Well, folks, the qualifying round of the 2020 Stanley Cup is now in the books.
Eight clubs have been eliminated, and 16 remain bringing us back to the traditional 16 teams first round.
In the qualifier’s we saw two significant upsets come to pass with the Oilers losing out in four to the Chicago Blackhawks and the Montreal Canadians slaying the superstar loaded Pittsburgh Penguins in four games. Just what was feared has come to fruition, many felt that Carrey Price could carry the habs in a short set and potentially steal a series and the same sentiments were echoed about the Blackhawks, led by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
2020 Stanley Cup (16)
Now that the Qualifying round is history, the above photo depicts the matchups for round one of the 2020 Stanley (Covid-19 Pandemic) Cup.
Here are my predictions for round one.
- Vegas Knights in five over the Blackhawks, I believe that Vegas is deeper on defense than Chicago and that unlike the Oilers in the previous series, it will be a struggle to get quality scoring chances. Also, Robin Lehner will start for Vegas, after being traded by the Hawks at the trade deadline he will be looking for revenge against his former club. Vegas Knights in five games.
- I’m calling it in six games in favor of the Avalanche; I think the desert dogs will make it a much harder battle than expected. Colorado has too much talent upfront with the likes of Rantanen, MacKinnon, and Landeskog; with the addition of second-line center Nazim Kadri, he will help take the pressure off of the first line giving Colorado two top lines that can score. Colorado Avalanche in six games.
- I predict a long series in this one, but I’m going with the Flamers. I predict that the Flames will exercise their demons of last year’s playoffs. Look for a low scoring affair, whoever can out grind the other should prevail. Dallas had trouble jump-starting the offense with Seguin during the regular season if he is held off the score sheet it will go along way in Calgary’s favor. Calgary Flames in seven games.
- If there is an upset in the making, this could be the one. Being last year’s champion, it will be no small task for the Canucks to knock off the defending champs. The Canucks are young fast and highly skilled upfront with J.T Miller, Brock Boeser, and Elias Petterson; they will give it a go, but if St. Louis can find their groove and Jordan Binnington can return to last years playoff form I feel the Blues will win this series. Still, the Canucks will surprise and make them work for it. St. Louis Blues in six games.
- Philadelphia is a juggernaut and seems unstoppable. Montreal, on the other hand, has its defense playing razor-sharp, and with All-Star Price in the cage, they have a shot if they can stay out of the box and keep the scoring down. Ultimately I don’t think Montreal will be able to consistently stop the firepower of Philadelphia’s top line of Giroux, Danault, and Couturier, let alone the supporting cast. Philadelphia Flyers in five games.
- This one is a rematch of last year. Nobody thought Columbus would knock off a powerhouse like Tampa, in four straight no less. I believe the Lightning will stagger out of this slugfest in seven hard-fought grueling games, but the sheer desire to avenge themselves of last year’s embarrassing sweep will be what pushes them through—Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.
- In the qualification round, the caps looked somewhat disinterested, Ovi failed to score, and the team as a whole played sloppily. The Isle’s looked poised and determined, only allowing three goals five on five in four games. Now the games count for the caps, and we will see which cap persona answers the bell. The isles will make it enjoyable with the likes of Andres Lee, Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle,, in the end, I m picking the caps, they have the experience and the scoring threats to rise to the challenge. Washington Capitals in six games.
- Before the season was put on hold because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Bruins were atop the league standings with one hundred points and poised to go all the way to the 2020 Stanley Cup. Still, losing the number one seed in the round-robin and looking lethargic, one wonders if they can find another gear to get themselves up for a dangerous Carolina group. The Canes are coming in hot and healthy with defensive specialist Dougie Hamilton returning on the back end. Boston will be in it knee-deep against the young and hungry Cane’s squad. If Boston’s top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pasternak can elevate their game and with seasoned veteran goalie Tuukka Rask minding the crease, the Bruins will be tough to stop. The Cane’s will be more than a handful for the Bruins. Carolina is a young, energetic team with a great mix of youth and veterans, notably Vincent Trocheck at the second center, Jordan Staal on the third line, and Justin “Mr. Game 7” Williams. Carolina Hurricanes in seven games.
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