Written by Graeme on Tuesday, Might sixth, 2025
In the event you’re a fan of low cost sucker punches, you’ll have actually loved the Panthers vs Leafs sport final night time.
Florida are hitting a completely new stage of soiled. There was in fact the hit by Bennett on Stolaz, however then the elbow fully off puck by Mikkola on Jarnkrok, and fairly a number of different nasty little hits from the Panthers.
Truthfully it’s not even the Panthers accountable for this – it’s the NHL for permitting for it to occur. A lot controversy over the sport and discuss it and that can get folks watching and rather more . They thrive on it.
Sadly we’ll seemingly see one other Bertuzzi-Moore state of affairs earlier than too lengthy, however the NHL simply don’t appear to care.
My hope is that the Leafs simply say lets play the Panthers sport, and begin completely smashing them. If the NHL are letting it occur then man would possibly as nicely. Though it gained’t shock me if Sport 2 is a ref heavy sport to allow them to say “see we’re up to the mark” earlier than going again to the norm.
It’s what it’s. Two video games tonight as two new sequence start so let’s cowl these.
Capitals vs Hurricanes
Scott: The season sequence was a 2-2 toe between these groups.
The Canes acquired by the Devils in 5 video games. They have been led by Aho, Jarvis, Svechnikov, Blake, Corridor and Stankovan.
They did get by the Devils however the Devils had been coping with some key accidents. It might have been a special sequence had that they had Jack and Luke Hughes and Dillon,
The Caps additionally acquired by means of in 5 video games theirs was towards the Canadiens. The have been led by Ovechkin, Strome, Wilson, Beauvillier, McMichael and Protas.
The Habs confirmed some life profitable 1 sport however after that it was all Caps who flexed after they wanted to and walked throughout them.
The Caps impressed me in spherical 1. Wilson has matured and have become such an enormous piece of this group which helps take a few of the stress off of Ovechkin and Thompson performed nicely too.
Caps win the sequence
Graeme: Trying ahead to seeing the “Canadian” Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin in motion on this one.
Let’s see the metrics (though it may be robust with the Cnes). As anticipated large benefit in CF% & FF% for the Canes. Scored much less, created extra, conceded much less by a good chunk, xGA about the identical. I’d be a tad involved if I used to be a Canes fan with how a lot they replied ong oaltending, plus their SCGF/60.
Caps I believe the large distinction was the expertise over the Habs. Particularly that Sport 4 sport.
Canes create so many possibilities usually that although their GF/60 is decrease than their xGF/60 they make up for it with the amount. Canes created a LOT within the two video games towards the Caps that matter with an xGF of 4.73 and three.31. Not likely factoring in these April ones.
I’m going with Canes to win the sequence. I don’t suppose both aspect beat notably tough groups to get right here, however I believe the Caps had the weaker oppostion and have been capable of benefit from their inexperience – not an element right here.
Canes win Sequence – I’ll go along with Canes -1.5
Golden Knights vs Oilers
Scott: The season sequence was 2-2 between these groups.
The Knights acquired by the Wild in 6 video games. It wasn’t a simple sequence as 2 of their wins required extra time and one other was a 1 aim sport. They have been led by Hertl, Stone, Eichel, Roy, Barbashev, and Pietrangelo.
This can be a group that also has a few of the items from their Stanley Cup profitable roster in 2023. That have is big within the postseason. Plus getting Dorofeyev again goes to assist them.
The Oilers acquired by the Kings for the 4th straight playoffs this time it took them 6 video games. They needed to change their goalie in sport 3. They have been led by the same old suspects McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, Bouchard and Brown.
The Oilers have loads of playoff expertise because the superior to the Stanley Cup finals final season towards the Panthers.
This needs to be a great sequence. I simply discover that the Oilers have the apparent benefit offensively and have so many gamers that may take over a sequence that I’ve to go along with them.
Oilers win the sequence
Graeme: Oilers coming in with the momentum, and Pickard hopefully giving them a little bit of confidence.
Let’s see these metrics. CF/60 is precisely the identical. CA/60 yep just about. Oilers a GF/60 of 4.28 however impressively an xGF?60 of 4.27. That’s insane and if they’ll preserve that up – no drawback.
I used to be a bit upset within the Knights protection and goaltending within the final sequence. That they had a pair video games the place their xGA/60 was nice however they have been nonetheless conceding.
I believe going towards this offense stuffed with confidence – going to be a problem.
Oilers win the sequence
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