It’s that wonderful time of the year again. The 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on Monday as 16 teams begin their quest for a championship. Both sides of the bracket feature some exciting first round matchups to kick off postseason play. For this article we’ll be predicting the first round matchups in the Western Conference field.
(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC2) Winnipeg Jets
After missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history last season, the Golden Knights responded in a big way. A bounce back season saw them emerge as the best team in the Western Conference. This was in large part due to a full season of Jack Eichel back to his usual self as a premier scoring option. The Golden Knights have had a variety of starters in net, most notably Logan Thompson who was selected as an All-Star. They’re a well coached team with a great roster that can compete with anybody.
The Winnipeg Jets made the postseason but have done so on a note of relative uncertainty. They’ve been slumping throughout the second half and very nearly lost this wild card spot. Still, there’s a lot to like about this Jets team. Their entire roster is made up of quality veterans who have had some great runs together in prior years. Specifically Josh Morissey’s terrific offensive season from the blue line and Mark Scheifele 40 goal season will lead the way on offense. Plus if Connor Hellebuyck is more than capable of stringing together some great starts defending the crease.
Despite that, it’s hard to overlook the struggles the Jets are coming into the postseason with. They’re not going to have an easy time trying to overcome a Golden Knights team that’s been one of the conference’s most consistent. Adding on the fact that the Golden Knights swept the season series, there’s very little doubt they’ll take this first round series.
Prediction: Golden Knights in 5
(2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (3) Los Angeles Kings
Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers make their return to the playoffs after losing in the conference finals last year. Again the Oilers have a prolific offense with league leading ranks in goals per game (3.96) and power play percentage (32.4%). This also comes on the heels of McDavid’s greatest season in which he scored 64 goals and got to 153 total points. Not to mention the Oilers had two other players score over 100 points Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Their defense is still painstakingly average, but it hasn’t been a prominent issue to this point.
Their opponent in the Los Angeles Kings also bring in an offensively sharp team to the postseason. They’re in the top 10 in goals per game (3.34) and are fourth in power play percentage (25.3%). Captain Anze Kopitar as well as top defenseman Drew Doughty are still huge contributors to the team and bring in some quality veteran leadership, having both been on the 2014 championship team. The Kings have found some stability in net with the trade acquisition of Joonas Korpisalo, who has posted a 2.13 GAA and .923 save percentage since joining the team.
This series has all the makings of another seven game set like we saw from these two clubs last year. Picking a winner is truly a tough call with two teams that feel very similar to one another. But at the end of the day, the offensive strength of the Oilers should get them to once again prevail over the Kings in a tightly contested series.
Prediction: Oilers in 7
(1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (WC1) Seattle Kraken
The Avalanche return to the playoffs as the Central’s top team after winning the cup last season. They lost a number of players from the championship team but still are an ever present threat in the West. A pair of 100 point seasons from the likes of Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon helped carry the load for the offense. On the other side of the puck, Alexandar Georgiev has put in some great work for them in his first season as a full time starter.
The Kraken are making their first postseason appearance in franchise history after a great second season. Their offense is easily the most impressive aspect of their game. They rank 5th in goals per game, which is up there with the likes of the Bruins, Devils and Oilers. It’s an impressive feat that was accomplished in big part to an incredible rookie season from Matty Beniers and a career-high 40 goal performance from Jared McCann.
While the Kraken offense can certainly provide a scare, there’s not much else to talk about. Neither of their goaltenders are particularly awe-inspiring and neither is their defensive play for that matter. That in mind, the highly experienced and talented Avalanche roster will ultimately take this series. They know what it takes to win a cup and will certainly beat a franchise making their first ever appearance in the playoffs.
Prediction: Avalanche in 6
(2) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Minnesota Wild
The Stars are one of the more statistically balanced teams in this year’s postseason field. Career best scoring seasons from Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz along with the resurgence of Jamie Benn fuel a high scoring attack. Defensively the Stars are top three in both goals allowed per game (2.62) and in PK percentage (83.5%). And everyone knows how good Jake Oettinger can be behind the crease this time of year.
The Wild are a team that wins hockey games with their defense. Their 2.67 goals allowed average speaks to the success they’ve had in that department. This is in large part thanks to the stout goaltending tandem of the experienced Marc-Andre Fleury and red hot younger Filip Gustavsson. While they had one of the weaker regular season offensive attacks amongst this year’s field, they have some quality options. Players like Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello are no strangers to playoff hockey and Matt Boldy’s 31 goal season figures to be a big factor for the Wild.
The Wild won’t be an easy out but they won’t be able to win this series. The Stars are a bad matchup for the Wild as the Stars can replicate their strong defensive play but also get that extra pop from their offensive unit. Furthermore, the Wild couldn’t beat the Stars without having to go to the shootout in their regular season set. With that, the Stars will ultimately be able to outlast the Wild in this best of seven series.
Prediction: Stars in 6
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Featured image courtesy of NHL.com
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