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Breaking down NHL playoff matchups if season ended today

By Matt McGinnis

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 20: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against Alexander Kerfoot #15 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 20, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Lightning 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 20: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against Alexander Kerfoot #15 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 20, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Lightning 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron #37
Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron #37. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Atlantic Division

(1)Boston Bruins vs (WC2)New York Islanders

If you think back to last year’s opening playoff round in the NHL, you’ll recall a defensive slugfest between the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames. This would be the 2023 version of that series.

New York is the type of team that would thrive in the postseason, as its defensive brand of hockey is built for the playoffs. However, this is an unfortunate matchup for the Isles, because Boston’s defense just so happens to be the best in the NHL.

I’ll give the Islanders a fighting chance here, but I’ll go with the Bruins in five games.

(2)Toronto Maple Leafs vs (3)Tampa Bay Lightning

In the late 2010s, it was the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals that fans became accustomed to seeing go head-to-head on an annual basis in the playoffs. Now, it’s the Lightning and the Maple Leafs.

This is one of the matchups that feels destined to happen in round one, as the Bruins are well ahead of both clubs, and no other Atlantic rival is a threat to either of these teams in the standings.

Until the Maple Leafs prove they can win a playoff series, I just can’t pick them. Give me the Bolts in six games.

(1)Boston Bruins vs (3)Tampa Bay Lightning

At some point, Tampa Bay’s reign of terror is going to have to come to an end. The 2023 Bruins could be the team to do that, so I’ll take the B’s in this projected round two series, four games to two.

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