Cinema Loading: Our official Conference Semifinals predictions

Well, how did we do in our First Round prediction?

For the Eastern Conference we went 3-for-4 including a perfect prediction for the Battle of Ontario. In the Western Conference, we got one series right (barely) (and by barely, I mean BARELY).

That's the beauty of playoff hockey. You simply never know how things will shake out. So, naturally, we're going to test our luck again at predicting the upcoming round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Let's start with a Second Round rematch of 2023.

Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

If the Maple Leafs would have gotten reverse swept by the Senators, the internet would have imploded, exploded, imploded again, then fizzle into a black hole of nothingness. We were so close to ultimate infamy.

But, infamy is not reality for Toronto - at least not yet. They've got a tough customer in Florida, who upended a heavy Cup favorite in Tampa Bay to claim the Battle of Florida once again.

The Panthers might be turning into hockey's version of the Houston Astros. They will perennially make the Conference Final and you never want to face them in a series. Pummeling their in-state rivals while Toronto nearly choked (again) against their in-province rivals.

Surviving might be all the Leafs needed, but the Panthers look like a wagon right now. The Leafs have not made it to a Conference Final since 2002. Florida is looking to go back-to-back with Lord Stanley.

This will be a battle between skill and physicality. The Maple Leafs' big boppers can take over a series, but it's been Anthony Stolarz in net for Toronto who has carried them to this meeting with the Panthers - the team Stolarz won the Stanley Cup with last season.

All the while, the Panthers might just bully their way to another series win.

If the Leafs go cold like they did late in the First Round series, Florida will have their way. We didn't think Florida would be here, but now that they are, we aren't betting against them again.

Prediction: Panthers in 6

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals

Carolina mopped the floor with New Jersey (just like we knew they would), and Washington handled Montreal with grace after a couple blips early in the series.

These are two heavyweights with very differing stances. Carolina is under so much pressure to get to the Conference Finals, and Washington, while theoretically under less pressure, has the onus to make the most out of their historic season.

Both teams are well rested, which uniquely benefits both squads. Carolina is one of the oldest teams in the league, but the Capitals are still fielding the elder statesman known as Alex Ovechkin with his gray hair and goal scorer record in hand.

Ovechkin has carried over his regular season form into the playoffs, which instantly makes Washington a threat to anyone. Last season for Ovi it seemed like the playoffs were just an afterthought as the Capitals were blasted away in four games by the Rangers.

But now Ovechkin has the taste of victory in his mouth, and the Hurricanes will be the next to catch the brunt of his fury.

Carolina needs their goaltending to remain stout. Freddie Andersen had a bit of an injury scare, causing plenty of PTSD for Canes fans, but he pushed on and was excellent in the final games against the Devils.

The question is if he maintains this level of play. Pyotr Kochetkov is waiting in the wings as quality support, but I think Canes fans would rather Andersen remain in net while he stays hot. Though, if the Capitals maintain their scoring tear, it doesn't matter who is in net.

One party will have to succumb to the fate of defeat, and this time it will be our friends in Carolina. It's not what we want, but it's what we believe will happen. Sorry, Wardens.

Prediction: Capitals in 7

Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers

Both teams played with their food in the first round, and both ripped out the hearts of their opponents in the end with both Vegas and Edmonton winning their series in six games.

Adin Hill has not been excellent for the Golden Knights, but he's been passable. On the other side Stuart Skinner has been completely unplayable. Enter Calvin Pickard.

Pickard's effort singlehandedly willed Edmonton to advance. The Kings had the magic of the harmonicas on their side before he completely stomped on them and won the series outright with four straight wins.

Connor McDavid leads all playoff skaters with nine assists and Evan Bouchard has four goals of his own to show for.

For the Knights, they received overtime game-winners Ivan Barbashev and Brett Howden to beat rip the hearts our of Minnesotans once again. Otherwise, the love has been evenly shared amongst their skaters, which is a good formula to win playoff series.

This one could go either way, but after seeing how the Oilers responded after going down 2-0 to the Kings, you can't deny that McDavid's methods of motivation work. They're resilient, and they'll head back to the Western Conference Final.

Prediction: Oilers in 6

Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars

The Stars I didn't expect to be here. The Jets I did expect to be here. Neither team I expected to be here because of the two most insane third periods in a Game 7 you've ever seen on back-to-back nights.

Just roll the tape. It speaks for itself.

We got a Sean McDonough "Unbelieveable!" voice crack in Game 7 of the Mikko Rantanen Bowl brought to you by known Dallas Star Mikko Rantanen. The NBA wishes it had this much aura.

Oh, and then this happened...

I'll never forget where I was watching that third period. I never sat down, and somehow, I always believed.

And then, the dagger.

This guy gets it. No elaboration. No breakdown. Just vibes.

Sit back and watch cinema unfold.

Prediction: Jets in 7