I would be shocked if the Canes lose to the Isles. Carolina is just better in essentially every way and the Isles are seriously lacking in their bottom six. Writing off Carolina way too much here, this is the best they've been in the last 15 years
I don't get it either. Maybe there's still some bitterness from the way the Leafs got steamrolled by the Canes this year. It's gonna look real awkward if the Isles get smoked in 5 like I think they will.
No way anyone should write off the 'Canes. As a Ranger fan both teams concern me, as for that matter does every team in the playoffs. Home advantage in a playoff championship series is a myth. Though I'm rooting for the Rangers, frankly any one of 5-6 teams could win the Cup. It's called "parity."
@@hansbosse1106 The East in general is a bloodbath. You can make an argument for any of the teams at least making a deepish run. Multiple teams have Cup winner ceiling. It's gonna be a bloody gauntlet to get to the Final.
Canes added Guentzel to an already scary team. They’re going to light up the Isles. And the Canes are the best defensive team in the League. Good luck to the isles lol
I have no idea why so many people always keep picking Carolina as the upset loser. Was the same thing last year. Do people just not see how solid of a team the Canes are?
Carolina is wiping NYI in 5... max. And as for "jack of all trades, master of none." Carolina has the 2nd best PP and outright best PK units... There's not a team in the league than can even hope to keep pace with Carolina in the special teams department. I think I'll consider that their mastery lol
Rangers can definitely pace the Canes in special teams, I would argue they are even better. Since the trade deadline the Rangers have been first in PP%, and third in PK%. Rangers absolutely shut down the Canes the last time they played each other. So yeah, "not a team in the league" was a bit of an exaggeration
People have been saying the isles will beat the canes since last years playoffs. People literally just pick it because it because they know they need an upset and it is the safest pick. The isles are going to get stomped.
Hey Steve, Oilers tied at 8th lowest GA 5on 5 with Nashville. Leafs 17th. Rangers 16th. VGK 14th Dallas 12th Allowed 10 more than the kings. Oilers allowed like 50 goals in the 1st 13 games or something ridiculous and 5 more their last game playing just the 3/4th and AHL call ups oh and their top pairing sitting too. Actually have bee one of the best defensive teams after the coaching change. Mattias Eckholm 3rd best +/- in the league at 44. Bouchard 5th at 34. Morgan Reilly +7 liljegren +4 If Oilers Defense is HORRRRRRRIBLE what is the leafs defense? Lol Edmonton is the 8th most penalized team in the league. Toronto 10th least. Yet somehow considering how often they're on the penalty kill. They're almost 4% better than the leafs. Better than the VGK Better than the Jets. 0.4% worse than Colorado. This old tripe about Oilers defense needs a rest. Its no longer close to factual.
Bruins fan here, I must say I have a great amount of respect for you, I think you’re a great guy and I like how you go with your gut on these picks and I know it’s hard to go against your own team but you do anyways even if it hurts. I don’t know if I could do that. Anyways, it should be a great series.
@@stevencooke6451"The Bruins are weakest they've been recently while the Leafs are strongest." "The Bruins need their playoffs-not-proven goalies to carry them to even stay in games." "Pasta dependence."
@@jacobking962 What do you mean ? What did change ? Those are reasons the Leafs might win. Not reasons the Leafs WILL win. Also, it's was just last year when it was 3-1 for Bruins , do you remember ? Their weaknesses might be exposed in coming games. I sure hope not since I root for Boston though.
I have a stat that probably people won’t really care about to much, but I hear playoff experience thrown around quite a bit sometimes, so I decided to see who actually had the most playoff experience Oilers-1038 Kings-634 Stars-1099 Golden knights-1342 Jets-801 Avalanche-974 Canucks-482 Predators-818 Rangers-922 Capitals-825 Hurricanes-1237 Islanders-971 Panthers-829 Lightning-1306 Bruins-1116 Maple leafs-971
This is based off of who the NHL app has on the teams respective roster, even if I know they don’t play, example being Jake Muzzin, I counted him because he is still on the roster, even though I know he won’t play
maybe....but when the canucks played the oil in that last game, an important one for the division, the canucks once again exposed their defensive problems and the game wasn't really even close. Even in the second half of the season the Oilers consistency against top teams was not that great. They lost to several top teams that play strong structure. We'll see if they're for real or not.
The Oilers also aren't bad defensively. The Oilers have been a top offensive AND defensive team all season in every metric. This narrative that they're bad defensively just isn't supported by any analytics.
@@wellyforpmstatistically they have one of the best top pairs in the league this year, and have been one of the better teams at keeping the puck out of their net. The narrative you’re repeating is a little dated now.
Just don’t understand the logic behind picking the Islanders lol. Pick any factor outside of goaltending (and that gap isn’t even wide) and it drastically favors the Hurricanes.
@@tornquad8952 Ok. I still don't believe in them. Just like by all accounts the Leafs SHOULD beat the Bruins, yet... ;) We'll see.. most of us will end up wrong on something anyway but suggesting that it's somehow completely out there for the Canes to choke is a teensy bit unhinged.
I am agree! I’m picking Stars will win its 2nd Stanley Cup Champions in 25 years. I’m pick 2 teams made it to the finals, Stars and Rangers. Your thoughts?
I don't think the young Canucks defenders are the people that you're thinking of when Nashville is "forechecking them into the ground". Tyler Myer 6'8", Zadorov 6'6", Soucy 6'5", Juulson 6'2", Cole 6'1" and Hronek 6'0" even. Quinn Hughes is only 5'10" and they'll be targeting him, but the rest of the blueline are pretty big and tough. When Buffalo got a bit too into head hunting Hughes one game, Zadorov went on a pairing with him for a few shifts to let them know this wasn't going to happen anymore. I expect this to happen a few times in the playoffs, but the rest of the blueline aren't players other teams are going to want to mix it up with.
@@wellyforpm Washington won their Cup with a tree sized blueline too. I also remember there being a huge difference in Pittsburgh with and without a towering Hal Gil in the roster.
It was the canucks who literally wore out the Preds in game one. They were totally gassed and the nucks looked like they could have played a 3 overtime game. It's the NHL so anything can happen and I don't believe there are any real "favorites" in any of the playoff series, frankly. But I do believe the canucks match up very well against the preds and have shown, when they are disciplined and stick to their structure, that they can probably beat the preds on most nights. (Same with the Oilers too).
"Canucks young defenseman"... you mean spry guys like Myers (34), Cole (35), Soucy (29), Zadorov (29) and Hronek (26)??? Like other than Hronek and Hughes every other D has plenty of playoff experience too. Please do a little research before just saying random stuff, Steve.
So besides the Nucks having likely the best 1/2 D tandem, their 'spry' D is Myers at 6'8 and 230, Cole at 6'1 and 225, Sousy at 6'5 at 210, Zadorov at 6'6 and 250.... with Juulsen at 6'1 205 as a solid back up...... And that is if they get through the relentless fast forecheck
Hes talking about Hughes and Hronek whom have been by and large their best dmen all year. And yes they are young. Dmen take longer generally to hit their stride in the NHL.
@@Keon753 If that is all the D he's focusing on, then he is being cursory and superficial. Meyers has played his best hockey since his rookie year with the Swordsmen. Sousy has been a cornerstone for our D. When he was out was when we had our losing streaks. When he was back, we turned things around again. Zadorov has been great: skates like the wind when you consider his massive girth, has a good shot, and can crush more than your mama with hits and mits off.
@@Keon753 yeah but Hughes has long since "hit his stride" and should be the Norris winner this year if the writers are unbiased. Game one already showed Hughes is going to have zero problems in the playoffs.
Stars v oilers western conference final!!! Stars oilers in the playoffs? Again… there’s so much history between them. They played each other every year it seemed in the playoffs in the late 90s. Pumped for the Stars to take it! Let’s go Stars!!!
Could see that too. Feels like people are sleeping on Florida even though they won that division despite all the injuries down the stretch. Fully healthy now and they should control the pace 5 on 5 against Tampa
Panthers are very tough to play against. This time of year that matters. I see them in the final too. Rangers are a bit like Vancouver: on paper they are formidable, but playoffs are another level: refereeing changes a little, injuries begin to really matter, luck becomes more significant. Panthers and Dallas are very deep and very resilient.
As a fan of SDPN and a 40 year die-hard Bruin fan(yes we exist), it pains me for this matchup. I want to see Toronto taste success in the playoffs, just not this year of course. Good luck 🖤💛
R1oilers in 5, jets in 6, stars in 4, vancouver in 5. Carolina in 5. Nyr in 5, tampa in 7. Boston in 4..sorry to. I wanna see oilers vs canes 2006 rematch. Oilers win in game 7. Boom. Gle
East Round 1 - Rangers, Panthers, Hurricanes, Bruins West Round 1 - Stars, Jets, Canucks, Oilers East Round 2- Hurricanes, Bruins West Round 2 - Stars, Oilers Round 3 - Bruins, Oilers Winner - Bruins Aside - could also see Oilers, Canucks and Panthers taking the cup
It’s so funny how we try to mentally prep ourselves for heartbreak and trauma. As a Bruins fan, I have the Leafs winning in 6. Best of luck Steve! It’ll be an exciting matchup
I do think the Stars v Rangers final is the most likely scenario, but arguably the Stars run in this bracket will eat their physicality and mental alive while the Rangers have a somewhat easier run, allowing them to rest up and take notes. I have the rangers in 6
1st Round Rangers in 4 Canes in 4 Bruins in 6 Cats in 7 Jets in 7 Stars in 5 Canucks in 4 Oilers in 5 2nd Round Rangers in 6 Bruins in 7 Stars in 5 Oilers in 7 Conference Finals Rangers in 5 Oilers in 7 Stanley Cup Oilers in 6
And they have a decently easy path to the cup. They should smoke the Preds, and then could see them taking out the Oilers or Kings pretty handily, Demko gives them a huge edge. And whoever they face in the conference final are going to be beaten and bloody. Stars and Knights will smoke each other, Jets and Avs will pummel each other too. And the winners will smoke each other 😅 Whoever comes out of the east will be put through a meat grinder too. Canes and Rangers will have a war in round 2, and the winner will have a war with the Panthers.
@@amxterxsu138 what’s your point? He was injured. Then DeSmith was injured. Somehow their 3rd stringer, Silovs, is unreal good and helped the Canucks win in 6. They should’ve won in 5.
Dallas and Vegas is the most evenly matched series -- could go either way. That will make or break brackets bc both teams could also have a legit shot at the cup.
Yea, I don't understand the Isles pick over the Canes. #2 PP vs the #32 PK. Game 1 had the Isles outplay the Canes and lose 3-1, with Aho basically not showing up to play. Of course anything could happen but I'm not seeing an upset here.
Just saying I think the Rangers win the cup vs Jets or Avs in 7. Dallas could be in there too tho. NYI in 7 vs Canes????? wtf!!! Steve your better than that. And for the new Utah team what do you think they should be called? I believe they want utah in the name but Salt Lake Savages got a nice ring to it imo
I hate the Leafs..... but I viscerally HATE the "dirty rotten aught-to-be-thrown-out-of-the NHL" Boston e'ffing BrUins! The mathematics suggests eventually the Leafs must beat the B's. So, I think Math is on the Leafs' side. SOOooooo Math and Math-ews will bless the TO'ers with a game 7 win
The series to watch outside of the finals will be Dallas vs Vegas. Personally think winner of this series wins the West which is insane since this is a first round matchup.
My pre-season prediction was (and still is) Dallas over Florida. Two elite teams with depth, experience and great goaltending. Both have everything you need to succeed in playoffs
"Patrick Roy might want to fight Rod Brind'Amour by the end of the first period" Remember the first game Roy coached Colorado, and he wanted to fight Bruce Bodreau, and almost broke the plexiglass between them he was so mad? Yeah, I could see that lol. Great video, Steve, have no horse in the race, but I'll still be watching the whole way.
I love how you always make me laugh. This was a pretty serious video but you didn't let me down. You still cracked me up at about the 25 minute mark with the bit about buying fake tickets to get into MSG! LMFAO!!
Tbh I would give the Leafs a better chance because of how unstable they are, they’ve had so many challenges and a lot has gone wrong for them that it would seem appropriate for them to beat Boston and some other teams, based on unpredictable playoffs logic.
1st round Florida in 7 Leafs in 6 Rangers in 5 Islanders in 7 Dallas in 6 Winnipeg in 7 Vancouver in 5 Edmonton in 5 2nd round Florida in 6 Rangers in 6 Winnipeg in 6 Vancouver in 7 3rd round Rangers in 7 Winnipeg in 6 Final Rangers in 6
At least you didn't pick the Oilers to beat Van like everyone else did. I think it'll be Van/Winnipeg in Conference Finals too but that Van goes to Cup Final. I'm definitely crazy but I think it's Vancouver's year.
I'm just tolling, but how about them apples. Georgiev was one of the Avs MVP last year and had the most wins this year. In playoffs, it isn't points that's important its wins, and if your one save better than the other guy, and it isn't save percentage either
As an islanders fan, I’m so sorry Steve for the amount of LFRs I’ve watched after the leafs lose to just see you complain and cry about the Leafs. Thanks for the Isles support!
There is no President's trophy curse. They win 22% of the time. The field (the other 15 teams) wins 78% of the time. Each of the other 15 teams only has a 5.2% chance of winning instead of a 6% chance.
@@Caniac76 the best team in the regular season wins their respective championship in every other professional sport over 50% of the time. It’s not an actual curse per se’. However, Hockey is of course a sport of skill… But more importantly intensity. Intensity in other team sports can be detrimental. In Hockey, the better team often lacks the equaled intensity that the underdog must bring… It’s a unique team sport. Similar to boxing 🥊. Look at the statistics of the presidents trophy winner exiting in the first round… There’s no statistics like this in any other professional team sports.
While your analysis is good of a possible vancouver oiler series I think especially this season we've locked down "all that" pretty well I think we have a good shot at winning that series
yeah it's obvious he's never watched a single one of the canuck oiler games this season. Literally NONE of the games looked in doubt for the canucks. Even the last one with the "new" oilers, the canucks basically dominated them. Controlled the entire game. The Oil still struggle with teams that are playing really disciplined structure. Of course any team can beat any team in the NHL these days.....but I'd be a little surprised if the Oil would be able to take out the canucks if the canucks keep playing with the same discipline they've demonstrated for the majority of the year.
The Rangers should get past the Caps but they'd be well advised to do so quickly (in 5 games but a sweep would be better). They will need the rest because after that, the road to the SC final gets steeper--a LOT steeper--Presidents Trophy/home ice advantage notwithstanding.
Here is my take as a canes fan: The Canes play a style that requires high effort and near perfect execution. They shoot 1000 shots on net with less regard for the quality of chances. They play this high effort, statistically favored style all season long and I think it is a bit taxing on the players. Other teams rely on top end talent and goals in transition to win games. I would argue that the transition scoring style requires less effort and grit overall. None of this truly matters until you get to the playoffs, where every team cranks up the effort to 11. The Canes need to play their game and get on a hot streak to make another deep run, but the games will be closer than the final standings suggest. Luckily I do think the Canes have a better offense and a deeper squad than other Canes teams over the last 5 years. Here's to a deep run! Raleigh raise up!
Love ya Steve but as a v biased Avs fan, also love that you were wrong about the Jets/Avs series - don’t feel too bad, though, the entire rest of the league also thought the Jets were gonna rather easily take that series. After last nights OT win against Dallas, i wouldn’t count us out so quickly again 😜 As always, great video Steve you are always so entertaining and fun to watch (even when you’re wrong haha) (also, my heart goes out to your Leafs - genuinely. f** the Bruins, i was rooting for y’all and still will - at least until we match up
I want more people to write off the Canes. It'll be just like last year. People wrote off the Canes last year despite them being the second best team in the NHL (points-wise and yes I know they wrote them off because we were absent Svech). PUH-LEASE keep writing them off. This is the best the Canes have looked going to the playoffs out of the last 6 years.
@@douglasc1388 perhaps you should go and check other places to include most of this comment section lol. I wouldnt make a comment about it unless I had seen plenty of it.
Watching this back, Steve had the best predictions for the playoffs (except for Avs vs Jets, but who didn't get this one wrong 🤷♂️) Let's see how much more right he gets!
The big question every year is who is going to be the team and/or teams that choke, plus who is going to be the team that surprises everyone with a deep run? That (for me at least) is always the most fun thing to look for in the playoffs each year because no matter what the numbers, rosters, etc... may say, there is always some X factor that pops up and leads to unexpected results.
The Oilers are a vulnerable team. Obviously, if MCJesus has a typical series and Skinner plays Talbot close to even it will be extremely hard to beat the Oilers. But, the Kings when they play their best can frustrate teams, and they are good on the road.
@@stevencooke6451 Edmonton handles the new version of the trap better than most teams though, which means LA loses an entire way of playing. I see Edmonton taking them out in 5 games, maybe even 4 straight. Which means they will have a rest for their next series, something that Vancouver is unlikely to get. Barring injuries, Edmonton could go a fair ways this year.
I genuinely don't get picking against the Canes here. They're just as hot as the Isles and they're way deeper than the Isles. The only thing the Isles have up on us is goaltending and with how good Freddie has been, it's still close. That prediction is gonna look real awkward if the Canes smoke the Isles.
I'd love for the Stars to win it all. Been a Stars fan as long as I can remember. My only concern with them is that, as good as Ott is, he's good for a disastrous outing every once in a while. The rest of the team will have to step up to get through the gauntlet that is the west.
Canadian original six fans just hate the Canes and their success. Today 4/26 Canes look like they will advance. Isles chances of winning are 2% based on history. You need to accept RBA ,a Canadien, who is the best coach in the world loves Raleigh NC. He will probably win multiple cups here.
I think the Bruins will win Also on paper the Leafs look worse. Close in most aspects but the Bruins have FAR better goaltending, while the Leafs goaltending can’t consistently be above a .900% save percentage
From the first round, I'm picking Rangers, Panthers, Hurricanes, Bruins, Jets, Oilers, Stars and Canucks. From the second, Hurricanes, Bruins, Stars and Canucks. And for the final, Hurricanes and Stars. Would be a perfect final for me, since I like both teams, so I'd see it as a win either way, but I'm taking Stars to win the cup in 6. Oh hey, I wrote that before watching the video till the end. Go Dallas!
I’m a biased Bruins fan and honestly I would have preferred a run back with the Panthers. The Leafs core has grown and matured a ton. They are nothing like the group from 2019. It all comes down to whether or not the B’s can break the Leafs offense down and keep them on the outside. If the Leafs keep the puck moving zone to zone and through the slot, it will not be good for the B’s. That being said, I’m extremely cynical and heartbroken from last year and expecting the Bruins to get bounced in round 1 by game 7 unless by some miracle the Pat Maroon good luck charm kicks in and he finds his groove with the boys LOL. Told myself I wouldn’t get invested in a hockey team ever again, but here we are. Let’s enjoy the ride!!
I would be shocked if the Canes lose to the Isles. Carolina is just better in essentially every way and the Isles are seriously lacking in their bottom six. Writing off Carolina way too much here, this is the best they've been in the last 15 years
I don't get it either. Maybe there's still some bitterness from the way the Leafs got steamrolled by the Canes this year. It's gonna look real awkward if the Isles get smoked in 5 like I think they will.
No way anyone should write off the 'Canes. As a Ranger fan both teams concern me, as for that matter does every team in the playoffs. Home advantage in a playoff championship series is a myth. Though I'm rooting for the Rangers, frankly any one of 5-6 teams could win the Cup. It's called "parity."
@@hansbosse1106 The East in general is a bloodbath. You can make an argument for any of the teams at least making a deepish run. Multiple teams have Cup winner ceiling. It's gonna be a bloody gauntlet to get to the Final.
Canes added Guentzel to an already scary team. They’re going to light up the Isles. And the Canes are the best defensive team in the League. Good luck to the isles lol
@@JT-gi8rx1 game in and idk about lighting up
Stars vs Knights is gonna be bloody old school hockey
Couldn’t agree more
Hell yeah! This is gonna be epic battle.
Stars in 5
And I have a popcorn bag for each.
Stars will demolish them!! Tired of the Knights😂
Steve has a thing about being embarrassed by the Hurricanes.
I have no idea why so many people always keep picking Carolina as the upset loser. Was the same thing last year. Do people just not see how solid of a team the Canes are?
@@pwmetalftw Goal tending is a bit sketchy for the canes, beyond that they're fine.
I have canes stars as final,canes no weaknes at all but still i doubt that someone will stop dalas from winning this year
@@paulthompson8793 I don't know about that, Andersen is 1.84 / .932 and Kochetkov is 2.33 / .911 , those are pretty good numbers.
It’s his kink.
Have you watched any Edmonton this year? a LONG stretch of letting 2 or less goals a game. Defence is FINE
I think edmontons D is better than the leafs tbh.. and better.goalies.
Edmonton can't keep out a beach ball
Carolina is wiping NYI in 5... max. And as for "jack of all trades, master of none." Carolina has the 2nd best PP and outright best PK units... There's not a team in the league than can even hope to keep pace with Carolina in the special teams department. I think I'll consider that their mastery lol
Rangers can definitely pace the Canes in special teams, I would argue they are even better. Since the trade deadline the Rangers have been first in PP%, and third in PK%. Rangers absolutely shut down the Canes the last time they played each other. So yeah, "not a team in the league" was a bit of an exaggeration
People have been saying the isles will beat the canes since last years playoffs. People literally just pick it because it because they know they need an upset and it is the safest pick. The isles are going to get stomped.
Hey Steve, Oilers tied at 8th lowest GA 5on 5 with Nashville.
Leafs 17th. Rangers 16th. VGK 14th Dallas 12th
Allowed 10 more than the kings.
Oilers allowed like 50 goals in the 1st 13 games or something ridiculous and 5 more their last game playing just the 3/4th and AHL call ups oh and their top pairing sitting too.
Actually have bee one of the best defensive teams after the coaching change.
Mattias Eckholm 3rd best +/- in the league at 44. Bouchard 5th at 34.
Morgan Reilly +7 liljegren +4
If Oilers Defense is HORRRRRRRIBLE what is the leafs defense? Lol
Edmonton is the 8th most penalized team in the league.
Toronto 10th least. Yet somehow considering how often they're on the penalty kill. They're almost 4% better than the leafs. Better than the VGK Better than the Jets. 0.4% worse than Colorado.
This old tripe about Oilers defense needs a rest. Its no longer close to factual.
Yeah Steve doesnt watch the western conference
Bruins fan here, I must say I have a great amount of respect for you, I think you’re a great guy and I like how you go with your gut on these picks and I know it’s hard to go against your own team but you do anyways even if it hurts. I don’t know if I could do that.
Anyways, it should be a great series.
Even as a Leafs fan it's hard to come up with a reason beyond, "they're due", "they're good enough on paper" and "I really want the Leafs to win".
@@stevencooke6451 leafs in 7
@@stevencooke6451"The Bruins are weakest they've been recently while the Leafs are strongest." "The Bruins need their playoffs-not-proven goalies to carry them to even stay in games." "Pasta dependence."
@@laughingbeast4481 are you still sticking to those arguments?
@@jacobking962 What do you mean ? What did change ? Those are reasons the Leafs might win. Not reasons the Leafs WILL win. Also, it's was just last year when it was 3-1 for Bruins , do you remember ? Their weaknesses might be exposed in coming games. I sure hope not since I root for Boston though.
I have never wanted Steve to be right more. FOR PAVS!!!
Wrong. Dangle is a fool anyway. You can have him.
@@tml184 lol, wrong? So they HAVE wanted Steve to be right more? Someone just get butthurt and comment in a rush?
Are you high? Isles over Canes?
I have a stat that probably people won’t really care about to much, but I hear playoff experience thrown around quite a bit sometimes, so I decided to see who actually had the most playoff experience
Oilers-1038
Kings-634
Stars-1099
Golden knights-1342
Jets-801
Avalanche-974
Canucks-482
Predators-818
Rangers-922
Capitals-825
Hurricanes-1237
Islanders-971
Panthers-829
Lightning-1306
Bruins-1116
Maple leafs-971
This is based off of who the NHL app has on the teams respective roster, even if I know they don’t play, example being Jake Muzzin, I counted him because he is still on the roster, even though I know he won’t play
Edmonton had Paul Coffey after Woodcroft left and his defense coaching changed the Oilers to a winning team
(just not/never against the Nucks....which you will have to get through)
maybe....but when the canucks played the oil in that last game, an important one for the division, the canucks once again exposed their defensive problems and the game wasn't really even close. Even in the second half of the season the Oilers consistency against top teams was not that great. They lost to several top teams that play strong structure. We'll see if they're for real or not.
you called your own fate
Bruins in 7 pick was dead on LOL
Skinner has been consistently good since like the end of November, not on and off.
Skinner is hot garbage
No he hasnt, Skinner is the worst starter in the playoffs.
Its his 2nd year kiddo @wellyforpm
The Oilers also aren't bad defensively. The Oilers have been a top offensive AND defensive team all season in every metric. This narrative that they're bad defensively just isn't supported by any analytics.
@@wellyforpmhe’s been one of the top goaltenders since Nov. where you been.
“The oilers defence is awful” legit top 5 team in expected goals against steveo. Ever since the coaching change they’ve been great
because they play more in the offensive zone. Oilers defence is probably the worst in the playoffs.
@@wellyforpm again stats don’t show that but believe what u wanna believe
@@wellyforpmstatistically they have one of the best top pairs in the league this year, and have been one of the better teams at keeping the puck out of their net. The narrative you’re repeating is a little dated now.
Honestly if anyone screws Edmonton it’ll be skinner
GO AVS AND CANES!!! Also please Leafs beat the Booins
Just don’t understand the logic behind picking the Islanders lol. Pick any factor outside of goaltending (and that gap isn’t even wide) and it drastically favors the Hurricanes.
Yea i have canes in 5, because sorokin will steal at least one game.
there's always an upset and the Canes choke... I have them losing, too
@@CloakingDonkey They have never choked in the first round.
@@tornquad8952 Ok. I still don't believe in them. Just like by all accounts the Leafs SHOULD beat the Bruins, yet... ;) We'll see.. most of us will end up wrong on something anyway but suggesting that it's somehow completely out there for the Canes to choke is a teensy bit unhinged.
Seriously, good predictions so far.
He had bruins over Florida lol 😂
Picking the Jets… That’s a Dang-It…
I am agree! I’m picking Stars will win its 2nd Stanley Cup Champions in 25 years. I’m pick 2 teams made it to the finals, Stars and Rangers. Your thoughts?
I don't think the young Canucks defenders are the people that you're thinking of when Nashville is "forechecking them into the ground". Tyler Myer 6'8", Zadorov 6'6", Soucy 6'5", Juulson 6'2", Cole 6'1" and Hronek 6'0" even. Quinn Hughes is only 5'10" and they'll be targeting him, but the rest of the blueline are pretty big and tough. When Buffalo got a bit too into head hunting Hughes one game, Zadorov went on a pairing with him for a few shifts to let them know this wasn't going to happen anymore. I expect this to happen a few times in the playoffs, but the rest of the blueline aren't players other teams are going to want to mix it up with.
It's a very vegas like blueline.
@@wellyforpm Washington won their Cup with a tree sized blueline too. I also remember there being a huge difference in Pittsburgh with and without a towering Hal Gil in the roster.
It was the canucks who literally wore out the Preds in game one. They were totally gassed and the nucks looked like they could have played a 3 overtime game.
It's the NHL so anything can happen and I don't believe there are any real "favorites" in any of the playoff series, frankly. But I do believe the canucks match up very well against the preds and have shown, when they are disciplined and stick to their structure, that they can probably beat the preds on most nights. (Same with the Oilers too).
That's it... We need a Zamboni driver in net ..
driver or the actual Zamboni? Does the driver have goalie pads at least?
42 YEAR OLD!!!!!!
Let's Go STARS!!! Just subbed, love your picks.
Jesus, he was right tho... stars won in 7 but man.. that made me sweat
Great choices, hope it actually happens. GO STARS!!!!!
Canes have won a round in every year Rod has been coach “yah this is the time it stops”-Steve
Avs 3 jets 1
"Canucks young defenseman"... you mean spry guys like Myers (34), Cole (35), Soucy (29), Zadorov (29) and Hronek (26)??? Like other than Hronek and Hughes every other D has plenty of playoff experience too. Please do a little research before just saying random stuff, Steve.
So besides the Nucks having likely the best 1/2 D tandem, their 'spry' D is Myers at 6'8 and 230, Cole at 6'1 and 225, Sousy at 6'5 at 210, Zadorov at 6'6 and 250.... with Juulsen at 6'1 205 as a solid back up......
And that is if they get through the relentless fast forecheck
Hes talking about Hughes and Hronek whom have been by and large their best dmen all year. And yes they are young. Dmen take longer generally to hit their stride in the NHL.
@@Keon753 If that is all the D he's focusing on, then he is being cursory and superficial. Meyers has played his best hockey since his rookie year with the Swordsmen. Sousy has been a cornerstone for our D. When he was out was when we had our losing streaks. When he was back, we turned things around again. Zadorov has been great: skates like the wind when you consider his massive girth, has a good shot, and can crush more than your mama with hits and mits off.
@@Keon753 yeah but Hughes has long since "hit his stride" and should be the Norris winner this year if the writers are unbiased. Game one already showed Hughes is going to have zero problems in the playoffs.
Stars v oilers western conference final!!! Stars oilers in the playoffs? Again… there’s so much history between them. They played each other every year it seemed in the playoffs in the late 90s. Pumped for the Stars to take it!
Let’s go Stars!!!
Yes!!!! Stars baby!!! Let’s fn go!!!
Appreciate the confidence you have in the Oil! Definitely.will be seeing you undoubtedly if we make it thru.
Final of Panthers over stars in 6 is probably the most simple answer I could give.
I've been saying Panthers over Stars for like 6 weeks myself lol.
i thought about that too, but the NHL might not allow two southern teams in the cup again.
Could see that too. Feels like people are sleeping on Florida even though they won that division despite all the injuries down the stretch. Fully healthy now and they should control the pace 5 on 5 against Tampa
Neither team will make the finals.
Panthers are very tough to play against. This time of year that matters. I see them in the final too. Rangers are a bit like Vancouver: on paper they are formidable, but playoffs are another level: refereeing changes a little, injuries begin to really matter, luck becomes more significant. Panthers and Dallas are very deep and very resilient.
Happy you made a short 12 minute video
God
This time of year, i fear for Steve's heart
It's all fake. He makes money with that act.
As a fan of SDPN and a 40 year die-hard Bruin fan(yes we exist), it pains me for this matchup. I want to see Toronto taste success in the playoffs, just not this year of course. Good luck 🖤💛
Leafs over Rangers in the semis, Avs over Canucks. Give me Avs and Leafs cup final. Steve vs Drew. Comedy gold between the two.
Dumbest prediction ever
Avs are a one line team, and once mackinnon gets hurt trying to do too much its over.
@@TayR0C I can't see it either. Even the Avs part seems hard to imagine.
@@TayR0C Anything is possible in the playoffs and like I said, seeing Steve and Drew faceoff would be highly entertaining.
Jets right now may be too much for anyone not named Stars or Golden Knights, honestly.
Bro, your analysis of the whole playoff picture shows you only know the teams in one division.
Dangle is not that bright.
Let's see your picks.
Translation: Dude, you didn't pick exactly the same as me and I am super smart and have big dik. So u trash 😂
Please let’s see your analysis of the whole playoff picture
R1oilers in 5, jets in 6, stars in 4, vancouver in 5.
Carolina in 5. Nyr in 5, tampa in 7. Boston in 4..sorry to.
I wanna see oilers vs canes 2006 rematch. Oilers win in game 7. Boom. Gle
East Round 1 - Rangers, Panthers, Hurricanes, Bruins
West Round 1 - Stars, Jets, Canucks, Oilers
East Round 2- Hurricanes, Bruins
West Round 2 - Stars, Oilers
Round 3 - Bruins, Oilers
Winner - Bruins
Aside - could also see Oilers, Canucks and Panthers taking the cup
It’s so funny how we try to mentally prep ourselves for heartbreak and trauma. As a Bruins fan, I have the Leafs winning in 6. Best of luck Steve! It’ll be an exciting matchup
oh god how this aged, history repeats itself
I do think the Stars v Rangers final is the most likely scenario, but arguably the Stars run in this bracket will eat their physicality and mental alive while the Rangers have a somewhat easier run, allowing them to rest up and take notes. I have the rangers in 6
You’re underestimating the Talent on this Dallas team.
1st Round
Rangers in 4
Canes in 4
Bruins in 6
Cats in 7
Jets in 7
Stars in 5
Canucks in 4
Oilers in 5
2nd Round
Rangers in 6
Bruins in 7
Stars in 5
Oilers in 7
Conference Finals
Rangers in 5
Oilers in 7
Stanley Cup
Oilers in 6
lol
Right right except the leafs take our these one line Bruins..
@@gregdowdy2063 I hope the Leafs win and my prediction for that series is wrong
@@gregdowdy2063can you blame him though?
@@gregdowdy2063 3 - 1 leafs sucks 😂😂😂
It has been 9 years since we had playoff hockey in Vancouver. Go Canucks Go!
And they have a decently easy path to the cup. They should smoke the Preds, and then could see them taking out the Oilers or Kings pretty handily, Demko gives them a huge edge. And whoever they face in the conference final are going to be beaten and bloody. Stars and Knights will smoke each other, Jets and Avs will pummel each other too. And the winners will smoke each other 😅
Whoever comes out of the east will be put through a meat grinder too. Canes and Rangers will have a war in round 2, and the winner will have a war with the Panthers.
Holly. What's the sense having a team..😂😂😂...
@@JT-gi8rxwhat was that about demko giving the canucks an edge?
@@amxterxsu138 what’s your point? He was injured. Then DeSmith was injured. Somehow their 3rd stringer, Silovs, is unreal good and helped the Canucks win in 6. They should’ve won in 5.
@@JT-gi8rx my point is that there IS no "huge edge" without demko
Watching this after Game 4 of Leafs - Bruins really hits different
The Islanders take is bad. They lost like 16 times in OT and were -20 or something on the season. Don’t understand why you think they’re good.
Never count out playoff MacKinnon. L
AWESOME WORK BRO, THANKS!!!! GREETINGS FROM HELSINKI, FINLAND🇫🇮🇨🇦🇫🇮🇨🇦
Dallas and Vegas is the most evenly matched series -- could go either way. That will make or break brackets bc both teams could also have a legit shot at the cup.
That Avs Jets take aged well. 🙂
Yea, I don't understand the Isles pick over the Canes. #2 PP vs the #32 PK. Game 1 had the Isles outplay the Canes and lose 3-1, with Aho basically not showing up to play. Of course anything could happen but I'm not seeing an upset here.
Danault played most his 5v5 time against McD last playoffs allowed just one goal (!) iirc ... I think this guy is underrated defensve guy ...
Just saying I think the Rangers win the cup vs Jets or Avs in 7. Dallas could be in there too tho. NYI in 7 vs Canes????? wtf!!! Steve your better than that.
And for the new Utah team what do you think they should be called? I believe they want utah in the name but Salt Lake Savages got a nice ring to it imo
It's gonna be the Utah Raptors.
DANGLE JINX THE BRUINS!!! It's settled.... The Leafs are winning the Cup...
😂🔥🇨🇦
I hate the Leafs..... but
I viscerally HATE the "dirty rotten aught-to-be-thrown-out-of-the NHL" Boston e'ffing BrUins!
The mathematics suggests eventually the Leafs must beat the B's. So, I think Math is on the Leafs' side. SOOooooo Math and Math-ews will bless the TO'ers with a game 7 win
Thats what the AI said.
😅😅
🤣🤣🤣🤣 If that comes true...
Dangle chose the Stars!! It’s carved in stone baby!!!
Go Stars Go!!!
The series to watch outside of the finals will be Dallas vs Vegas. Personally think winner of this series wins the West which is insane since this is a first round matchup.
My pre-season prediction was (and still is) Dallas over Florida. Two elite teams with depth, experience and great goaltending. Both have everything you need to succeed in playoffs
Whats it now? Mine is the same but panthers in 6
@@KevinBrevin Still remains the same though I could be swayed into a Florida win depending who is playing net for them come the finals
It's a miracle mark stone is back wow
it's not a miracle, vegas is cheating again
Islanders in 7? LMAO someone is still upset about losing to a Zamboni driver! Carolina in 5!
So...... we still thinking Isles in 7?
Can't wait to see the Jets in round 2!
"Patrick Roy might want to fight Rod Brind'Amour by the end of the first period"
Remember the first game Roy coached Colorado, and he wanted to fight Bruce Bodreau, and almost broke the plexiglass between them he was so mad? Yeah, I could see that lol. Great video, Steve, have no horse in the race, but I'll still be watching the whole way.
I love how you always make me laugh. This was a pretty serious video but you didn't let me down. You still cracked me up at about the 25 minute mark with the bit about buying fake tickets to get into MSG! LMFAO!!
Islanders in 7 ? LOL !
Dude Boston purposely missed that tip in they wanted No part of TB!!!
Yeah 100%, they wanted a guaranteed series win against the Leafs is why!
Tbh I would give the Leafs a better chance because of how unstable they are, they’ve had so many challenges and a lot has gone wrong for them that it would seem appropriate for them to beat Boston and some other teams, based on unpredictable playoffs logic.
My Finals prediction:
Canucks over Rangers in 6
Please make it so. I can see Miller being Kesler like he was in 2011
Finally 1994 revenge lol
Rangers over canucks!
Bruh lol 👍🏾
I got three word for you. No Playoff experience
Steve is the best hockey content 💯
1st round
Florida in 7
Leafs in 6
Rangers in 5
Islanders in 7
Dallas in 6
Winnipeg in 7
Vancouver in 5
Edmonton in 5
2nd round
Florida in 6
Rangers in 6
Winnipeg in 6
Vancouver in 7
3rd round
Rangers in 7
Winnipeg in 6
Final
Rangers in 6
At least you didn't pick the Oilers to beat Van like everyone else did. I think it'll be Van/Winnipeg in Conference Finals too but that Van goes to Cup Final. I'm definitely crazy but I think it's Vancouver's year.
@@danielpatterson5189 Right? So much disrespect for the Nucks who owned Edmonton all season lol. Nucks win that series, hands down against the Oilers.
@@danielpatterson5189 it's really close but I'd trust Demko over Skinner
I'm just tolling, but how about them apples. Georgiev was one of the Avs MVP last year and had the most wins this year. In playoffs, it isn't points that's important its wins, and if your one save better than the other guy, and it isn't save percentage either
As an islanders fan, I’m so sorry Steve for the amount of LFRs I’ve watched after the leafs lose to just see you complain and cry about the Leafs. Thanks for the Isles support!
Chara’s coming back with a one post-season contract.
There is no President's trophy curse. They win 22% of the time. The field (the other 15 teams) wins 78% of the time. Each of the other 15 teams only has a 5.2% chance of winning instead of a 6% chance.
You’re looking at each team as if they’re all equal… your best team plays the worst. The presidents cup trophy curse is real.
@@MegaJcoulter They might play the 16th seed in the first round, but the curse is about not winning the cup.
@@Caniac76 the best team in the regular season wins their respective championship in every other professional sport over 50% of the time. It’s not an actual curse per se’. However, Hockey is of course a sport of skill… But more importantly intensity. Intensity in other team sports can be detrimental. In Hockey, the better team often lacks the equaled intensity that the underdog must bring… It’s a unique team sport. Similar to boxing 🥊. Look at the statistics of the presidents trophy winner exiting in the first round… There’s no statistics like this in any other professional team sports.
The Goat NHL player, the Maple Leafs very own legend Steve Dangle!
While your analysis is good of a possible vancouver oiler series I think especially this season we've locked down "all that" pretty well I think we have a good shot at winning that series
yeah it's obvious he's never watched a single one of the canuck oiler games this season. Literally NONE of the games looked in doubt for the canucks. Even the last one with the "new" oilers, the canucks basically dominated them. Controlled the entire game. The Oil still struggle with teams that are playing really disciplined structure.
Of course any team can beat any team in the NHL these days.....but I'd be a little surprised if the Oil would be able to take out the canucks if the canucks keep playing with the same discipline they've demonstrated for the majority of the year.
Canes in 5 or 6, sorry Steve lol
The Rangers should get past the Caps but they'd be well advised to do so quickly (in 5 games but a sweep would be better). They will need the rest because after that, the road to the SC final gets steeper--a LOT steeper--Presidents Trophy/home ice advantage notwithstanding.
as a Stars fan I approve this message lol. Thanks Dangle :D
steve knows what he really did by picking the bruins over the leafs. 100000 IQ move
Hurricanes get no respect as always. Still mad about the leafs blowing a 3 goal lead to the canes?
great video but im really thinking Vegas might put up a wall Dallas just can't break down... just got a weird feeling about it... go bruins!
Here is my take as a canes fan: The Canes play a style that requires high effort and near perfect execution. They shoot 1000 shots on net with less regard for the quality of chances. They play this high effort, statistically favored style all season long and I think it is a bit taxing on the players. Other teams rely on top end talent and goals in transition to win games. I would argue that the transition scoring style requires less effort and grit overall. None of this truly matters until you get to the playoffs, where every team cranks up the effort to 11. The Canes need to play their game and get on a hot streak to make another deep run, but the games will be closer than the final standings suggest. Luckily I do think the Canes have a better offense and a deeper squad than other Canes teams over the last 5 years. Here's to a deep run! Raleigh raise up!
Love ya Steve but as a v biased Avs fan, also love that you were wrong about the Jets/Avs series - don’t feel too bad, though, the entire rest of the league also thought the Jets were gonna rather easily take that series. After last nights OT win against Dallas, i wouldn’t count us out so quickly again 😜
As always, great video Steve you are always so entertaining and fun to watch (even when you’re wrong haha)
(also, my heart goes out to your Leafs - genuinely. f** the Bruins, i was rooting for y’all and still will - at least until we match up
Can you imagine if we wind up with a Rangers/ Isles playoff match up. That would be frikking lovely. Those teams love each other.
His intro sounded like Charlie from always sunny
I want more people to write off the Canes. It'll be just like last year. People wrote off the Canes last year despite them being the second best team in the NHL (points-wise and yes I know they wrote them off because we were absent Svech). PUH-LEASE keep writing them off. This is the best the Canes have looked going to the playoffs out of the last 6 years.
Sorry bud absolutely no one but Steve dangle is writing off the canes the isles are clearly underdogs
@@douglasc1388 perhaps you should go and check other places to include most of this comment section lol. I wouldnt make a comment about it unless I had seen plenty of it.
Watching this back, Steve had the best predictions for the playoffs (except for Avs vs Jets, but who didn't get this one wrong 🤷♂️) Let's see how much more right he gets!
The big question every year is who is going to be the team and/or teams that choke, plus who is going to be the team that surprises everyone with a deep run? That (for me at least) is always the most fun thing to look for in the playoffs each year because no matter what the numbers, rosters, etc... may say, there is always some X factor that pops up and leads to unexpected results.
If the kings can slow the game down and suffocate edmonton's defense, they have a shot at revenge. Definitely a 6 or 7 game series.
The Oilers are a vulnerable team. Obviously, if MCJesus has a typical series and Skinner plays Talbot close to even it will be extremely hard to beat the Oilers. But, the Kings when they play their best can frustrate teams, and they are good on the road.
@@stevencooke6451 Edmonton handles the new version of the trap better than most teams though, which means LA loses an entire way of playing. I see Edmonton taking them out in 5 games, maybe even 4 straight. Which means they will have a rest for their next series, something that Vancouver is unlikely to get. Barring injuries, Edmonton could go a fair ways this year.
I genuinely don't get picking against the Canes here. They're just as hot as the Isles and they're way deeper than the Isles. The only thing the Isles have up on us is goaltending and with how good Freddie has been, it's still close. That prediction is gonna look real awkward if the Canes smoke the Isles.
I'd love for the Stars to win it all. Been a Stars fan as long as I can remember. My only concern with them is that, as good as Ott is, he's good for a disastrous outing every once in a while. The rest of the team will have to step up to get through the gauntlet that is the west.
Canadian original six fans just hate the Canes and their success. Today 4/26 Canes look like they will advance. Isles chances of winning are 2% based on history. You need to accept RBA ,a Canadien, who is the best coach in the world loves Raleigh NC. He will probably win multiple cups here.
Canes smoke NYI. Dude…
Sad that the Red Wings, Canadiens and Blackhawks didn't make the playoffs! Original Six all the way!! 😊
Half of them did make it!
Patiently waiting for the next generation of SDPN jerseys to drop
On paper the leafs look better but their playing on ice not paper. Boston in 6.
Yeah, the problem with the leafs is it’s the core 4/5 + change
Instead of THE team
@@edited1325exactly buddy! Boston = Team - Not, “CORE” lol
and this coming from a Leafs fan.
I think the Bruins will win
Also on paper the Leafs look worse. Close in most aspects but the Bruins have FAR better goaltending, while the Leafs goaltending can’t consistently be above a .900% save percentage
for the first round we are all Dallas fans.
Full respect to the Bruins, but they only win because florida series was a war.. Or bob falls off a cliff.
tell me you dont watch the oilers without telling me you don't watch the oilers
My 2024 Stanley Cup Final prediction: Rangers over Stars in 5
Number 1 seeds never make it
Boring final. And that series would go 7 if it happened.
@@Ryan-qb5wd But it will be a dream matchup between the top 2 teams in the NHL.
@@CJEAGLES36 The hell they won’t. Trust me.
Last year's final was boring as hell
OH NO THE KISS OF DEATH TO THE STARS 😭
Prob get swept now.. ffs
Thank god the stars take the series
Only reason I ever want the leafs to win is to see Steve smile, he seems like such a nice fellow.
From the first round, I'm picking Rangers, Panthers, Hurricanes, Bruins, Jets, Oilers, Stars and Canucks.
From the second, Hurricanes, Bruins, Stars and Canucks.
And for the final, Hurricanes and Stars.
Would be a perfect final for me, since I like both teams, so I'd see it as a win either way, but I'm taking Stars to win the cup in 6.
Oh hey, I wrote that before watching the video till the end. Go Dallas!
SAN JOSE FOR THE CUP
Bold! Very bold!
I’m a biased Bruins fan and honestly I would have preferred a run back with the Panthers. The Leafs core has grown and matured a ton. They are nothing like the group from 2019. It all comes down to whether or not the B’s can break the Leafs offense down and keep them on the outside. If the Leafs keep the puck moving zone to zone and through the slot, it will not be good for the B’s.
That being said, I’m extremely cynical and heartbroken from last year and expecting the Bruins to get bounced in round 1 by game 7 unless by some miracle the Pat Maroon good luck charm kicks in and he finds his groove with the boys LOL.
Told myself I wouldn’t get invested in a hockey team ever again, but here we are. Let’s enjoy the ride!!