You’ve guessed it, the Montreal Canadiens-Toronto Maple Leafs’ series still isn’t over, and now, whoever wins the next game, wins the series and moves on to the second round to face the Winnipeg Jets.
Since the North Division’s Second Round is yet to be determined and I have no idea who could possibly win Game 7, I will discuss the two possible scenarios, though they are pretty similar.
Let me just say that, if I’m being honest, with the way the series has been going, I think the first team to score tonight will be the ultimate series winner.
The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs will be facing off for the last time of the season tonight at 7 p.m. EST to finally conclude Round 1 of the playoffs, and it should be fun.
Montreal Canadiens/Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Winnipeg Jets
This one, in my opinion, is the most difficult series to predict because no one was expecting the Winnipeg Jets to sweep the Edmonton Oilers, so I’m not sure what to expect from them in the second round. The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs series has also been really close, though, on paper, the Leafs look a lot better, or at least they did in the regular season.
And although a lot of people think the Winnipeg Jets will absolutely dominate the series, especially after sweeping the Oilers, I think whoever wins the series between Montreal and Toronto, will be ready to take on the Jets. Again, it’s true that, on paper, the Leafs have a better chance at beating the Jets, than the Habs do, but whether the Habs or Leafs win tonight, I’m expecting the winner to beat the Jets in six games.
Boston Bruins vs. New York Islanders
Just like we saw in the first game of this matchup, the Boston Bruins seem to have a better shot at winning the series than the New York Islanders. However, if I’m being completely honest, both these teams surprised me in Round 1, so I wouldn’t be that surprised to see the Islanders win. But, I will stick to my prediction of Boston winning the series in six games.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Although the Tampa Bay Lightning won the first game of the series 2-1, I’m expecting the Carolina Hurricanes to come back and win the second game. I’m also expecting this series to be a close one, with it possibly going to seven games and the Hurricanes ultimately winning it.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights
As the entire hockey world saw last night, Game 1 was a disaster for the Vegas Golden Knights. Losing 7-1 is never something you want to do, especially not in the playoffs. Though, I’m expecting them to bounce right back and show the Colorado Avalanche that they’re not the team they easily beat in Game 1. I’m expecting, yet another, close series, and I will say I think the Golden Knights are winning this one in seven.
While the Habs and Leafs will be playing their Game 7 tonight, the Bruins and Islanders will be disputing Game 2 of the series, so it should be an interesting night in the North and East divisions.