For sports fans, late April brings about unparalleled levels of excitement, anguish, hostility and glory. My name is Kevin Lind (@LindSanity25), former defenseman for Notre Dame and minor leaguer for the Anaheim Ducks organization, and I’ll be contributing to Apollo for the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Today, I would like to run through the first round match ups and take quick peek into each series and who I think will come out on top. This is the NHL 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs preview you needed.
New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals
There’s just not a ton to unpack here after a pretty dominant performance from the Rangers in Game 1. Washington has been playing playoff hockey for over a month now with their backs against the wall just trying to get in. You have to wonder if that’s taken its toll on a team that has the worst goal differential we’ve seen out of a playoff team in roughly 30 years. I think unless Lindgren can be otherworldly, we’re looking at Rangers in 4, possibly 5 if Lindgren can steal one.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
While I’m not a huge fan of the current playoff format, (we’ll dive into that some other time) it does make for some absolutely titanic clashes in the first round and this is no exception. Let’s face it, Tampa has been the toast of Florida, if not the NHL, for the better part of a decade. I remember sitting in the United Center in Chicago during the 2015 Finals watching the Blackhawks defeat a young and hungry Lightning team to win their third cup in 5 years.
Fast forward 9 years and they’re still as hungry as ever. With that being said, the Florida tides have started to turn towards Sunrise. In Game 1 we saw the Florida Panthers start strong which was vital against their in-state rivals. Tampa Bay failed to register a shot on net until half way through the first. With Tkachuk and Reinhart both finding the back of the net and Barkov tallying two assists, it was a dream start for the Panthers. Look for some push back from Tampa in Game 2. They’re too experienced of a group to let one game decide their fate. Especially when it could be the last time we see their Captain, Steven Stamkos, in the lightning bolt. Panthers in 6.
New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes
Similar story here as WAS vs NYR. Game 2 was obviously devastating to the Islanders after blowing a 3-0 lead in the 2nd period. This series was always a long shot for NYI and a 2-0 lead seems insurmountable at this point. Give credit to the Islanders, another team who has been playing playoff hockey for the better part of 6 weeks now just to get into the playoffs.
As for the Canes, I think Game 2 speaks volumes to this team’s desire and drive to get over the hump and into the finals. Look, we all knew that even if they lost Game 2, the series was still very much under their control. As you advance in playoffs you’ll face tons of adversity and for them to face it early in Game 2 and overcome it with a win is huge for them going forward. I’ll give the Islanders 1 game because I think their barn will be absolutely rockin’ but ultimately it’s Canes in 5.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins
Another first round match up that ideally you would like to see later on but man has it been fun so far. I’ll be honest after Game 1 and the start to Game 2 I thought Toronto was cooked. Credit to them for staying in the game and like Florida, getting your top players on the board. The William Nylander saga continues to be perplexing. If it’s a nagging injury, why was he in game 82 and not resting for playoffs? Getting him back would be a huge shot of adrenaline to a team that already got a big one after that Game 2 win.
As for Boston, the Ullmark-Swayman split continues with Swayman winning Game 1 and of course Ullmark dropping Game 2. I personally don’t love the move but when you have 2 goaltenders of their caliber, it can work. Boston is a rugged, skilled, deep team. If they continue to play their game and stay out of the box, they win this series. My guess is Swayman returns in Game 3, who knows from there on. I think this one goes this distance with the Bruins edging out Toronto in 7.
Dallas Stars vs Las Vegas Golden Knights
An interesting Game 1, to say the least. I know Dallas fans were left wanting more from their team especially after an incredible regular season. Those fans would be correct. The Stars completely left Vegas goalie Logan Thompson off the hook when it looked like he was not seeing the puck well at all. Vegas is a deep team with experience as last year’s Cup winners. If you’re Dallas you have to look past the bad first round draw and look to get even in Game 2.
If you find yourself down 2-0 heading into Vegas it could be all but over. For Vegas it was a dream start. When guys come back from long term injury like Stone and Pietroangelo, there’s always concern about getting back to game speed. Stone gets on the board with a PP tally and Vegas is off and running to a Game 1 win. Vitally important for both player and team success. Ultimately, I think Vegas’ experience gets them through this round but it won’t be a cake walk. Knights in 7.
Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
One word. McDavid. 5 assists in Game 1 he has the Oilers off to a great start after a convincing Game 1 victory. Sit back, relax, and just enjoy watching him. The sport has never seen anything like him and we are truly lucky to be able to witness the things he does. Theoretically, if LAK could stop him, they’re still outmatched. Not much to see here. LAK might steal one but I don’t see this series being close. Oilers in 4.
Colorado Avalanche vs Winnipeg Jets
Another great first round series out West in Colorado Winnipeg. Game 1 saw some unexpected lamp lighting as Winnipeg won 7-6. You have to feel like it’s a missed opportunity if you’re Colorado after getting 6 goals past Connor Hellebuyck with nothing to show for it. I would be willing to risk a lot to say he won’t be giving up 6 goals in a game for the rest of this series.
You just wonder if Colorado’s road woes will finally catch up with them. Before the series I thought if they can just get one in Winnipeg, they’ll win the series but I just don’t know anymore. We all know how important goaltending is in the playoffs and Georgiev has been underwhelming, to put it nicely. I think Winnipeg will continue to expose him. I also think Winnipeg will steal a game or two in Denver and take this series. Jets in 7.
Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators
I feel like this series is getting a lot less time compared to every other match up. It’s also ironic that after having said that, I put it last but I digress! For those of us who stayed up late to watch Game 1, we got a great start to a pretty even series. Vancouver is young but they are building something special up there. Quinn Hughes has taken the next step not only as a Norris Trophy caliber defenseman, but as a leader and a Captain, as well. Their defense is solid and veteran-laden. Their forwards are experienced and deep. This also could be a serious coming out party for Thatcher Demko, who, despite giving up a goal to me in college, has had a stellar pro career thus far (however, Demko is now out for game 2 with injury). For Nashville, they also need to rely on their big veteran presences in Forsberg, Josi and O’Reilly with help from younger guys like Evangelista. Another evenly matched series that could go either way. Canucks in 7.
So there it is, a look into the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. We hope you’ll follow along for more as we go deeper into the best time of the year for hockey fans. It’s an exciting time for hockey in the city of Houston and we look forward to bringing you the best hockey content Houston has to offer. The NHL 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview You Needed.
