My Predictions for the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Dear readers,

I'm well aware that I'm one day late already but here are my predictions for the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup nonetheless. Let's keep this short and sweet this year without any profound analyses and detailed podcasts. Here we go:

Boston Bruins versus Florida Panthers: Bruins in six (The Panthers have only just made the playoffs and the Bruins have been consistent all season long)

Toronto Maple Leafs versus Tampa Bay Lightning: Leafs in six (The drought has to end eventually and Tampa Bay has been playing terribly recently)

Carolina Hurricanes versus New York Islanders: Hurricanes in five (The Islanders lack consistency while the Canes represent rise through stability)

New Jersey Devils versus New York Rangers: Rangers in six (The Rangers have an excellent mixture of veterans and youngsters as well as great depth)

Colorado Avalanche versus Seattle Kraken: Avalanche in six (The Avalanche is going to quick up the pace to defend its title)

Dallas Stars versus Minnesota Wild: Wild in seven (Tight race but the Wild has a little more chemistry, depth and diversity)

Vegas Golden Knights versus Winnipeg Jets: Jets in seven (Difficult to call but the Jets are at the peak of their development and might go gung ho)

Edmonton Oilers versus Los Angeles Kings: Kings in five (The Oilers' goaltending is still trash, even Mike Smith is better than Campbell and Skinner)