Hey there hockey fans, are you ready for the playoffs? I sure am, and I’ve got the inside scoop on who’s going to win the Stanley Cup this year. But before we get to that, let’s take a look at the 2020 NHL playoff bracket.
2020 NHL Playoff Bracket
Wow, that’s a lot of teams fighting for the Cup. Who will come out on top?
Round 1
Let’s start with the matchups in round 1:
Eastern Conference
- Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
- Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders
- Philadelphia Flyers vs. Montreal Canadiens
Western Conference
- St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks
- Colorado Avalanche vs. Arizona Coyotes
- Vegas Golden Knights vs. Chicago Blackhawks
- Dallas Stars vs. Calgary Flames
Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Lightning are favored to win this series, but don’t count out the Blue Jackets. They shocked the hockey world last year by sweeping the President’s Trophy-winning Lightning in the first round. Could lightning strike twice? I’m going with the upset and picking the Blue Jackets.
Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders
The Capitals are led by superstar Alexander Ovechkin, but the Islanders have a stout defense. This series will be decided by which team can impose their will on the other. I think the Capitals have too much firepower and will move on to the next round.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Flyers have been one of the hottest teams since the NHL restarted, but the Canadiens have one of the best goaltenders in the world in Carey Price. If Price gets hot, he could carry the Canadiens to victory. But I think the Flyers are the better team overall and will advance to the next round.
St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks
The defending Stanley Cup champions face a tough challenge in the Canucks. Vancouver has some young superstars in their lineup and could surprise the Blues. But I think the Blues have too much experience and will come out on top.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Arizona Coyotes
The Avalanche have some of the most talented forwards in the league, while the Coyotes are known for their stingy defense. This series could come down to whether the Coyotes can shut down the Avalanche’s high-powered offense. I’m picking the Avalanche to win this one.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Chicago Blackhawks
The Golden Knights are one of the favorites to win the Cup, while the Blackhawks barely squeaked into the playoffs. But the Blackhawks have a history of upsets, and anything can happen in the playoffs. I’m going with the upset and picking the Blackhawks to win this series.
Dallas Stars vs. Calgary Flames
The Stars have a stout defense and a great goaltender in Ben Bishop, while the Flames have some of the most talented forwards in the league. This series could come down to whether the Flames can solve the Stars’ defense. I’m picking the Stars to win this one.
That’s it for round 1. Who do you think will advance to the next round? Let me know in the comments below.
Round 2
Now let’s take a look at the matchups in round 2:
Eastern Conference
- Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
- Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Western Conference
- St. Louis Blues vs. Colorado Avalanche
- Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars
Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets pulled off the upset in round 1, but can lightning strike twice against the top team in the East? I think the Bruins will have learned from their mistakes and will move on to the next round.
Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Capitals have one of the most dangerous offenses in the league, while the Flyers have one of the best defenses. This series will be a battle of wills, but I’m picking the Capitals to come out on top.
St. Louis Blues vs. Colorado Avalanche
This will be a battle between two of the best teams in the league. The Blues have the experience, while the Avalanche have the young talent. This one could go either way, but I’m giving the edge to the Blues.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars
The Blackhawks are known for their upsets in the playoffs, while the Stars have a stout defense. This one will be a low-scoring affair, but I’m picking the Stars to move on to the next round.
Round 3
Now it’s getting down to the nitty-gritty. Here are the matchups in round 3:
Eastern Conference
- Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals
Western Conference
- St. Louis Blues vs. Dallas Stars
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals
This is the matchup everyone has been waiting for. The two best teams in the East face off in what should be an epic series. Both teams have superstar players, but I’m picking the Bruins to come out on top.
St. Louis Blues vs. Dallas Stars
The defending champions face off against the Stars, who have been one of the best defensive teams all season. This one will be a battle of wills, but I’m picking the Blues to move on to the Finals.
Stanley Cup Finals
It all comes down to this. The Bruins face off against the Blues in the ultimate battle for the Cup. Who will come out on top?
Boston Bruins vs. St. Louis Blues
This is going to be a tough series for both teams. The Bruins have been consistent all season, while the Blues have been battling injuries. But I’m going with the defending champions to repeat and win the Cup again.
Well, there you have it folks. My prediction is that the St. Louis Blues will win the Stanley Cup again. Who do you think will win? Let me know in the comments below. And enjoy the playoffs!
