NHL Playoffs: What If?

Tonight was supposed to be the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The start of me taking up basically all the recording space on the TV again just in case the game went to overtime, and lots of it! This year looks a little different and seems odd to see so much space again!



One of my favourite things to do before any games would begin is the bracket challenge. (Which I did pretty well in last year- thanks Blues!). So, just for a bit of fun, I thought I would create my own playoffs bracket anyway.



Who qualifies?

Ok, this one might be a little hard to justify with teams having played different numbers of games and lots of teams moving in and out of playoff spots before the pause. But I decided to go with teams that occupied a playoff spot at that date. Teams’ schedules are just too different and hockey is such an unpredictable sport, no less so than in the playoffs last year where such huge upsets were caused in the first round that the NHL issued a Second Chance bracket!



So… here’s what I think could have happened if these teams had made the playoffs and the playoffs started today:

Round 1



St Louis Blues vs Nashville Predators

Although Nashville swept the season series against the Blues this season, St Louis are such a strong team this year and really looked as if they had a good chance again this year. An 8-game win streak after a tough spell showed this team is capable of overcoming adversity once again.



Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars

Colorado have really surprised me this year. Cale Makar has been especially outstanding, with the defenceman ranking second in points, behind only Nathan MacKinnon. After taking out the Flames in the first round last year, I think the Avalanche are certainly capable of another trip to the Conference Semi-Finals.



Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets

This time I had Vegas reaching round 2, in part because of the way their spot was stolen from them in 2019 after a bad call. Sitting atop the Pacific after another incredible season suggests Vegas could make it 3/3 for making the playoffs.



Edmonton Oilers vs Calgary Flames

Well Edmonton haven’t had much go their way when it comes to playoffs these days.



Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Much as it pains me to say it, Boston have had a great year and look like they will easily storm through the first round.



Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs

I think this year could finally have been the year the Leafs made it past round 1. The team have played well with Sheldon Keefe in charge and I think were certainly capable of progressing this year.



Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes

I’d just love to see Ovi get another cup if the Blues can’t have it.



Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins

I know too many Penguins fans too well to say anything other than a Penguins win here. Though, I would probably have picked them anyway!



Conference Semi-Finals



St Louis Blues vs Colorado Avalanche

Fighting for the top spot in the central this season, the two teams split their season series. Although the Avs have been impressive, I’m always gonna stick with the Blues.



Vegas Golden Knights vs Calgary Flames

Calgary swept the season series with Vegas so far but the Golden Knights’ recent 8-game win streak suggested they were getting into even better form for the playoffs so teams had better watch out.



Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Sorry Leafs. Good as they are now, I just think that this Boston team is too good. Hopefully next time.



Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Again, I can’t not say the Penguins (sorry Ovi ☹)





Conference Finals



St Louis Blues vs Vegas Golden Knights

Boston Bruins vs Pittsburgh Penguins



I’d just love to see a rematch of last year’s final and get to have the chance to beat Boston again.



Stanley Cup Final



St Louis Blues vs Boston Bruins



It was always going to end this way. The series last year proved that the Blues have a right to be in that final and that they can bounce back. 7-2 loss in game 3? 5-1 Game 6 loss? No problem, the 4-1 Game 7 win was all that mattered in the end. I’d love to see another Stanley Cup in St Louis! #letsgoblues