The Stanley Cup Playoffs never disappoint. This year has been no exception.
With our mediocre, around-.500 selections from the first two rounds, we're going to try our hand again and try to pick who will move on to the Stanley Cup Final in 2025. Technically, we have a 25% chance to be right - so be prepared for when we're 100% wrong.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers
The 2023 Eastern Conference Finals Rematch.
I've never witnessed a sweep so close in my life. A sweep entails that one team dominated the other. That was not the case the last time these teams met in the playoffs.
Matthew Tkachuk had an out-of-body experience with three game-winning goals in the series to completely rip the heart out of every Caniac in America.
So, will history repeat itself? In short, no.
This will not be a clean sweep like it was in 2023. Both of these teams have embodied what it means to have a deep roster. Scoring from all four lines, elite goaltending, and two incredible coaches behind the benches are the calling cards for both Carolina and Florida.
The Hurricanes have waltzed their way through these playoffs with dominant series over the Devils and Capitals, each in five games. It won't be that easy for them against the Panthers.
Despite the Panthers going seven rounds with Toronto, they are not beat up. In fact, they've played two series against relatively soft teams (first against Tampa Bay). Unlike 2023 when their entire lineup was dealing with injury, Florida is healthy this time around. They're dealing blows, not taking them.
As for Carolina, they've gotten incredible goaltending ever since the playoffs started Freddie Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov have been the missing piece for what Carolina is hoping to be a Stanley Cup caliber team.
They've dealt with goalie injuries in previous years. They still have to survive two more rounds, but getting this far is a good sign. They've given up more than two goals just three times in 10 games so far. It doesn't matter if they're not scoring in bunches, they're scoring enough.
This is shaping up to be the caliber of series from 2023 in terms of excitement. We bet on Florida to be here, but not Carolina, so, we're going to learn our lesson from betting against Dallas twice and go with the Hurricanes actually winning a conference final game this time.
This is my excuse to play this clip. They didn't win a game in this series. The Penguins swept them in the ECF in 2009. You have to go back to 2006 for the last time they won a Conference Final game. That year they won the Stanley Cup against the Edmonton Oilers. They're 0-12 in these games since.
As for our predictions, one of those teams is making it back. The other is not.
Prediction: Hurricanes over Panthers in 6
Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers
The 2024 Western Conference Finals Rematch.
Maybe parity in the NHL isn't as good as I thought it was. Perhaps that's a topic for another day.
The Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers are both on heaters in the same way. Their stars are shining and their goalies are goalie-ing.
Dallas lost in six games to Edmonton in 2024, and it was not nearly as close as it should have been. In 2023 the Stars lost back-to-back overtime games in Vegas to open the Conference Final. They're close, but not that close.
Edmonton, on the other hand has been here before. They're on a mission to get back to the Stanley Cup, and Connor McDavid is looking to etch his name in history right next to Sidney Crosby for losing the Cup in his first trip then getting back and winning it the following year.
This time around, though, Dallas finally seems to have the spunk they need. Mikko Rantanen is on his way to a Conn Smythe trophy if he maintains his output. Jake Oettinger has been unreal between the pipes for the Stars. Their home ice advantage is undeniable as well.
But Edmonton might just be getting hot at the right time. Edmonton had their fair share of flaws this season. But the Stanley Cup Playoffs exude a magic that favors teams that peak at the right moment. Edmonton might be doing that at the perfect time.
After going down 2-0 to the Kings, Connor McDavid and the Oilers have lost just a single game. And it came from a fluke Reilly Smith (yuck) buzzer beater. Edmonton is a juggernaut right now.
Which means we're taking the Stars.
What? You thought we'd be logical here? Absolutely not. We learn nothing from our past mistakes, we're Penguins fans. The Stars are getting back for their first [real] shot at the Stanley Cup since 2000.
Prediction: Stars over Oilers in 7
With that, place all your bets on a 2024 Stanley Cup Final rematch. Because if you know anything about my predictions, it's often a good idea to act given the opposite impression.
Cheers to a banger Conference Final!