The 2023 NHL playoffs are just around the corner, and fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating the first round matchups. With so many talented teams and players in the league, predicting the outcome of each series can be a daunting task. However, based on current standings and team performance, here are some expert picks for the first round of the 2023 NHL playoffs.
In the Eastern Conference, the top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning are expected to have a relatively easy time against the eighth-seeded New York Islanders. The Lightning have been dominant all season, boasting a league-best record and a potent offense led by superstar forward Nikita Kucherov. Meanwhile, the Islanders have struggled to find consistency and will likely struggle to keep up with Tampa Bay’s high-powered attack.
The second-seeded Boston Bruins will face off against the seventh-seeded Montreal Canadiens in what promises to be a hard-fought series. The Bruins have been one of the most consistent teams in the league this season, thanks in large part to the stellar play of goaltender Tuukka Rask. However, the Canadiens have been playing with a sense of urgency lately and could give Boston a run for their money.
The third-seeded Washington Capitals will take on the sixth-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins in what is sure to be a highly entertaining series. Both teams boast elite talent, including Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby. However, Washington’s depth and defensive prowess could give them an edge over Pittsburgh in this matchup.
Finally, the fourth-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs will face off against the fifth-seeded Philadelphia Flyers in what could be the most evenly-matched series of the first round. Both teams have high-powered offenses and solid goaltending, making this series a potential shootout. However, Toronto’s depth and experience could give them an edge over Philadelphia in this matchup.
In the Western Conference, the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche are expected to have a relatively easy time against the eighth-seeded Arizona Coyotes. The Avalanche have been one of the most dominant teams in the league this season, thanks in large part to the incredible play of superstar forward Nathan MacKinnon. Meanwhile, the Coyotes have struggled to find consistency and will likely struggle to keep up with Colorado’s high-powered attack.
The second-seeded Vegas Golden Knights will face off against the seventh-seeded Minnesota Wild in what promises to be a hard-fought series. The Golden Knights have been one of the most consistent teams in the league this season, thanks in large part to the stellar play of goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. However, the Wild have been playing with a sense of urgency lately and could give Vegas a run for their money.
The third-seeded St. Louis Blues will take on the sixth-seeded Dallas Stars in what is sure to be a highly entertaining series. Both teams boast elite talent, including Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko and Stars forward Tyler Seguin. However, St. Louis’ depth and defensive prowess could give them an edge over Dallas in this matchup.
Finally, the fourth-seeded Edmonton Oilers will face off against the fifth-seeded Calgary Flames in what could be the most evenly-matched series of the first round. Both teams have high-powered offenses and solid goaltending, making this series a potential shootout. However, Edmonton’s superstar duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could give them an edge over Calgary in this matchup.
Of course, anything can happen in the playoffs, and these predictions are by no means set in stone. However, based on current standings and team performance, these expert picks provide a glimpse into what fans can expect from the first round of the 2023 NHL playoffs.
