Predictions for the final two weeks of the NHL season

The 2023-24 NHL regular season concludes April 18, with the Stanley Cup playoffs beginning April 20.

But before we get there, there are some races with runway remaining, including for two spots in the Eastern Conference bracket, and for the Presidents’ Trophy and No. 1 overall seed.

So to help dissect those situations — and help us locate the key matchups remaining on the calendar — we’ve gathered a roundtable of NHL analysts to serve up takes on the biggest questions right now.

What game will you be watching most closely in the final two weeks?

Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporter: Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers on April 16. One could argue that watching any Caps, Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins or New York Islanders game will be worth it over the final two weeks. Caps-Flyers has a chance to be compelling because it could determine which team gets into the playoffs on the final day of the regular season. But that’s assuming the races for the final Metropolitan Division and/or Eastern Conference wild-card spots haven’t been decided yet.

Victoria Matiash, NHL analyst: If the stars align perfectly, the tilt between the Penguins and Islanders on April 17 could serve as a playoff ticket for the winner and a knockout blow for the loser. Fun stuff. And it appears entirely possible, depending on how the Detroit Red Wings, Capitals and Flyers also manage before then.

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Arda Öcal, NHL broadcaster: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers on April 16, because that’s likely a first-round matchup preview and I’m a fan of maximum bedlam in regular-season meetings between teams facing off in the postseason. Give me all the chaos in that one.

Kristen Shilton, NHL reporter: How about the game I hope to be watching most closely, and that’s Penguins-Islanders on April 17. It might be perfect chaos: the last day of the East’s regular season, with two Metro Division rivals still battling it out for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. The Penguins and Isles…

Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39895789/nhl-predictions-playoffs-games-teams-wild-card-presidents-trophy

Author : ESPN staff

Publish date : 2024-04-08 11:52:39

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