Predictions for the 2023-24 season

The Hurricanes have reinforced their position as favourite for the Cup, likewise for the Panthers as second favourite.

Let’s look at the first round individual match-ups.

• Panthers (98.2%) vs Lightning (1.8%), 3-0: I’m surprised how “easy” it’s been for the Panthers so far. I don’t expect the Lightning to go out in four games. But it seems this series will be over faster than expected.

• Bruins (75.6%) vs Maple Leafs (24.4%), 2-1: The Bruins have gained momentum. I expect the rest of the series will be fun to watch.

• Rangers (93.4%) vs Capitals (6.6%), 2-0: The Rangers are clearly better than the Capitals. It should be a fairly short series.

• Hurricanes (99.4%) vs Islanders (0.6%), 3-0: The Islanders are fighting hard and deserve better than loosing 0-3. Will this be one or two more games?

• Stars (33.6%) vs Golden Knights (66.4%), 0-2: A surprise with the Golden Knights winning the first two games. Having Mark Stone back certainly helps.

• Jets (46.9%) vs Avalanche (53.1%), 1-1: The Avalanche have taken the upper hand by winning a game in Winnipeg. This is going to be a good series.

• Canucks (49.8%) vs Predators (50.2%), 1-1: The injury to Thatcher Demko could mean an early end for the Canucks. Let’s see if Demko will be back or if DeSmith can step up.

• Oilers (48.0%) vs Kings (52.0%), 1-1: The Kings currently have home ice advantage and now have a better probability of winning the series. I expect the Oilers to win but their path has gotten more difficult.

Power ranking

No change at the top with the Hurricanes first and the Panthers second.