Edited Apr. 17 at 7:33 p.m.
(Behind the scenes on how the perfect bracket was submitted?)
Imma be edgy and take Toronto over NYR out of the East, with the Lightning winning the battle of Florida.
Its borderline clinical to suggest the Bruins will lose in the first round again, but here I am. It’s hard to pick against the hurricanes - they’re near perfect, but I think in 7 games against the rangers I see the rangers prevail. I really like how the lightning matchup against the panthers, and think they’re maybe the best team to take them out. I think everybody else is kinda in trouble if the panthers get past the lightning. A lot of this is Vasilevskiy - he presents problems for the way the panthers score goals. He uses his size so well, his presence in close in action is notably better than his peers.
I think that Toronto’s skill will run wild and that they have enough on the team for the nights they’re muted. —unless Charlie Coyle has a Selke like series, they should manhandle the bruins (if Coyle plays 21 min a game+ and holds down torontos top end scoring while contributing offensively good luck cause bostons middle is gonna grind ya to dust). I wanna pound the table that coyle is under recognized, here’s a chance to make me look stupid - entirely possible he’s caved in, Toronto is so good. Be fun to watch this on display. I think Coyle can do a lot of good work but Toronto prevail, but if I am right and he’s very underrated, then my bracket will be blown up and I won’t care anymore.
I also think Toronto needs the reduction in spot light. They aren’t all in. I think you’ll see Toronto play more true to itself. It’s still extreme distraction, pressure, focus, but it’ll be like taking batting practice with the extra weight on the bat then taking it off to go hit. They don’t ultimately get the cup, Cheveldayoff does, but runner up is way better than first round loss.
Jets Leafs Final. Jets cup.
The jets haven’t lost this month, shutout their divisional peers multiple times. Haven’t had a muffin game - all contenders down the stretch (the wild once, kinda bubble contender), hot at the right time if you recall my prediction specifically that this would occur, best goaltender, deep diverse offense and defense, can win at any pace, have faced adversity, large amount of battle tested impactful guys in all positions, only the kings/predators matchup well against them but the jets are deeper and more polished. Meanwhile the jets have shown the ability to slow down top heavy teams, and will handle the Mackinnons and Mcdavids of the conference. The stars present the biggest challenge, but late rounds and old teams will do what it does.
Cheveldayoff conn smythe: the Dubois deal, Monahan deal, Tiffoli deal, resigning the best goalie in hockey all top gm marks and created a monster of a team while also having one of the least desirable markets with unfavorable tax status. He’s the mvp, and the cup will enshrine him as a goat gm.