A look back at the Conference finals

The momentum in the Hurricanes vs Panthers series was with the Panthers who dismissed the Hurricanes in 4 games. That was a bit more exiting in the Golden Knights vs Stars with the Stars winning two games after losing the first three.

Predictions for the 2022-23 season

The Golden Knights are favourite to win the Cup. I don’t really know what to make of the prediction with how the Panthers have defied odds so far this year.

The Panthers remind me of the Canadiens in 1993. They keep on winning tight games, with most of their wins by one goal. They have won six games in overtime so far, losing none. Great goaltending and luck are the reason they have made it to the finals. That was the recipe for the Canadiens winning the Cup in 1993.

Table 1: Predictions for end of season standings in the NHL

Power ranking

The Bruins are still at the top and they will stay there given how far above they are to the other teams.

Why aren’t the Panthers higher? They entered the playoffs by the skin of their teeth and have been winning games by one goal.

Table 2: Power ranking of NHL teams