Looking Back at Round 2 (and Predicting Round 3) of the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals
So, uh, maybe let’s all admit that choosing a bracket for this year was a terrible idea, and we’ll re-convene next year. Thoughts?
Going back to when I originally picked Boston and Edmonton for my bracket at the start of this Stanley Cup Playoffs, I felt pretty confident — but right from the start, I knew there would probably be some upsets. Turns out, I was on the right track after all. Let’s look back at round two, and forward to the conference final matchups.
Western Conference Recap
Seattle/Dallas: DALLAS in 7 (Prediction: DAL in 6)
Can’t fault myself for this one, to be honest. Many people had this going shorter, some had Seattle, but I’ll gladly brag that at the very least, I had the right team coming out on top. Jake Oettinger, who has had his moments this postseason that have left me worried, is still solid. Joe Pavelski continues to be Captain America. The Stars didn’t fly past Seattle, as I had expected. But they got the job done, and are off to another final four.
Kraken fans, wherever you are out there — this is one heck of a second season. When Vegas came into the league what seems like both yesterday and an eternity ago, everyone was taken aback by their early success. Little did we know that in just their second season, Seattle would push a juggernaut in Dallas to the brink. And boy, they came close. This team is one to watch out for next season. The Kraken are good, and getting better.
Vegas/Edmonton: VEGAS in 6 (Prediction: EDM in 7)
I don’t think I’m alone in saying that I’m surprised this series didn't go the distance. It just felt like the obvious outcome, in all honesty. But alas, here we are. Canada is once again without a western conference finalist — and Vegas, once again, is off to the conference finals. The Golden Knights are once again a powerhouse — and Jack Eichel in the playoffs is a menace to not be messed with. I look forward to seeing how they face up against the Stars.
Edmonton, I hate to say it, but I think it’s time to consider that your team may be top-heavy. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatl are each phenomenal, no doubt about that. Their careers speak for themselves. But the defense is still struggling once you look past the big few names of Ekholm (Ken Holland’s masterclass), Bouchard, and at times, Nurse. And the goaltending still somehow doesn’t seem to be there. Stuart Skinner looks like a real starter for this team, but couldn’t hold the line in his first look at playoff action. The Oilers will be back, but what changes need to be made?
Eastern Conference Recap
Florida/Toronto: FLORIDA in 5 (Prediction: TOR in 6)
I could probably write an entire article on just how hilarious it is that the Maple Leafs managed to finally climb the mountain that is their struggle with first round exists, all just to be absolutely wiped off the face of the earth by the Florida Panthers. But, when you look at it, Florida was not a team to be messed with. They took out the Bruins in seven. Their victory here is a real shock to Toronto sports fans, sure. But Florida is angry, and it’s showing.
Leafs fans, I’m not sure what to even say. And apparently, neither was the front office, letting both Kyle Dubas and Jason Spezza go after Dubas wanted to remain on the team. Anyways, besides that, you have to think there’s change coming to this organization on the players side as well. Not sure who, but I’d be shocked to see this core together a year from now. We’ll just have to wait and see on that one.
Carolina/New Jersey: CAROLINA in 5 (Prediction: CAR in 6)
Once again, having the right team in this one feels pretty good. But I can’t say I expected the Devils to go out the way they did. I guess that’s just how good these Canes really are, right? This team powered through the Islanders, now wiping out the team that took out the big, bad Rangers. What’s next for Carolina? A matchup with a team that’s hunting for their first ring. The pressure is on for the Hurricanes to make sure that isn’t possible.
The Devils really became a powerhouse this season. Jack Hughes became not just a star, but a superstar. And he’ll be fun to watch for the forseeable future. The goaltending may be finally settling down in New Jersey too, but that may be something to hold back on commenting on. This Devils team is no doubt good though, and I have no reason to believe they won’t be back here next season. Heads up, Devils fans.
Round 3 Predictions
Well, with the Oilers’ loss in round two, my bracket is now officially completely busted — I had them and the Bruins in the finals, friendly reminder. So, with that in mind, let’s throw out some more jinxes, shall we?
Carolina/Florida: Florida in 7
I have very close friends who are diehard Hurricanes fans (you know who you are), so this one hurts to write. But after seeing how the Leafs and Bruins couldn’t keep up with this gritty, high-flying Panthers team, not to mention with Sergei Bobrovsky turning back the clock, I have no reason to bet against this Panthers team. I do think this series goes the distance, but I still lean Florida in this one. I could be wrong, though. All it takes is a few lucky bounces in this one.
Dallas/Vegas: Dallas in 6
Screw it, maximum chaos. I promise, this isn’t just anger for the Golden Knights taking out my Jets in round one, by the way. Or for taking out my Oilers in round two — okay, it might be related. But, I still just don’t trust Vegas and that goaltending. It’s hard to bet against Jake Oettinger — and Dallas has the scoring firepower to keep up with the Golden Knights, in my opinion. I have Dallas taking this one in six. Don’t let me down, Stars. I need a correct guess. It’s been a while.
And just like that, we’re all done for round three. Next writeup will be predicting the big one — and based on who we have left in these conference finals, no matter who makes it through, we should be treated to a unique final. No Tampa, no Colorado, no Bruins, none of these expected powerhouses. Quite frankly, I love it. See you in June, hockey fans.
