2021 iStanley Cup, Round 1 Preview: Pt 1, Western Conference

Calgary Flames vs. Nashville Predators

The Preview
These two teams who, despite boasting the longest streaks of reaching the iPlayoffs since the iNHL was formed have only played each other once in that time span, face off in what should be a close-fought battle. Ten points separated the teams during regular season, which would have been considerably less if it was not for the Flames’ abysmal shootout record (1-11) – and as we know, there are no shootouts in the playoffs. Since the departure of star duo Gaudreau/Monahan, the Flames team has been built around a strong team identity, a strategy which was partly diverted from earlier this season when Tyler Seguin was brought in from the Hurricanes. Likewise, the Predators also added star power earlier this season when they pulled off perhaps the biggest trade deadline deal by bringing in PK Subban from Buffalo, strengthening an already impressive blue line. However, they have failed to get the play going since trade deadline, putting up a mediocre post-deadline record of 10-8-1. The Flames finished the regular season significantly better, going 12-4-2 in the same period. Regular season matchups ended 2-1 Flames.

The Storyline
How much will the trade rumours surrounding Flames’ star center Tyler Seguin affect his and his team’s play?

The Key Player, Flames
Mikael Granlund – somewhat of a late bloomer after overcoming severe injury problems a few seasons ago, the Finnish center is playing the hockey of his career since arriving in Calgary last season.

The Key Player, Predators
Filip Forsberg – the perennial all-star center has bounced back impressively after an injury-ridden season last year.

The Prediction
Flames in seven

Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues

The Preview
A matchup of dazzling star power versus well-greased team machinery, these division rivals will look to get past the first playoff round which saw both their demise last season. Winnipeg have amassed an impressive amount of star forwards in the past couple of seasons, and boast one of the most impressive top-six lineups in the league. However, after trading away Bigras and Provorov earlier this season their blue line is fairly raw, with rookie D-men Simon Le Coultre and Jack Sadek both being regulars. St. Louis on the other hand have kept a steadier course during the season after trading away former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Kevin Shattenkirk in the offseason. The emergence of Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin this season has been impressive to watch, and at only age 20 he has proven to be perfectly adequate replacement to Shattenkirk. Both teams have strengthened their offense during the season, with the Jets impressively landing aging superstar Alexander Ovechkin in January and the Larkin/Lindholm duo joining the Blues from Detroit a month later. Regular season matchups ended 3-1 Blues, with Jets’ only victory coming in a shootout. However, only two points separated the teams during regular season so expect a tight series.

The Storyline
Two teams with significantly stronger offense than defense, which star forwards will stand out and lead their team past the first round?

The Key Player, Jets
Alexander Ovechkin – The Russian has moulded well in Winnipeg, scoring goals like in the good old days (23 in 37). Jets fans are hoping that he will be able to perform at the same level come playoff time.

The Key Player, Blues
Jaden Schwartz – the speedy winger has scored above a point per game for the first time since the Blues’ Cup winning season in 2015/16 – a sign of things to come, perhaps?

The Prediction
Blues in six


Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks

The Preview
Despite the Canucks winning the Pacific and the Ducks ending in a wild card spot, only six points differed between these teams in the standings. The Canucks had a mediocre start to the season after the offseason departure of star winger Evgeni Malkin, but eventually found their rhythm and ended up winning the Atlantic for the third straight year. Top center Leon Draisaitl has found good chemistry with young winger duo Virtanen and Boeser, and their depth remains strong with legit top-six players such as McCann and Rantanen finding themselves further down the pecking order. The Ducks finally landed a true top center this offseason, adding veteran Steven Stamkos from Tampa Bay. The injury blow to starting goaltender Alec Dillon in December forced the California team to bring in another veteran, landing Cup winning goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. The Flower proved he can still play, posting four shutouts in his first six starts and stepping in as capable replacement. Injuries have proven to be an issue for the Ducks, as they enter this series with no less than three wingers (Kurovsky, Milano, Soshnikov) unable to play. Regular season matchups ended 4-1 Vancouver, including a couple of big wins (6-2, 6-0) for the Canadian team.

The Storyline
Can the Ducks cause a first-round playoff upset for second year in a row, after defeating the Blues last season?

The Key Player, Ducks
Marc-Andre Fleury – the veteran goalie will need to stand on his head to stop the deadly Canucks offense, which has scored 23 goals in 5 games against the Ducks so far this season

The Key Player, Canucks
Tommy Vannelli – big-minutes D-man and leader Vannelli normally cranks his play up a notch come playoff time

The Prediction
Canucks in five


Edmonton Oilers vs. Arizona Coyotes

The Preview
Arizona make their first appearance in the playoffs since 2012, ending the longest playoff drought in the league. An uptick in hockey interest in the Copper State, mainly due to hometown kid Auston Matthews’ rise to stardom, has turned the tides for the once-doomed franchise. After acquiring star center Evgeny Kuznetsov from Washington in the offseason, coupled with stellar play throughout the season by defensive dynamo Oliver Ekman Larsson, the Coyotes were finally able to rise from the lower ranks of the league and end second in the Atlantic. However, injury concerns cloud the skies for Coyotes fans, with Puljujärvi, Letunov and Pastujov all sidelined to start the series. Edmonton make their third straight playoff appearance and fourth in six seasons, but they have not made it past the first round during that period. The departure of star winger Taylor Hall in the offseason had many pundits predict the Oilers to take a step back this season, and although they finished with a worse record than last season, the addition of veteran center Anze Kopitar in February, complemented by solid depth acquisitions Lammikko and Kaspick, has the Oilers team looking strong going into the postseason. Regular season matchups indicate an even series, Oilers being up 3-2 with one of their Ws coming in a shootout.

The Storyline
Will the Oilers be able to avoid another first-round exit disappointment against the young and inexperienced Coyotes?

The Key Player, Oilers
Connor McDavid – having had trouble living up to the enormous expectations on him so far, McDavid posted a career high 80 points this regular season, and will look to continue producing in the offseason

The Key Player, Coyotes
Oliver Ekman Larsson – the veteran D-man leads active players for games played and points scored for Coyotes, and will need to play to the best of his abilities in all situations to lead his team past the Oilers

The Prediction
Oilers in four