JD's Sportscorner

The 2022 season was a success for the American Football Conference. From the close four team AFC East race to Cincinnati’s two straight north division titles for the first time this century, the biggest takeaway was the continued conference depth of playoff contenders. Half the divisions could have any team come out on top and no one would be surprised. The six teams that don’t win either division have a great chance to make the postseason this year. 2022 featured three solid Super Bowl contenders in both those divisions. Now it’s six. Reigning champion Kansas City has a lot of pressure to repeat their title run with a conference that’s improved every part of their roster. Last but not least, expect the same kind of playoff race both the Jaguars and Titans had in the south to heat up again, this time with a more balanced roster in Jacksonville and a more desperate team in Tennessee.

Due to the depth, it’s possible not every team listed below makes the playoffs, but it’s a sure thing the franchises listed have the best chance and present solid arguments. Time to break down which seven teams in the AFC have the best chance of reaching the playoffs for 2024.

AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs

Despite offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy going to the Washington Commanders, Kansas City still has the tandem of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes II. It’s possible the Chiefs not just win the AFC West but also represent the division as the only playoff team in January. Las Vegas won’t be competitive past October. Denver again faces a plague of injuries before the regular season starts, and there’s no guarantee Russell Wilson or Sean Payton can turn things around. As for Los Angeles, the organization wasted an opportunity to shove out a coach who blew a 27 point lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars and hire a Super Bowl winning coach in Sean Payton. Then, they re-signed inexperienced postseason franchise quarterback Justin Herbert to a massive contract extension. The Chargers want to win now but won’t be able to with the poor decisions made by ownership and the front office.

Kansas City also has a drive to win back-to-back championships, something not done in the NFL since 2004. While defensive tackle Chris Jones continues to hold out, it might not matter until later in the season when the Chiefs lock up the AFC West division title.

AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Indianapolis Colts are a growing hot mess that will take years to fix. Houston has a chance of improving in every position despite how far behind they are in both the division and conference. Tennessee is still struggling with their offensive line’s health and there aren’t many receiving options for whoever is under center outside of an aging De’Andre Hopkins.

Like Kansas City, the Jaguars stand out in a division facing many questions in almost every position. Doug Pederson isn’t the coach Mike Vrabel is but he has better talent, depth and a higher ceiling for development to work with on all sides of the ball. Pederson and Jacksonville don’t have the added pressure of getting back to the conference championship compared to Vrabel and the Titans. Calvin Ridley returning after two years out of the league combined with expected growth in both offensive and defensive redzone plays make the Jaguars an easy pick.

AFC East: Miami Dolphins, New York Jets

Similar to last season, the east will be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. At least three of the four teams will stay close in the playoff race most of autumn. The longer the season goes, the more New England will sputter due to lack of depth on offense and rumors of Stefon Diggs leaving Buffalo (whether true or not) might amplify if Josh Allen’s inaccuracy continues after last year’s postseason. The Bills are more fragile and still lack a quality running game outside of Allen’s scrambles. This puts both Miami and New York in favorable positions.

Miami is the favorite to win the division for their offensive depth and smart offseason moves to revamp the defense. Adding Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator will tighten any leaks opponents exposed in 2022. Jalen Ramsey will solidify a top cornerback duo when he returns by November (right now most are saying six weeks, but the degree of injury could linger into December. Thus, November is a good timetable to see if and when he plays in the regular season). The Dolphins’ front seven, is highlighted by the linebacker quartet of Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, David Long Jr. and Jerome Baker. Two of the four weren’t on the roster a year ago. While left tackle Terron Armstead will return sometime this month, the offensive line is still a top concern after what happened to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health last year. Miami must balance the offensive passing and running games to keep their top play makers healthy. Expect Dolphins management to trade for a star runningback by midseason if Salvon Ahmed, Raheem Mostert or rookie Davon Achane aren’t consistently productive.

New York should return to the postseason for the first time in 13 years. The last time they reached the playoffs, quarterback Aaron Rodgers won the Super Bowl with the Packers. Now Rodgers bolsters the Jets offense and helps everyone raise expectations and performances. Head coach Robert Saleh did a masterful job building up the defense and added the right pieces to the team just before Rodgers was traded. New receivers Mecole Hardman Jr., Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard and running back Dalvin Cook will give opposing defenses fits.

Staying consistent from previous years (and in multiple sports) make it too risky to rank the Jets at the top of the division and even the conference. Valid questions about the offensive line’s health (especially the tackles) arise. This is also the second Packers quarterback New York traded for once Green Bay moved on. When Rodgers’ predecessor Brett Favre was traded in 2008, the Jets started as one of the best teams before a rapid November spiral ended their season at .500. Due to an 18 week regular season change, New York will probably finish one game over .500. Their schedule hints this could be a similar run. We’ll find out by early December if Rodgers has the almost identical season Favre did.

AFC North: Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers

The east won’t be the only competitive division in the AFC. The north may not have a clear leader until December. Baltimore might be the first team out of contention due to regression by coaching the last three years and injuries plaguing the roster. Lamar Jackson won the contract battle with the organization but his health is a valid concern on how far the Ravens go this season. Last but not least, New England learned in 2020 you don’t sign and slap together former first round rejects at wide receiver and call it progress. Nelson Agholor was one of the rejects Baltimore signed this offseason who didn’t pan out well in Boston.

Prior assessment might confuse readers as to why Cleveland is the division winning pick. First, the defense will show improvement. Jim Schwartz was hired to fix the pass defense while maintaining an aggressive scheme for the front seven. This will make a difference at middle linebacker, which has been a blah unit of play the last few years. Za’Darius Smith lining up opposite Myles Garrett will give opposing offenses in or outside the division problems. The added pass rush and better linebacker play gives the secondary extra time to cover holes receivers may find.

On offense there are no excuses for DeShaun Watson. Last season his play was mediocre due to off-field issues and not spending needed time with teammates. Cleveland’s front office has gradually let Watson know they’re all in from not re-signing runningbacks Kareem Hunt and D’Ernest Johnson to adding Marquise Goodwin in free agency. How the Browns fare early against their schedule will show analysts how good they are and can consistently be. Three of their first four games are against division rivals before an early bye week. Late September should be filled with talk about DeShaun Watson returning to the play many remember from his time in Houston.

On to Cincinnati. The Bengals have gone to a Super Bowl and two straight conference championships, meaning there’s a target on their backs this and next season. The north is harder and deeper at a lot of positions, and while the Bengals are still one of the best teams in the league, it may become more stressful to stay on top as their rivals play them harder.

While Cincinnati doesn’t have as hard a start to the season as some other teams, they won’t have many weekends to disengage. Many viewers don’t understand the constant mental focus can wear down teams especially after two long postseason runs. The offensive line is better but the defense is filled with question marks on the front seven. Opponents in Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Cleveland have offensive lines that dominate play. There’s enough film on quarterback Joe Burrow and who he favors throwing to the past few years, so the Bengals have to switch schemes and create new plays the deeper they venture into the season.

The Steelers are similar to this year’s Detroit Lions. Many expect a more dangerous team led by a coach who can lead well and not accept excuses. Pittsburgh has been one of the worst teams to watch the past two years but it seems coach Mike Tomlin has figured out how to improve the nagging problems on offense. It starts with better quarterback play and the continued development for Kenny Pickett. Pickett had a rough time in his first few games last season but improved around New Year’s. The addition of Allen Robinson II gives the sophomore quarterback another option to stretch the field and create better plays. The addition takes less pressure off runningback Najee Harris and brings a better balance to sustain long offensive possessions.

The defense is still a top five unit in the league. What will help this unit more is the offense scoring more than 17 points a game. The Steelers defense had to play perfect to keep the team in games over the last three years and it takes a toll. That should change after the trade deadline expires. Pittsburgh will be a hard out for any division winner with aspirations of a deep postseason run.

2022 Regular Season AFC Playoff Predictions Record: 3-4

The NFC touted the last two super bowl champions until last February. Philadelphia was minutes away from a possible conference three-peat until an obvious pass interference call sealed Kansas City’s victory. Fortunately the NFC has a lot of rising franchises that will be hard for future AFC opponents to shake off. Some haven’t been to the postseason or even won a division title in decades. Some are looking to win a championship before a roster teardown. Then there are those who are just doing what they can to make the playoffs and nothing else.

It’s time to break down which seven teams in the conference have the best chance to reach the playoffs this season. There more quality teams this year than last, so expect a brutal finish to the end of the season and some surprises based off of this years draft and last years film.

NFC South: New Orleans Saints

The easiest division to start with and the most obvious pick. New Orleans’ signing of quarterback Derek Carr was the final piece to general manager Mickey Loomis’ product. The Saints have depth and prime players in almost every position since franchise star Drew Brees retired except for a quality passer. Carr has gone almost a decade without a postseason win due to terrible defenses and injuries from inconsistent offensive lines. The Saints don’t have to worry about a quarterback competition where the winner averages 17 points per game. Since Carr, the fitting offense and top five defense solve each others’ issues, the team can have its best years and play comfortably without having to think of the turnover ratio every week.

While Carolina will be a fun team to watch as Frank Reich coaches up Bryce Young, Tampa Bay will have a horrible descent and Atlanta is filled with questions ranging from depth to quality starters. New Orleans should win this division by Thanksgiving.

NFC West: San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks

Another easy choice from a polar division. Arizona is self-sabotaging and the Rams are showing signs of giving up with previous offseason trades and little roster depth. Since Seattle isn’t where they want to be yet the 49ers become the clear choice to win the division. However the Seahawks will push them like they did last season and San Francisco will have to play hard every week. Many opposing defenses (especially Seattle’s) have yet to figure out rising star Brock Purdy. Fortunately for coach Kyle Shanahan that may not happen for a while with a healthy Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuels, Brandon Aiyuk and a prime George Kittle.

Unlike many, I’m not sure Seattle makes it back to the postseason or improves off of last year’s Cinderella run. However, head coach Pete Carroll is more focused and having more fun than in previous years. This means better development for new and determined players. Many in Washington believe this year’s secondary is the best the Seahawks have built, even surpassing the early 2010s units. Like every season before games start, Seattle’s schedule does them no favors. An early bye week, two games in three weeks against San Francisco, and matchups against the NFC East and AFC North might leave them as a lower postseason seed.

NFC East: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles

The main reason Seattle makes the postseason is because there isn’t enough in Dallas for one to feel they make the playoffs with only two reliable receivers on offense and a murky running game. Washington could be the seventh team that gets in but it depends on consistent quarterback play once autumn starts. Regardless, the east will have two teams make the postseason.

There’s no one more confident outside of Wayne County, Michigan on who will excel this year than those in New York. Brian Daboll did wonders in one year with Daniel Jones and the Giants offense, leading them to the second round of the playoffs. Then general manager Joe Schoen made the right moves trading for Darren Waller, added depth to the offensive line by drafting center John Michael Schmitz and signed Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Bobby Okereke and A’Shawn Robinson to bolster the front seven on defense. As Daboll continues to elevate Jones, the team is better on the offensive and defensive lines, better equipped in the secondary and as they proved last winter, can play postseason football the more the season progresses.

Couple this with Philadelphia falling back to earth and it makes sense this is the top duo in the east. The Eagles still have the talent, depth and coaching to go deep in the postseason but the team played close to perfect most of 2022. The fact Nick Sirianni’s team didn’t have any key players out most of the season from injuries is a utopia most teams desire. It won’t happen again and more importantly Philadelphia has to worry about a division rival or two, a conference and a league that has gotten better and stronger. It’s very hard being runner-up in a championship game and having to replicate the process especially when opposing teams have their sights set on taking the top spot.

NFC North: Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears

I’ll admit it, this one I believe my fellow analysts and fans on. It’s not because of peer pressure or it’s what most want but because the NFC North won’t have a runner-up who can settle the argument of Detroit winning the north.

Like Philadelphia, Minnesota will not have a repeat of last year’s season. Winning eight one-score games is more luck than skill (just ask the Las Vegas Raiders on their nine one score losses). While the defense may get better, losing Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook will hurt the offense the closer winter approaches. Green Bay will have growing pains with Jordan Love for various reasons, but it’s also clear a re-tooling of the roster is the bigger storyline than most want to admit.

Detroit makes the most sense although it won’t be the domination many believe. They’ll probably lose their first two games due to the opponents they face. After week two, the Lions should be one of the most consistent and fun watches. They’ve had slow starts in both prior seasons with Dan Campbell coaching but a lot of the players entering their second to fourth years should have a rhythm of when to play better and expect when to start fast in September. Finally, it helps they play a mostly weak NFC South and questionable AFC West schedule.

Detroit dominating the north also won’t happen because Chicago will be a much better team than what many saw in 2022. The duo of Ryan Poles-Matt Eberflus will be one of the best things to happen to Bears football. From trading the number one pick in the draft for additional picks and D.J. Moore, to signing Tremaine Edmunds, Trevis Gibson and Yannick Ngakoue, the franchise is making the right moves that don’t point to short-term wins. The offensive line is better and Marcedes Lewis is a great veteran presence who can help the receivers work and understand critical possessions better. As long as Justin Fields stays healthy, a good part of the season will have both the Bears and the Lions competing for the division title.

2022 Regular Season NFC Playoff Predictions Record: 3-4

Tim Weaver

Mon, Aug 21, 2023, 11:00 AM CDT·1 min read

You don’t have to be a diehard Seahawks homer in order to appreciate them having one of the best stadiums in sports.

According to a new ranking by the Athletic of all 30 stadiums around the NFL, Seattle’s home is in the top five. Lumen Field came in at No. 5 on their list. Here’s what they had to say about it.

“One of the top attractions is that it’s one of the loudest stadiums in sports. The outdoor venue has been home to the Seahawks since it opened in 2002. It was second on our previous list. This time around, it was in the top five on 18 ballots.”

The rest of the top five were 1. U.S. Bank Stadium (Vikings), 2. SoFi Stadium (Rams, Chargers), 3. Lambeau Field (Packers) and 4. AT&T Stadium (Cowboys).

Dear readers;

Last year’s NFL season was a success for this website and moving a few steps forward in my writing career. Thanks to the views, feedback and shares, a new website and additional plug-ins will be launched before fall starts.

However, the consistency of published posts on Winners and Losers for this year’s NFL season will be cut down to around 12 of the 18 weeks due to personal times off, attending some games in person, birthdays, national and international holidays and other planned commitments. Due to how I value your time as someone who clicks on and at minimum likes this site, you will find out when most of these upcoming dates are at the end of a Winners and Losers column.

This NFL season should be just as fun as last year’s with many surprises on the way. I’m hoping you witness more of them than I can.

The finals are set. Florida and Vegas are stacked with stars, deep rosters, and respected coaches. Their power-plays and penalty kills are some of the best since playoffs began. Whoever wins the finals deserves the accolades and label of champion. It’s time to break down which team has the best chance of winning the finals and taking home both the Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup.

#8 Florida Panthers v. #1 Vegas Golden Knights

Looking back, these are the two perfect teams to play in the championship round. Besides their obvious warm locations and young fanbases, both franchises have two of the best coaches in the game, roster depth in every position, loved franchise stars and a hunger to win their first ever championship. It’s unfortunate only one team can win the title while the other will be known for coming a couple of wins short, pondering what-if’s in the offseason.

At the top, coaches Bruce Cassidy and Paul Maurice have been to the championship round before but came up short against two of the league’s most well chronicled teams in their peak. Maurice is the only coach in the NHL’s top-25 winning list to not win a title while Cassidy is the first coach to ever make both conference and championship finals guiding a team to over 50 wins in a season.

The depth for both teams should astound even casual fans. Florida and Vegas average 12 centers and forwards that would be on first or second lines for almost any NHL team if they weren’t on either roster. Determining who plays and on what line might be an issue for both coaches early this series. There are at least two goaltenders for each who might play and be tempted with trade offers in the offseason.

Series deciding factor: Aaron Ekblad and the Panthers defense v. Jonathan Marchessault and the Golden Knights offense

The first time Vegas made the Stanley Cup finals, they were broken down gradually by the Washington Capitals’ depth especially on special teams. Then coach Barry Trotz exposed holes and vulnerabilities on the Golden Knights roster that couldn’t be fixed and it led to a quick five game series. A similar situation presents itself five years later but this time Vegas has fixed their vulnerabilities. Florida’s lack of defensemen depth outside Brandon Montour and Radko Gudas on the second line will stand out deep in the series. The Golden Knights have at least three lines of defensemen who block shots in the middle of the ice and make forwards and centers uncomfortable in shot attempts. Their average height of six feet three inches clogs the offense’s vision, creating opportunities for more turnovers.

Taking special teams into consideration, every strong power-play unit Vegas faced was snuffed out four games into each series, driving the opposing coaches and captains crazy. The Golden Knights power-play led by Jack Eichel grows increasingly dangerous due to how fellow teammates adapt and uncover weaknesses in the defense. There’s a limited number of opportunities before Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson find and exploit holes where the puck can get past the resurgent Sergei Bobrovsky.

Verdict: One of two major factors determining who wins the championship is which team’s willpower stays longer after puck drop. Of the eight Cup finals winners, only one hoisted Lord Stanley’s trophy with more rest. It’s been almost two weeks since the Panthers played a game. There’s no mental lapse for Vegas and it could show early in the series.

The other is the Golden Knights’ serious tone. Their cup run in 2018 was a fun storyline and the franchise made the most that debut season. This series is about legacy for the original misfits and completing the original mission the franchise sought at their original expansion draft. Florida is almost there just like Vegas was last decade, but they’re not ready yet.

Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights defeat the Florida Panthers 4-2 and win their first championship in franchise history

Conn Smythe Winner: Jonathan Marchessault

2023 Total NHL playoffs record: 10-4

What an exciting and unexpected finals matchup. Denver dominated the western conference playoffs. Miami knocked off two of the league’s best teams in three rounds. The Heat broke down Boston, Milwaukee and New York with elite defense, timely three point shooting and driving to the basket. Whoever wins this year’s championship deserves the praise, accolades and conversation of all-time best teams this century. It’s time to break down which franchise has the best chance of winning a championship and raising a banner on a wild and entertaining NBA season.

#8 Miami Heat v. #1 Denver Nuggets

Audiences view this series as part two of Miami versus Milwaukee’s thrilling first round matchup. A dominant MVP candidate with two notable stars places Denver in a favorable position. There are many differences with the Nuggets compared to the Bucks starting with coaches. Michael Malone overwhelmed adaptable Lakers coach Darvin Ham in a mostly one-sided conference finals. Malone’s made sure Denver steps up on defense each game while the offense gradually takes over and dominates second halves.

The offense isn’t a two dimensional pairing of Jamal Murray and the best center in the league Nikola Jokic. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. played their best basketball when it mattered most, eliminating Los Angeles the previous series and the last two games versus Phoenix prior. Their consistency makes it harder for Miami to defend against compared to Khris Middleton. Jokic’s athleticism puts Heat center Bam Adebayo in terrible situations. Brook Lopez has been the best center Adebayo’s played against this postseason and that was a struggle.

Another disadvantage is both guard positions. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jamal Murray will give Gabe Vincent and Max Strus fits. The latter two are good players but Murray is peaking at the best time and Caldwell-Pope is a multi-faceted, veteran player who should have better stats each night of the series.

Miami’s run to the championship is one of the best sports stories ever witnessed in the U.S. and Erik Spoelstra’s cemented his top three place in the NBA all-time head coaching list. Denver has every advantage including rest, fresh players and more game tape on how to force turnovers and exploit Miami’s defense. The Heat might have the most memorable season to many viewers, but it will be the Nuggets who make first-time history with this championship series win.

Prediction: Denver Nuggets defeat Miami 4-1 and win their first ever Larry O’Brien Trophy

2023 total playoff predictions record: 9-3

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The worst owners in pro football history, from George Preston Marshall to Dan Snyder — Seahawks Wire

What a fun end to the second round. The best two teams in the west made it to the conference finals. Vegas dominated a hyped Oilers team the longer the series went and made the most of their special teams opportunities. Bruce Cassidy is proving why he was the best coaching hire this season and how bad Boston botched his firing. The original core on the Knights have been the difference makers on offense while goaltending has been smooth no matter who starts. Then there’s Peter DeBoer, who led Vegas to the conference finals in 2020 against the team he’s now coaching. This time there’s no bubble and fans can see the best series of the conference finals in person. In what could be a last gasp attempt to win and hold the Stanley Cup, Jamie Benn, Joe Pavelski and Tyler Seguin have to go all out in a chess-match of a series. Both teams have their hands full, and many believe whoever wins this series has a great chance to win the championship. Time to break down who has the best shot to win the western conference and advance to the Stanley Cup finals.

#5 Dallas Stars v. #1 Vegas Golden Knights

There’s poetry knowing the Stars and Golden Knights face each other in another conference finals matchup. Nobody thought these two teams would have a rivalry when Vegas played Dallas in their first regular season game in 2017. It’s likely one of these rosters goes through a re-build after next season, so this is a must-win for both franchises.

The Golden Knights haven’t played goaltender Jonathan Quick and won’t specify on why. Regardless, coach Cassidy has correctly chosen who to start in net each series. Quick will be backup to Adin Hill when the series starts tonight, so there’s a high possibility we see him play some point this conference finals.

The goaltending topic hasn’t mattered much when Jonathan Marchessault, Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Vegas’ depth on defense shot-blocks and scores at will. Eichel plays like this could be his only chance to win a championship despite being in the league for six years. Cup winning teammates Alec Martinez, Alex Pietrangelo and Ivan Barbashev set the tone early with their physical play and clogging the middle of the ice.

This is the first series the Golden Knights will face a team matching their physical presence. Stars captain Jamie Benn’s enforces his will and takes a fair number of penalties to set the tone. While Benn targets opposing defenders, Joe Pavelski’s had the best playoff run of his career at 38. He’s surpassed both Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby for most goals in the postseason for a current player. His puck passing combined with the play of Roope Hintz and Miro Heiskanen will often test the Vegas defense.

In what could be the last deep postseason run for either team with the current core players, the determining factor is depth. Dallas only has four centers with five forwards on each end, and barely eight eligible defensemen. The Golden Knights have more depth to work with, dwarfing the number of players Dallas has in each position. Factor in Cassidy being the better coach and Vegas being the more rested after ending their series earlier, the Stars face an uphill battle once the series settles in every other day.

Prediction: Golden Knights win the western conference and the series 4-1

Western conference playoff predictions after two rounds: 5-1

What fun! The two best teams in the east are in the conference finals. On one side, the well designed, balanced and deep Carolina Hurricanes. Led by coach Rod Brind’Amour, captain Jordan Staal and veteran defenseman Brent Burns, the Hurricanes are the best and most complete of the remaining four postseason teams. Their opponent is last year’s President’s trophy winners and most formidable eighth seed anyone’s watched. Defensive leader Aaron Ekblad, two time winning goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and Conn Smythe favorite Matthew Tkachuk lead Florida’s charge. All three are Conn Smythe worthy after their team ousted two of the deepest and well built division rivals. Both squads will have their hands full and many believe whoever wins this series is the favorite to win the championship. Time to break down who has the best chance to win the eastern conference and advance to the Stanley Cup finals.

#8 Florida Panthers v. #2 Carolina Hurricanes

On paper, this is a lop-sided matchup. Carolina finally returns to the conference finals playing to the elite level many predicted at the beginning of the season. They made quick work of last round’s opponent and look more confident on every side of the puck. Despite injuries to some star players, the defense played well the previous round and depth stepped up when needed most.

Florida is not your average conference finals team. After finishing the biggest comeback in NHL history, they dominated a confident and well-rested Maple Leafs unit, almost completing a sweep. The most impressive feat is how stout the defense is anchored by defenseman Aaron Ekblad and Sergei Bobrovsky in net. Bobrovsky gave up nine goals last series versus Toronto and he’s the best goaltender remaining.

Both teams have high octane, physical and layered offenses. Aleksander Barkov and Jordan Staal captain their power-play units. Special teams and taking away the goalie’s vision will determine who wins each game.

The series will also be determined by coaching. Paul Maurice has made perfect adjustments since the 3-1 series deficit in Boston. The honest work ethic, playing the rinks to every advantage approach and elite defense makes audiences believe Florida’s the best and most consistent team left. The Panthers can also turn the tide of a game by instigating opposing players and starting fights. Since the infamous Ryan Lomberg hasn’t been at the center of any mayhem for at least a month due to injuries, expect his return to cause multiple stirs once the series sets in to take the Hurricanes off their game.

Upset prediction of the conference finals: Panthers win the eastern conference and the series 4-2

Eastern conference playoff predictions after two rounds: 3-3