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So, the NHL play-offs are starting this week.

Here is the bracket:



The Bruins are a clear favorite this year as their season was phenomenal. However, there are several teams on that list that you can not count out on making a run.

My team is the MN Wild, and they have a very difficult path to the cup. I would not be surprised if we get eliminated in 5 games against the Stars. The Stars are too good at the face-off, and the Wild are not. This will be an issue as the Wild will take penalties and then lose the face-offs on the PP, leading to goals. The Wild do not have a ton of offense, and their Power Play is a big challenge for them. If they manage to beat the Stars, their most likely opponent is the Avalanche, who have been a challenging post-season opponent for many years. I also expect the Golden Knights to go deep.

I would love some more insight on the Eastern Conference teams, as I do not get to follow them as closely as the Western conference. Can some one share some insights into those teams strengths and weaknesses?

If the Kings were healthy I would like their chances. So given they're not, they really need to stay out of the penalty box which ironically the injury to Fiala may help with. Just need to steal one in EDM and give Villardi/Fiala a chance to get healthy.

Of all the Western Conference teams, I know the least about the Kings.

However, Fiala was very good last year with the Wild, but I am pretty sure he also picked up their bad habits too. The Wild were and are one of the most penalty prone teams in the League.

Good Luck as the Oilers have some great offense and seem pretty fast. Thankfully, IIRC they are too eager to score goals to bother with defense.