What's better than hockey? Playoff hockey.
The 2024 NHL Playoffs begin Saturday, with 16 teams heading out for the Stanley Cup. Hockey's postseason is always emotional, and 2024 should be no different.
As is the case every year, there are so many interesting storylines that unfold leading up to the postseason. In the Eastern Conference, the Rangers struggle to prove that the Presidents Trophy curse is a thing of the past, the Panthers seek to avenge last year's return to the Stanley Cup Finals, and the lighting is struggling to prove that. They still have the power to win everything.
In the Western Conference, the Golden Knights are the defending champions with a goal of making the playoffs. The Avalanche are looking to bounce back from last year's first-round loss, and the Oilers are aiming to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in the Connor McDavid era.
NHL Playoffs: Full Bracket | | Schedule | Odds
Sporting News releases predictions for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The latest 2024 Stanley Cup odds are available at BetMGM.
Sporting News 2024 NHL Playoff Predictions
eastern conference
first round
| match | series |
|---|---|
| (A1) Florida Panthers vs. (WC1) Tampa Bay Lightning | 4-2 |
| (A2) Boston Bruins Versus (A3) toronto maple leafs | 4-3 |
| (M1) New York Rangers vs. (WC2) Washington Capitals | 4-1 |
| (M2) carolina hurricanes vs. (M3) New York Islanders | 4-2 |
2nd round
| match | series |
|---|---|
| (A2) Boston Bruins versus (WC1) Tampa Bay Lightning | 4-2 |
| (M1) new york rangers versus (M2) Carolina Hurricanes | 4-3 |
eastern conference finals
| match | series |
|---|---|
| (M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (WC1) Tampa Bay Lightning | 4-3 |
There's no sugarcoating anything — the Eastern Conference is a disaster. In my opinion, there are six teams that can win it all, but at least two of them are guaranteed to be eliminated by the second round.
In the first round, the Rangers and Hurricanes will beat the Capitals and Islanders, respectively, fairly easily. The Isles will certainly put up a better fight against the Canes, but I don't think either underdog will come out on top.
Like in 2013, 2018, and 2019, the Bruins and Maple Leafs will give fans a must-see series that pushes the envelope, but the fourth time around won't be as appealing for Toronto as Boston will come out on top again right.
The biggest upset of the first round came in Florida, where the Lightning defeated the defending Eastern Conference champion Panthers in six games. Tampa Bay will prove once again that they are a team built for the postseason.
In the second round, the Lightning continued their quest to defeat their Atlantic Division rival, handing the Bruins another early exit. Tampa Bay ended Boston's seasons in 2018 and 2020, and Jon Cooper's team will inflict the same fate on Spoke B in 2024. The Hurricanes and Rangers face off throughout the year in a test of the best teams in the metro, but it's Carolina who proves their strength by earning a ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year in a row.
This will set up the Eastern Conference finals between the Hurricanes and the Lightning. Tampa Bay is 3-0 in their last three Conference Finals appearances (2020, 2022, 2021), while Carolina has yet to win a game in their last three ECF appearances, winning in 2009, 2019, Swept in 2023. Things change. In 2024, the Hurricanes will finally overcome the odds and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since winning it all in 2006.
western conference
first round
| match | series |
|---|---|
| (C1) Dallas Stars vs. (WC2) Vegas Golden Knights | 4-2 |
| (C2) Winnipeg Jets versus (C3) colorado avalanche | 4-2 |
| (P1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (WC1) Nashville Predators | 4-3 |
| (P2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (P3) Los Angeles Kings | 4-1 |
2nd round
| match | series |
|---|---|
| (C1) Dallas Stars Versus (C2) colorado avalanche | 4-2 |
| (P1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (P2) Edmonton Oilers | 4-1 |
conference finals
| match | winner |
|---|---|
| (C1) Dallas Stars vs. (P2) Edmonton Oilers | 4-2 |
On paper, the Western Conference doesn't have as much depth as the Eastern Conference. But that means there are no real contenders, especially in the Central Division.
Starting in the first round, the Stars will have to endure to defeat the defending Stanley Cup champions, but Dallas should be able to work their way to victory. Jake Oettinger in particular has been heating up recently.
I think Vancouver narrowly avoided an upset because the Canucks were too good for too long while the Predators were hot heading into the playoffs.
It's the third year in a row and the first time Edmonton vs. Los Angeles.The Oilers shouldn't have any problems against the Kings, so this year should be no exception., Connor McDavid and others advanced to the second round for the third consecutive year.
The Jets and Avalanche series have both been at the top of the standings all year long, so it's almost unfair for either of them to have to lose, but Nathan MacKinnon and Colorado will be in the top spot in the postseason for the second consecutive year. It's hard to see him lose in the first round.
What's Colorado's reward for beating Winnipeg in the second round? A date with Dallas. The Avs may have more star power, but they can't match the scoring depth the Stars have, and that could be the difference in the series. As for the Oilers and Canucks, that's where Edmonton's playoff experience will come in handy and could see McDavid reach his second Western Conference Finals.
A matchup between the Stars and Oilers would definitely be fascinating. They are two teams that excel in transition and play with speed. McDavid will end up in the Stanley Cup Final, but there are too many concerns about Edmonton's defense. Dallas will return to the final stage of the postseason for the first time since 2021.
stanley cup final
The Stars and Hurricanes feel like two teams with plenty of scoring, very solid defense, and top-notch goaltending. This series will be a chess match between Pete DeBoer and Rod Brind'Amour.
Carolina has been a top prospect for years now, but the Canes haven't put it all together yet. Much like the Avalanche, who suffered multiple early eliminations before making the Stanley Cup in 2022, if the Hurricanes ultimately reach the Stanley Cup Finals, their momentum will be undeniable.
What is the biggest reason? The Hurricanes have been close for years, but they still haven't been able to land that player. They did that this year, acquiring Jake Guentzel at the trade deadline, and the winger was a perfect fit for Carolina. He is the missing piece to the offense and will perform well in the playoffs.
Brind'Amour brought the franchise its first Stanley Cup as a player in 2006 and will bring Raleigh its second Stanley Cup as a coach in 2024.
prediction: Hurricanes over Stars, 4-3
Conn Smythe Award Winner Prediction: Jake Guentzel, Hurricanes
