West

1. Dallas vs. 4. Minnesota

The Stars are the highest scoring team in the league led by the dynamic duo of Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin who is coming back from an Achilles injury. Unfortunately, their defense and goaltending aren’t nearly as good meaning there will be a lot of pressure on the offense to produce. The Wild are a solid defensive team that should be able to provide some resistance, but they are likely going to be playing without their best offensive player in Zach Parise who is dealing with a back injury. I don’t see them being able to keep pace with the Stars’ high-powered offense.

Prediction: Dallas in 5

2. St. Louis vs. 3. Chicago

The Blackhawks haven’t had the best season by their standards, while the Blues are eager to finally breakthrough and advance deep into the playoffs. However, I still have a hard time picking against the Blackhawks and I think all of their trade deadlines acquisitions will start to show their worth in this series.

Prediction: Chicago in 6

1. Anaheim vs. 4. Nashville

The Ducks have rebounded from a terrible start to the season and now seem locked in as one of the favourites to come out the West. Nashville will put up a good fight, but the Ducks have the depth and experience to get them to the next round.

Prediction: Anaheim in 6

2. Los Angeles vs. 3. San Jose

I think this will be the best series in the entire first round. These two teams are very evenly matched and they do not like each other. San Jose will be looking to erase the painful memories of blowing a 3-0 series lead back in 2014, while the Kings are looking to make another Stanley Cup run. I believe the series will go to game 7 and Jonathan Quick will be the difference.

Prediction: Los Angeles in 7

East

1. Florida vs. 4. New York Islanders

The Florida Panthers are this year’s feel good story with old man Jagr leading a talented team with a good mix of young guns and experienced veterans. The Islanders won’t be a pushover, but I’m not sure how well Thomas Greiss will perform in place of starter Jaroslav Halak.

Prediction: Florida in 6

2. Tampa Bay vs. 3. Detroit

Ben Bishop was fantastic in last year’s run to the Stanley Cup Finals, but it may not be enough because of all of the injuries the Lightning are dealing with. I think this will be a very close and competitive series, but Detroit’s experience and extra motivation of knowing that this could potentially be Pavel Datsyuk’s last season should see them through to the 2nd round.

Prediction: Detroit in 7

1. Washington vs. 4. Philadelphia

The David vs. Goliath match up. The Capitals have been the dominate team all season and won the President’s trophy while the Flyers were the last team to clinch a playoff spot. The Flyers are always physical, gritty and willing to lay it all on the line. I just don’t think it will be enough to stop the Capitals who are poised to make a run at the Stanley Cup.

Prediction: Washington in 5

2. Pittsburgh vs. 3. New York Rangers

This should be a great series as both teams are very familiar with each other having played each other in the playoffs the past two seasons. The Penguins are dealing with some key injuries to Evgeni Malkin who won’t play in this series and Marc-Andre Fleury is coming back from a recent concussion. I think the series will come down to Sidney Crosby and Henrik Lundqvist who both have the ability to take over a game and lead their team to victory. Given the importance of goalies in the playoffs, I’m going to give the edge to Lundqvist and the Rangers.

Prediction: New York Rangers in 7