 14 assists. Ten players scored 1+ goals each. Emotional leader on the ice, center Joe Pavelski, has been cleared to return in Game #1. Out of all eight playoff teams left in 2023, the Stars are staying below the radar, which is exactly the way they like it.
Prediction: Dallas uses home ice advantage to win in six games.
Edmonton Oilers (Pacific Division #2) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (Pacific Division #1)
Regular Season records: Edmonton 50-23-9, 109 points; Vegas 51-22-9, 111 points
Head-to-Head matchups in 2022-2023: Edmonton won three of the four games played and outscored Vegas 18-14 in total goals
Edmonton Oilers Analysis
Oilers showed their intestinal fortitude in the first round, dispatching the Los Angeles Kings in six games. Lost Game 1 and 3 both in overtime, but bounced back and shifted the series with a huge overtime win (5-4) in Game 4. Centers Leon Draisaitl (7 goals, 4 assists) and Connor McDavid (3 goals, 7 assists), continue to push their teammates to play better. Defensemen Evan Bouchard (2 goals, 8 assists) got the memo in the first round. If the Oilers continue to move the puck at a frenetic pace in the offensive zone, and their defensemen corps remains focused, they are the team to beat in the Western Conference.
Vegas Golden Knight Analysis
Golden Knights breezed through the first round in five games over the short handed Winnipeg Jets. Will be rested and ready for the high flying Oilers to bring their game to the Las Vegas strip. The big four forwards (Chandler Stephenson, Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, William Karlsson) combined for 14 goals and 12 assists. Defensemen Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore chipped in with 8 assists combined. Time to see if Laurent Brossoit (2.42 GA/G, .915 SAV%), can stand up to the rigors of high pressure postseason hockey. Try to avoid watching the Excalibur pre-game festivities before Vegas home games. Those were cool during the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals run, but now they are dated and over the top.
Prediction: Edmonton finds another gear with the defensive pressure and goal tending to advance in six games.
Same bat time, same bat channel in two weeks. I’ll review the results of the NHL Stanley Cup Round 2 Playoff series and try again for Round 3.
