We’re back!!
We know it’s been a while since we published anything, but the end of March - early April is always busy for us. With the end of the semester mixed with the sunny days coming back, we needed to take the time to relax, go outside and reset to come back stronger. It’s crazy what the power of vitamin D can do.
Before we give you our Playoffs Predictions (Can y’all believe we have a year 2 of something?!), we have to review some of our 2022-23 NHL *regular* season predictions.
Unsurprisingly, we were right about most of them except the following, which we are here to rectify.
The Revenge Tour
We don’t know why we didn’t factor in the Darryl Sutter variable when choosing this category. Maybe our subconscious was blinded by the fact that he won the Jack Adams over the summer, but we should have known better. His coaching style doesn’t work well in this era of hockey, which makes many talented players regress under him.
As for the Flames’ season overall, Perrye will have plenty of opportunities to discuss it over the summer. Since she’s still processing the last few weeks, she won’t get into it now.
The Media Darling
Just like his career, this man has been through some ups and downs, but who would have thought that Jeff Skinner would reclaim his title of Media Darling over the season? Not us, but we don’t hate it. He gave us some great content throughout the season, and it looked like he had a blast doing it. Good for him!!
This season’s ~meow - meow~
Okay, so I’m (Gaby) not sure if I’ve been looking in the wrong places or if there’s been no development on this front, but I don’t think this season saw someone take the reign. Jamie Drysdale was out, and Trevor Zegras spent the season doing the opposite of currying favor with the public. With one of the most exciting draft classes we’ve seen in a while, I’m sure we’ll have a strong candidate for next season.
Not too bad for a season preview written primarily on vibes and gut feelings. Now, onto the Playoffs prediction!!
THWL The Playoffs Question Game
Who do you really want to see win?
Perrye: The Devils currently have the best vibes coming into the playoffs. Plus, it would be nice to see a team of youngsters go all the way.
Gaby: If the world were fair, Anthony Duclair would end the season with a Stanley Cup. Because it’s not… I want to see the Lighting win one more cup.
Which team do you not want to see win?
Perrye: New York Islanders because I don’t want good things for my bestie Lou!
Gaby: I’ve yet to forgive Islanders fans for their Dear John Tavares video or Lou for being the way he is, so my answer is the same.
Which series will have an upset?
Perrye: Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken - predicting this series is hard because I believe it can go either way.
Gaby: The Lightning or the Maple Leafs winning will be upsetting either way, so my answer stays the same as last year!
Which series seems boring, and you definitely won’t tune in?
Perrye: It’s a toss-up between Stars vs Wild or Canes vs Islanders simply because I have no interest in the Wild or the Isles, so hopefully, the Stars and Canes get the job done quickly for an exciting second round.
Gaby: Stars vs Wild. Maybe it’s the fact that Chicago has rotted my brain, but I routinely forget about large chunks of the Central Division, if we’re being honest.
Team Chaos Choice:
Perrye: Not a response but more of a question: do you think the Panthers will go to the strip club again during the playoffs?
Gaby: I don’t think they will make it very far, but I would like to see Vegas Golden Knights make it to the finals. Give Jack Eichel something to look forward to!
First Round Winners
Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers
THWL’s pick - Bruins in 5 unforch because the Panthers don’t even deserve to be in the race right now with how their season went.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs
THWL’s pick - For the sake of all Maple Leafs fan’s sanities, we’re going with Leafs in 6 with a heavy dose of prayers.
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders
THWL’s pick - Going with Hurricanes in 5, but only because Gaby is a Rod Brind’amour stan.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
Perrye’s pick - Devils in 6 - I want a Cinderella run!
Gaby’s pick - Rangers in 6, fueled mainly by Kreider’s rage. Although I will say I would prefer the Devils to win.
Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken
THWL’s pick - Avalanche in 7, but also, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Kraken pulls an upset.
Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild
Perrye’s pick - Stars in 7 because Oettinger will Oettinger.
Gaby’s pick - Stars in 6 because Jason Roberston deserves a nice playoff run.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets
Perrye’s pick - Golden Knights in 6
Gaby’s pick - If Mark Scheifele has 1 million haters, I am one of them. If Mark Scheifele has 100 haters, I am one of them. If Mark Scheilefe has one hater, that one is me. And if he has none, it’s because I’m dead, so Golden Knights in 6.
Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings
Perrye’s pick - Oilers in 7 since we’re looking at a repeat of last year’s series!
Gaby’s pick - Ughhhhhhhh. Oilers in 5.
Thanks for joining us for this very ~ Scientific and ~ Academic preview, and let us know your predictions - Happy Playoff Season!
With Love,
Perrye and Gaby
Love the playoffs preview, but I'm waiting for the real playoffs.... the THWL WAG jackets rating!
Gabby, I feel you on being a Mark Scheifele hater. I hate that man more than I hate Kucherov. and I strongly dislike that man.