NHL playoffs 2018: Stanley Cup predictions
The quest to win the 2017-18 Stanley Cup begins Wednesday.
Will the Pittsburgh Penguins become the first team since the New York Islanders (who won four consecutive from 1980-83) to win three in a row? Can the Nashville Predators take the next step — and win the franchise’s first? Could the expansion Vegas Golden Knights do the unthinkable and win a Stanley Cup in their inaugural season?
Paste BN Sports' NHL staff makes their Stanley Cup picks and selects their Conn Smythe winners.
Kevin Allen: Why the Predators will win the Cup: Predators general manager David Poile has done a masterful job of building a team that has all of the tools it needs. It boasts exceptional goaltending and defense, a noteworthy offense and an experienced Stanley Cup coach. The Predators also seem to get a major lift from the raucous Bridgestone Arena crowd.
Jimmy Hascup: Why the Predators will win the Cup: What is there not to like about this team? An elite defense? Check. Depth down the middle? Check. Scoring wingers? check. A goalie capable of stealing a game? Check. It's hard to find a fault on this roster (and behind the bench).
Mike Brehm: Why the Bruins will win the Cup: Their top line is dominant and they made smart late-season pickups, including signing Ryan Donato out of Harvard. Tuukka Rask has found his game again.
Jace Evans: Why the Jets will win the Cup: They have everything you want in a title team. The offense was No. 2 in the NHL thanks to a balanced attack that features the league’s second-leading goal scorer in Patrik Laine. The defense was also a top-five unit, backstopped by Connor Hellebuyck, who had a .924 save percentage. The Jets’ path will be difficult in the Western Conference, but they are at least buoyed by the league’s best home record this season.