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JurassicPuck · 02-20-2024, 05:54 PM

2024 1st Round Playoff Preview and Predictions: Ranked by Least to Most Exciting Matchups

By Vincent Barlow 1h Ago
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What could have been in this series between these two teams. Jeremy Swayman must be dying to see his Buffalo Sabres face the team that traded him back at the Trade Deadline. But instead of being out on the ice he'll be watching from the press box. In just his 6th game in a Sabres uniform the American netminder was hit while trying to make a desperation save. The collision would result in a bad MCL Sprain for the 25 year old and one that will keep him from competing in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. Victor Olofsson meanwhile is looking to exact some payback against his own former squad. He's been on absolute fire since joining the B's, scoring 15 points in 17 games and finishing with 66 on the year, a career high. Will he be able to continue that in this series? Rasmus Dahlin could also miss possibly the first two games in Boston as he's still recovering from a pulled groin.

Prediction - Boston in 5 Games

This series and the Boston-Buffalo on are the two matchups where it's very, very hard to see one team not winning. The Colorado Avalanche possess a dominant trio of players in MacKinnon, Makar and Rantanen and have Cup winning pedigree spread throughout the lineup.

Anaheim meanwhile is a young team who has up and coming stars that will be getting their first taste of playoff hockey. It's a mismatch series for the Ducks and they'll be tested heavily with the Avalanche squad

The Ducks will need Trevor Zegras to work his magic and John Gibson to play the type of hockey he did years ago in the Getzlaf-Perry days of Anaheim. Is it possible? Yes. Is it going to be difficult for those things to go right? One hundred percent

Prediction - Colorado in 5 Games

Finishing the regular season with stellar records of 47-26-9 and 49-30-3, respectively, the Jets secured the 2nd spot in the Central, while the Wild claimed 3rd place.

The Jets' offensive powerhouse, led by breakout star Kyle Connor, enters the postseason with momentum. Connor's sensational 101-point season, the second-highest in the league, makes him a player to watch. On the other end, the Wild boast the league's best defensive record, allowing only 2.72 goals per game. Filip Gustavsson's stellar performance in net, boasting a remarkable 42-19-2 record, positions him as a Vezina Trophy frontrunner.

However, the Wild will face a significant challenge as their rising star, Matt Boldy, will be sidelined until May 9th due to a concussion, casting a shadow over Minnesota's offensive depth.

Will the Jets' offensive firepower break through the Wild's formidable defense, or can Minnesota's balanced approach shut down Winnipeg's high-flying attack?

Prediction - Winnipeg in 7 Games

All the way back on January 11th vs the LA Kings, Panthers fans were heartbroken to hear that their star Finnish center Aleksander Barkov would be out for the rest of the regular season due to a severe MCL Sprain. Without their franchise center, playoff hopes looked slim. Alas the Florida Panthers squeaked in by the hair of their chin, tying their rival Tampa Bay Lightning in points but coming ahead in the tiebreaker. But with that comes the matchup with the dominant Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes enter the postseason boasting an impressive regular-season record of 52-26-4 and wielding the NHL's most potent offense, averaging an outstanding 3.85 goals per game. This offensive prowess sets them apart, with the 2nd-best team trailing at 3.55 goals per game. Led by an ensemble cast of skillful forwards, Carolina is well-positioned to test the Panthers' defensive resilience. That’s not what you wanna hear when Barkov is still not expected to return for another 2-3 weeks. Sam Reinhart also went down with a sprained ankle in Game 79 of the season so he may not make an appearance in this series until Game 4. It will take practically a miracle for Florida to win this round one matchup... but they've done it before haven't they

Prediction - Carolina in 4 Games

The New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers are set to renew their playoff rivalry in the 2024 NHL Playoffs. The Devils, boasting an impressive season record of 50-27-5 and securing the 4th spot in the NHL standings, are entering the postseason with a lineup that oozes elite depth scoring. With three lines loaded with offensive firepower, the Devils are a force to be reckoned with, ready to capitalize on any defensive lapses.

On the other side of the ice, the Philadelphia Flyers have defied expectations with a season record of 44-30-8, clinching the 3rd spot in the highly competitive Atlantic Division. The Flyers weren't initially pegged as contenders this season, but their resilience and tenacity have propelled them into the postseason spotlight. The matchup against the Devils promises to be a clash of contrasting narratives, with the Flyers looking to prove that they belong among the league's elite.

These two teams last met in the playoffs during the 2012 Conference Finals, a hard-fought series that saw the Devils emerge victorious in five games. Memories of that intense battle still linger, adding an extra layer of anticipation to this latest postseason showdown.

Prediction - New Jersey in 6 Games

In a clash of contrasting stories, the Vancouver Canucks and the Dallas Stars are poised to go head-to-head in what promises to be a captivating first-round matchup. The Canucks, having clinched the top spot in the Pacific Division with a season record of 48-24-10, have reinvigorated their fan base after a string of disappointing seasons. The question on everyone's mind – can the Canucks turn regular-season success into playoff triumph?

On the other side of the ice, the Dallas Stars, with a formidable season record of 46-29-7, are looking to build upon last year's Conference Final loss. With memories of their 2020 Cup Finals appearance still fresh, the Stars have their sights set on another deep playoff run. The hunger for redemption and the taste of championship glory drives the Stars as they aim to make amends for falling short in recent years.

What sets this series apart from others is the absence of a bitter history between the Canucks and Stars. Unlike some heated playoff rivalries, these two teams don't carry a lot of bad blood. This lack of animosity, however, adds a layer of excitement to the matchup, as it provides the potential for the birth of a new, intense rivalry on the playoff stage.

As the puck drops and the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars embark on this first-round journey, fans can expect a series filled with uncertainty, potential breakout performances, and the possibility of a new chapter in playoff history being written

Prediction - Vancouver in 7 Games

In a highly anticipated first-round showdown, the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are set to reignite their playoff rivalry. The Oilers, boasting a season record of 46-30-6 and securing the 2nd spot in the Pacific Division, are hungry for redemption after falling short in last year's postseason.

The Vegas Golden Knights, with a season record of 44-30-8, finished just two points behind the Oilers in the Pacific Division standings. Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this clash is the much-anticipated sequel of the Jack Eichel versus Connor McDavid saga. In the previous playoffs, Vegas emerged victorious in six games against the Oilers, propelling them to the Conference Finals and eventually the Stanley Cup. The stage is now set for round two, with both Eichel and McDavid leading their respective teams into a battle of skill, speed, and determination.

Memories of the contentious clash between these teams last playoffs, particularly the slash by Alex Pietrangelo on Oilers' star Leon Draisaitl in Game 4, still linger. The Oilers and their fans won't easily forget, setting the stage for a series with an undercurrent of bad blood. As the Oilers look to avenge last year's defeat, the Golden Knights aim to prove that they have the formula to continue their success against their Pacific Division rivals.

Prediction - Edmonton in 7 Games

The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens find themselves pitted against each other once again in the first round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs. Memories of their last postseason clash in 2021, where the Canadiens pulled off a dramatic upset in a seven-game series, loom large as both teams gear up for another intense battle.

The echoes of the 2021 playoffs still resonate in the minds of Leafs and Canadiens fans alike. Montreal, the underdogs, emerged victorious, stunning the hockey world and dashing Toronto's Cup aspirations. Heading into this playoff matchup, both teams are grappling with crucial injuries to key players. Toronto's star defenseman Morgan Reilly, a linchpin in their blue line, will be sidelined until May 6th, which could have significant implications for the Leafs' defensive structure, especially in the early games of the series. On the Canadiens' side, the absence of David Savard on defense and Jake Allen between the pipes until May 2nd and May 17th, respectively, raises questions about Montreal's ability to weather the storm against Toronto's high-powered offense. On paper, the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be heavy favorites. Boasting a potent offensive lineup led by Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares. Yet, as the old adage goes, the playoffs are a different beast. The Montreal Canadiens, seemingly playing the underdog role once again. In a recent interview, Leafs' captain John Tavares acknowledged the significance of facing the Canadiens again: "The past is the past, but we can't ignore the motivation that comes from what happened in 2021. We're a different team now, and we've learned from those experiences. We're focused on taking it one game at a time and not underestimating our opponent." The storyline of redemption for the Leafs and the possibility of another Canadiens upset adds a layer of intrigue to this matchup. The absence of key players on both sides only intensifies the drama, setting the stage for a series that will undoubtedly be watched with bated breath by fans across the league

Prediction - Toronto in 5 Games

02-20-2024, 05:54 PM	#3
JurassicPuck Rookie OVR: 0 Join Date: Jun 2019	Re: NHL 24 Franchise Mode Career 2024 1st Round Playoff Preview and Predictions: Ranked by Least to Most Exciting Matchups By Vincent Barlow 1h Ago __________________________________________________ What could have been in this series between these two teams. Jeremy Swayman must be dying to see his Buffalo Sabres face the team that traded him back at the Trade Deadline. But instead of being out on the ice he'll be watching from the press box. In just his 6th game in a Sabres uniform the American netminder was hit while trying to make a desperation save. The collision would result in a bad MCL Sprain for the 25 year old and one that will keep him from competing in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. Victor Olofsson meanwhile is looking to exact some payback against his own former squad. He's been on absolute fire since joining the B's, scoring 15 points in 17 games and finishing with 66 on the year, a career high. Will he be able to continue that in this series? Rasmus Dahlin could also miss possibly the first two games in Boston as he's still recovering from a pulled groin. Prediction - Boston in 5 Games This series and the Boston-Buffalo on are the two matchups where it's very, very hard to see one team not winning. The Colorado Avalanche possess a dominant trio of players in MacKinnon, Makar and Rantanen and have Cup winning pedigree spread throughout the lineup. Anaheim meanwhile is a young team who has up and coming stars that will be getting their first taste of playoff hockey. It's a mismatch series for the Ducks and they'll be tested heavily with the Avalanche squad The Ducks will need Trevor Zegras to work his magic and John Gibson to play the type of hockey he did years ago in the Getzlaf-Perry days of Anaheim. Is it possible? Yes. Is it going to be difficult for those things to go right? One hundred percent Prediction - Colorado in 5 Games Finishing the regular season with stellar records of 47-26-9 and 49-30-3, respectively, the Jets secured the 2nd spot in the Central, while the Wild claimed 3rd place. The Jets' offensive powerhouse, led by breakout star Kyle Connor, enters the postseason with momentum. Connor's sensational 101-point season, the second-highest in the league, makes him a player to watch. On the other end, the Wild boast the league's best defensive record, allowing only 2.72 goals per game. Filip Gustavsson's stellar performance in net, boasting a remarkable 42-19-2 record, positions him as a Vezina Trophy frontrunner. However, the Wild will face a significant challenge as their rising star, Matt Boldy, will be sidelined until May 9th due to a concussion, casting a shadow over Minnesota's offensive depth. Will the Jets' offensive firepower break through the Wild's formidable defense, or can Minnesota's balanced approach shut down Winnipeg's high-flying attack? Prediction - Winnipeg in 7 Games All the way back on January 11th vs the LA Kings, Panthers fans were heartbroken to hear that their star Finnish center Aleksander Barkov would be out for the rest of the regular season due to a severe MCL Sprain. Without their franchise center, playoff hopes looked slim. Alas the Florida Panthers squeaked in by the hair of their chin, tying their rival Tampa Bay Lightning in points but coming ahead in the tiebreaker. But with that comes the matchup with the dominant Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes enter the postseason boasting an impressive regular-season record of 52-26-4 and wielding the NHL's most potent offense, averaging an outstanding 3.85 goals per game. This offensive prowess sets them apart, with the 2nd-best team trailing at 3.55 goals per game. Led by an ensemble cast of skillful forwards, Carolina is well-positioned to test the Panthers' defensive resilience. That’s not what you wanna hear when Barkov is still not expected to return for another 2-3 weeks. Sam Reinhart also went down with a sprained ankle in Game 79 of the season so he may not make an appearance in this series until Game 4. It will take practically a miracle for Florida to win this round one matchup... but they've done it before haven't they Prediction - Carolina in 4 Games The New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers are set to renew their playoff rivalry in the 2024 NHL Playoffs. The Devils, boasting an impressive season record of 50-27-5 and securing the 4th spot in the NHL standings, are entering the postseason with a lineup that oozes elite depth scoring. With three lines loaded with offensive firepower, the Devils are a force to be reckoned with, ready to capitalize on any defensive lapses. On the other side of the ice, the Philadelphia Flyers have defied expectations with a season record of 44-30-8, clinching the 3rd spot in the highly competitive Atlantic Division. The Flyers weren't initially pegged as contenders this season, but their resilience and tenacity have propelled them into the postseason spotlight. The matchup against the Devils promises to be a clash of contrasting narratives, with the Flyers looking to prove that they belong among the league's elite. These two teams last met in the playoffs during the 2012 Conference Finals, a hard-fought series that saw the Devils emerge victorious in five games. Memories of that intense battle still linger, adding an extra layer of anticipation to this latest postseason showdown. Prediction - New Jersey in 6 Games In a clash of contrasting stories, the Vancouver Canucks and the Dallas Stars are poised to go head-to-head in what promises to be a captivating first-round matchup. The Canucks, having clinched the top spot in the Pacific Division with a season record of 48-24-10, have reinvigorated their fan base after a string of disappointing seasons. The question on everyone's mind – can the Canucks turn regular-season success into playoff triumph? On the other side of the ice, the Dallas Stars, with a formidable season record of 46-29-7, are looking to build upon last year's Conference Final loss. With memories of their 2020 Cup Finals appearance still fresh, the Stars have their sights set on another deep playoff run. The hunger for redemption and the taste of championship glory drives the Stars as they aim to make amends for falling short in recent years. What sets this series apart from others is the absence of a bitter history between the Canucks and Stars. Unlike some heated playoff rivalries, these two teams don't carry a lot of bad blood. This lack of animosity, however, adds a layer of excitement to the matchup, as it provides the potential for the birth of a new, intense rivalry on the playoff stage. As the puck drops and the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars embark on this first-round journey, fans can expect a series filled with uncertainty, potential breakout performances, and the possibility of a new chapter in playoff history being written Prediction - Vancouver in 7 Games In a highly anticipated first-round showdown, the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are set to reignite their playoff rivalry. The Oilers, boasting a season record of 46-30-6 and securing the 2nd spot in the Pacific Division, are hungry for redemption after falling short in last year's postseason. The Vegas Golden Knights, with a season record of 44-30-8, finished just two points behind the Oilers in the Pacific Division standings. Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this clash is the much-anticipated sequel of the Jack Eichel versus Connor McDavid saga. In the previous playoffs, Vegas emerged victorious in six games against the Oilers, propelling them to the Conference Finals and eventually the Stanley Cup. The stage is now set for round two, with both Eichel and McDavid leading their respective teams into a battle of skill, speed, and determination. Memories of the contentious clash between these teams last playoffs, particularly the slash by Alex Pietrangelo on Oilers' star Leon Draisaitl in Game 4, still linger. The Oilers and their fans won't easily forget, setting the stage for a series with an undercurrent of bad blood. As the Oilers look to avenge last year's defeat, the Golden Knights aim to prove that they have the formula to continue their success against their Pacific Division rivals. Prediction - Edmonton in 7 Games The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens find themselves pitted against each other once again in the first round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs. Memories of their last postseason clash in 2021, where the Canadiens pulled off a dramatic upset in a seven-game series, loom large as both teams gear up for another intense battle. The echoes of the 2021 playoffs still resonate in the minds of Leafs and Canadiens fans alike. Montreal, the underdogs, emerged victorious, stunning the hockey world and dashing Toronto's Cup aspirations. Heading into this playoff matchup, both teams are grappling with crucial injuries to key players. Toronto's star defenseman Morgan Reilly, a linchpin in their blue line, will be sidelined until May 6th, which could have significant implications for the Leafs' defensive structure, especially in the early games of the series. On the Canadiens' side, the absence of David Savard on defense and Jake Allen between the pipes until May 2nd and May 17th, respectively, raises questions about Montreal's ability to weather the storm against Toronto's high-powered offense. On paper, the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be heavy favorites. Boasting a potent offensive lineup led by Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares. Yet, as the old adage goes, the playoffs are a different beast. The Montreal Canadiens, seemingly playing the underdog role once again. In a recent interview, Leafs' captain John Tavares acknowledged the significance of facing the Canadiens again: "The past is the past, but we can't ignore the motivation that comes from what happened in 2021. We're a different team now, and we've learned from those experiences. We're focused on taking it one game at a time and not underestimating our opponent." The storyline of redemption for the Leafs and the possibility of another Canadiens upset adds a layer of intrigue to this matchup. The absence of key players on both sides only intensifies the drama, setting the stage for a series that will undoubtedly be watched with bated breath by fans across the league Prediction - Toronto in 5 Games Last edited by JurassicPuck; 02-20-2024 at 06:31 PM.