21-22 WEST Playoff Primer and 1st Rd Predictions

Western Conference

Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights (C1 vs WC2)

Matchups:

Game 1 - WPG 3-2 SOW

Game 2 - WPG 3-2 W

Game 3 - VGK 3-1 W

I don't see this being much of a series. Vegas has traded away their starting goaltender in Jack Campbell and Winnipeg holds nearly all of the statistical advantages between these two teams. Additionally, Vegas ranks 2nd in PIMs on the season, something that will absolutely bite them in the foot come playoff time.

Prediction: Winnipeg in 5

Anaheim Ducks vs Arizona Coyotes (P1 vs WC1)

Matchups:

Game 1 - ARZ 3-1 W

Game 2 - ARZ 3-1 W

Game 3 - ARZ 4-1 W

Arizona, despite being lower in the standings, has won all three of the matchups between these teams this season. You would expect this series to be dictated by whether Anaheim can stay out of the box, but Arizona had zero PP goals in the 2nd and 3rd matchup.

Prediction: Arizona in 6

Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators (C2 vs C3)

Matchups:

Game 1 - COL 4-2 W

Game 2 - COL - 4-3 SOW

This series will be a battle of home ice, Nashville as the best home ice teams this season and Colorado as the best road team. Based on goal differential and records this series shouldn't be much to watch. If Nashville can stay out of the penalty box this series will be a lot tighter. Unfortunately for Nashville, shootout losses don't count for anything in the playoffs.

Prediction: Colorado in 5

Edmonton Oilers vs Calgary Flames (P2 vs P3)

Matchups:

Game 1 - EDM 3-2 W

Game 2 - EDM 3-2 SOW

Game 3 - EDM 5-3 W

This series screams low scoring snooze fest. Fans would call it a defensive battle... If AM34 and THE RAT can carry the Flames they may just have a shot here. Edmonton gets the nod due to the superior goaltending.

Prediction: Edmonton in 7