Realistic NHL Playoff Series I'd Love To See This Spring

We’re more than halfway through the NHL regular season, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. While I've tried to predict what the bracket could look like, I figured now would be a good time to give some matchups I would LOVE to see this spring. Here are five semi-realistic series I’d love to watch based on the current playoff race across the NHL.

Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights

We saw this matchup two years ago when the Golden Knights defeated the Oilers in six games, propelling Vegas to a Stanley Cup title, and I’d love to see them run it back. In my opinion, these are the two most likely teams to emerge from the Western Conference this season, and it would be an all-out war. Of course, we would once again get to witness the top two picks from the 2015 draft, Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, face off. While McDavid has undoubtedly had the better career, Eichel has the edge in their playoff series matchup and in terms of championships. If McDavid and the Oilers want to settle the score, they will likely have to go through their Pacific Division rival.

When It Is Most Likely To Happen: Round 2

Vancouver Canucks vs Winnipeg Jets

If the Canucks make the playoffs, it would mean they climbed out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves and are entering the postseason hot at the right time. On the flip side, the Jets have been the most consistent team in the West all year and will head into the playoffs as one of the favorites to win the Western Conference. This Western Canadian battle would also showcase a thrilling goaltending showdown between two of the league’s best: Thatcher Demko and Connor Hellebuyck. These franchises haven’t faced each other in the postseason since 1993, and it would be fascinating to see them go head-to-head in a best-of-seven series this spring.

When It Is Most Likely To Happen: Round 1

Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs

One of the most historic rivalries in NHL history would be reignited with a Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs playoff series. Can you imagine the pressure on the Maple Leafs in this rematch of the 2021 playoffs? In that first-round series, the Leafs memorably collapsed after taking a 3-1 lead, and after coming back from that deficit, the Habs later went on to make a run to the Stanley Cup Final. In this scenario, the Canadiens would be playing with house money and would love the opportunity to ruin their rivals' season once more. Without a doubt, this would lead to a shakeup in Toronto. Another intriguing subplot would be former Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty now wearing a Leafs jersey. And to top it off, this series would mark the first time the top two picks from the 2016 NHL Draft, Patrik Laine and Auston Matthews, face off in the playoffs.

When It Is Most Likely To Happen: Round 1

New Jersey Devils vs Florida Panthers

Biased aside, this is the Eastern Conference Finals matchup I would most like to see. Watching the young, talented Devils square off against the reigning champion Panthers would be an absolute joy. The tough, hard-nosed style of play in Florida, combined with the fast-paced, high-tempo style of New Jersey, would make for an incredibly exciting series. With a trip to the Stanley Cup Final almost certainly on the line, this series would be unreal.

When It Is Most Likely To Happen: Round 3

Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers

These two teams faced off in one of the most memorable Finals in NHL history last year, where the Oilers almost pulled off the impossible by nearly coming back from a 3-0 series deficit. In the end, they fell short as the Panthers took home the Cup, a year after losing in the Finals themselves to the Vegas Golden Knights. Nearly a year later, I still think these are the two best teams in hockey, and I would love to see them battle once again with the hardest trophy to win in all of sports on the line.

When It Would Happen: Stanley Cup Final