The Stanley Cup Playoffs are entering day five with some big matchups from around the NHL about to take place. Teams are now trying to take the upper hand, and a potential team going up 3-0 awaits the night!
Before we dive in with the night’s matchups, let’s talk about last night’s games.
New York Rangers 5 – Pittsburgh Penguins 2 (Series tied 1-1)
Florida Panthers 5 – Washington Capitals 1 (Series tied 1-1)
Colorado Avalanche 2 – Nashville Predators 1 (COL leads series 2-0)
Dallas Stars 2 – Calgary Flames 0 (Series tied 1-1)
I was 3/4 on the night, with my only mistake being the Panthers winning. My overall record through five days is 11/16.
Like Wednesday, we saw many teams bounce back after a challenging game one, and even last night’s Avalanche Predators game was fun and down to the wire in overtime. Now, let’s talk about the matchups ahead tonight.
Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins – 7 PM ET
Carolina leads the series 2-0
You have to figure Boston is going to win one of these games right? Without a doubt, Carolina has been one of the strongest teams of the postseason but Boston is bound to win one. Maybe tonight can be their night. Otherwise, this series is just about over.
My Prediction: Boston wins game three.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning – 7:30 PM ET
Series tied 1-1
The Lightning got it done in game two, but they started to slip towards the end with Toronto battling back to make things interesting. Tonight is another opportunity and I still don’t think we have seen the best hockey from Tampa Bay just yet. Back at home with their crowd behind them, Tampa Bay should get things done at home tonight.
My Prediction: Tampa Bay wins game three.
Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues – 9:30 PM ET
Series tied 1-1
I have a hard time placing this series considering how well the Wild took care of business in game two. While I want to pick them tonight, the Blues have been the better of the two teams when they have gone up against each other the past few seasons. Back at home for the first time this series, the Blues should be all business in tonight’s game. Hopefully, we get a close one and not a blowout on either side.
My Prediction: St. Louis wins game three.
Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings – 10 PM ET
Series tied 1-1
The Kings and Oilers series saw Edmonton stomp LA in game two, but one would imagine the Kings will bounce back. The Kings already did their job stealing one game in Edmonton, now, all they have to do is take care of business at home.
My Prediction: Los Angeles wins game three.
Tonight’s games will be entertaining, but without a doubt, this is the least confident I have been in my predictions. Every one of these series is now being played in a new arena, the matchups will be a bit different, and the longer the series goes the better team should win the game.
Let us know in the comments who you think will win tonight.