The 2022-23 NHL regular season has ended with 16 of the 32 clubs having qualified for the playoffs. Here are my predictions as to which clubs will emerge victorious in the first round beginning Monday, April 17. Feel free to make your prognostications in the comments section below.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers

The Bruins dominated the regular season, setting records with 65 wins and 135 points. They were the league’s best defensive team and among the highest-scoring led by 61-goal scorer David Pastrnak. Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov lead the Panthers’ offensive attack but they lack the goaltending and blueline depth to win this series. BRUINS IN FIVE.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders

Possessing solid goaltending and a deep defense corps featuring Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin, the Hurricanes finished second overall this season. The Islanders play a grinding defensive style tailor-made for the playoffs while goalie Ilya Sorokin can steal a series. Nevertheless, the Hurricanes’ offense led by Sebastian Aho gives them the edge. HURRICANES IN SIX.

New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers

The Battle of the Hudson River resumes for the first time in 11 years in one of the most anticipated series in this round. Led by young stars Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, the Devils are a fast, exciting team. However, the Rangers have the advantage with a deep, experienced roster backstopped by Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin. RANGERS IN SEVEN.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning

For the second straight year, the Leafs and Lightning face off in the first round. The Lightning still possess a strong core of talent in Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Brayden Point. However, their supporting cast isn’t as deep this time. The Leafs are overdue to at least win a playoff series. Leading scorers Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, John Tavares and William Nylander will be determined to finally silence their critics. LEAFS IN SIX.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets

Despite an injury-ravaged roster, the Golden Knights finished atop the Western Conference. Led by Jack Eichel and workhorse defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, this club spreads its offense throughout the lineup. The Jets were inconsistent this season but rode the goaltending of Connor Hellebuyck into the postseason. I’ve got a feeling they can pull off the upset if Hellebuyck stays hot and their scorers regain their early-season form. JETS IN SEVEN.

Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken

The defending Stanley Cup champion Avs surged up the standings in the second half to win the Central Division title. Powered by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, they did it despite superstar defenseman Cale Makar being hampered by injuries. The Kraken significantly improved their offense and defense this season but it won’t be enough to overcome the more experienced Avs. AVALANCHE IN FOUR.

Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild

The Stars possess a well-balanced roster anchored by winger Jason Robertson, defenseman Miro Heiskanen and goalie Jake Oettinger. Led by winger Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, the Wild possess scoring skills as well as good goaltending in Marc-Andre Fleury and Filip Gustavsson. However, their depth at center got thinner with Joel Eriksson Ek likely sidelined for this series. STARS IN FIVE.

Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings

Another 2022 first-round rematch pit the high-octane Oilers offense and its one-two punch of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl against the Kings’ improved two-way game led by Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. The Oilers were bolstered by the addition of Mattias Ekholm at the trade deadline. However, the Kings got a boost from trade deadline acquisitions Joona Korpisalo and Vladislav Gavrikov. It should be another closely-contested series but the Oilers’ offense will carry them through. OILERS IN SIX.