Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Predictions

The time has arrived. We started this crazy journey back in October with thirty two teams. All of whom had the same desire. Win hockey's ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup. Now here we sit with sixteen left. The chase for the cup is underway. IT'S CUP TIME!

There's quite a few questions going into this first round here in the playoffs. Biggest one is can the Bolts do something that hasn't been done since the 80s? How well can Toronto defense and goaltending hold up? How Playoff ready actually are the Panthers? Can Colorado continue its momentum? Can the Oilers shake their past playoff failures?

All these questions and more will be answered over the coming weeks and months as the playoffs wind down. For now the first round is here and this is how we see the opening round going down.

Eastern Conference:
Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals: Panthers in 7
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning: Lightning in 6
Carolina Hurricanes vs Boston Bruins: Hurricanes in 5
New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Rangers in 6

Western Conference:
Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators: Avalanche in 4
Minnesota Wild vs St Louis Blues: Blues in 7
Calgary Flames vs Dallas Stars: Flames in 5
Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings: Oilers in 6

That's how wee see the first round going down. What say you?