Tank's Stanley Cup Conference Finals Predictions
Eastern Conference Finals
New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Rangers in Five
Making us sure happiness is the key. The Rangers are the worst possible matchup for the Lightning. The Rangers won all three meetings in the regular season and provided problems on both ends of the ice for the defending Stanley Cup champions, who are seeking the threepeat. Chris Kreider had two goals in the most recent matchup in March and has always had Tampa's number. Those three regular-season wins proved to be crucial as it enabled the Rangers to get home ice for this series. The Rangers have won seven straight at home during the postseason and have the hot goalie with Igor Shesterkin playing at a high level against Carolina. The Lightning have a lot of miles on their tires and could be running out of gas, with Brayden Point still dealing with a lower-body injury. Look for the Rangers to get a boost from the home crowd to take control of the series early. After the Rangers get the series lead, the Lightning will make a brief push, but the Rangers, who are finding their groove, will be too much to handle. My usual secondary hearing is why the Rangers will win in five.
Western Conference Finals
Colorado Avalanche vs. Edmonton Oilers
Avalanche in Six
The Edmonton Oilers overcame a 9-6 thwacking in Game 1 to win the Battle of Alberta in five games. Now fans in Edmonton have Stanley Cup dreams as Conner McDavid and Leon Draisatal are playing at an MVP level. The Colorado Avalance had their hiccups against the Blues, letting a 3-0 lead slip by in Game 5. However, Nathan MacKinnon is also playing at a high level, assuring that this series could be the most exciting of the playoffs. The question is what team's goalie will hold up as there will be plenty of highlight-reel plays on both ends of the ice. The key will be Cale Makar, who will be the difference as his defensive presence on the blueline and ability to start a rush the other way will get the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 21 years.
