The Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning already clinched the Conference Finals but 4 teams are still in the hunt for those remaining two spots. The New York Islanders lead the Boston Bruins 3 games to 2 and the Vegas Golden Knights also lead the Colorado Avalanche 3-2. The Islanders won at TD Garden in Boston in Game 5 and have a chance to close out the series at home. Vegas has won the last 3 and now also have a chance to knock out the best team in the league.
I feel the New York Islanders will take Game 6 and have a repeat of the Eastern Conference Final against the Bolts. I believe they’re going to win this game 4-2. It looks like the signs are pointing towards rookie goalie Jeremy Swayman starting in net which means Rask will not play. Swayman has only played 20 minutes in the playoffs and in that he gave up a goal in 3 shots. Rask has been splendid for the B’s and it will be a tough blow for them. The fans at Nassau Coliseum give immense support to the Isles and Barry Trotz is ready to win this match and move on. The Bruins are shorthanded on defenseman with Carlo out so that means more ice time for the others. The Islanders found their offense in the playoffs finally and used it well. They were 3/4 on the power play in game 5 and Mathew Barzal is finding his game. He is shooting, passing, and scoring for them which they need from him. Semyon Varmalov has been exceptionally good and the Bruins are having a hard time getting past him. Lastly, faceoffs are really important. Jean-Gabriel Pageau has beat the best faceoff taker Patrice Bergeron in the NHL and has had a great series. I am amazed at the Islanders at how they beat the Penguins and are now about to beat the Bruins.
I believe the Golden Knights are going to take Game 6 vs the Avs by the score of 4-3. They are in the driver seat and are on home ice. The fans in the Fortress will be making plenty of noise and Vegas can ride the voices. They have full momentum going into this contest while the Avs are down on energy. The 2nd line with Karlsson, Smith, and Marchessault has been marvelous all series and is flying recently. They are 2-0 in this series at home and have to play hard hockey in this game. MacKinnon and Rantanen have been struggling so they have to keep it that way and will have to find other goalscorers. Every year since their arrival in the league, they have been a challenging team to play and are so competitive. I favor them to win against Colorado and seem like a Stanley Cup ready team.
The last two games of the 2nd Round are Game 6. These two series have been the most fun and let’s see which two teams prevail. Will the away team in both games win and force a Game 7 on their home ice? We will find out on Wednesday night and Thursday from Uniondale, New York and Las Vegas, Nevada.
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