It’s down to the final four teams in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This week starts the Conference Finals, where we’ll find out who will be playing for the Stanley Cup. There are two very exciting, high stakes series in store for this year’s semi-final round. Here are the predictions for the 2024 Eastern and Western Conference Finals.
(A1) Florida Panthers vs. (M1) New York Rangers
This Eastern Conference series is going to be a battle of powerhouses. The New York Rangers continued to display why they were this year’s Presidents’ Trophy winners. Their second round series wasn’t perfect, but they kept finding ways to win. Whether in regulation, overtime, or facing a third period deficit, the team rose to the occasion and got the job done. The Rangers’ internal fortitude was one of their biggest regular season strengths, and it has perfectly carried over into the postseason. That, combined with their special teams triumphs and great goaltending from Igor Shesterkin, makes them a prominent threat.
Facing them in this series are the reigning Eastern Conference champions, the Florida Panthers. They’ve been exhibiting all of the qualities that got them to last year’s Stanley Cup Finals. They’re a tough and physical team that thrives on the offensive side of the puck. Sergei Bobrovsky has also continued his high level of play from last postseason, further driving the team’s winning ways. The Panthers are an all around deep team that has experience winning at this stage of the postseason.
They’re exactly the kind of team that’ll give the Rangers trouble, especially given their success on the PK. But the Rangers have a real “team of destiny” feel to them and have the capability to withstand anything thrown their way. This’ll undoubtedly be a series of tightly knit games between two certified winners that has a good chance of going the distance. When it comes to picking a winner, the Rangers have a slight edge with their home ice advantage and nearly unstoppable power play.
Prediction: Rangers in 7
(P2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (C1) Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars have had to battle in order to get onto this stage. They overcame a 2-0 series deficit in round one to eventually win in seven games. Then, after blowing a 3-0 lead in game one of the second round, they rallied to win the series by way of a double overtime winner in game six. Needless to say, this Stars team is as resilient as they come and can win in almost any situation. They’re a depth filled team backed by Jake Oettinger, who’s had an incredible showing this offseason. It’s for these reasons that they currently sit as the betting odds favorite to win the Stanley Cup.
Challenging the Stars will be the Oilers, coming off of a seven game series win over the Canucks. The Oilers were brought to the brink in that series, facing a 3-2 deficit. Despite having their backs against the wall, they played two of their best games to win the series. The core five of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, Zack Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have had a fantastic postseason, accounting for most of the team’s offense. They’re an elite offensive team that carries some goaltending questions. Stuart Skinner hasn’t been his best and Calvin Pickard just got his first taste of postseason action in this last series.
Even with those issues, the Oilers should still manage to be competitive in this series. The Stars have had their inconsistencies on their road to getting to the conference finals. That, along with the Stars lower percentage PK, will give the Oilers a puncher’s chance. However, the Stars will be able to find a way to ultimately prevail. They’re a sound defensive team riding a great goaltender that’ll help slow down the opposition. Adding that to their deep group of skaters, who almost all have at least one point this postseason, presents a winning combination.
Prediction: Stars in 6
Featured image courtesy of NHL.com
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