The Western Conference finals for the 2018 NHL Playoffs is a match-up no one and I mean NO ONE would have predicted at the beginning of the year. The amazing story that is the expansion Golden Knights continues as they have done the un-thinkable and made it to the Western Finals vs the powerful Winnipeg Jets. The Jets have been a juggernaut all season long and are coming of a gruelling 7 game series vs Nashville. This should be a beauty.
Western Conference Finals Matchup
Vegas Golden Knights
1st in the Pacific
51-24-7 (109 points)
Head to Head Matchup
Knights Won 2-1-0
Top Playoff Performers
Winnipeg Jets
2nd in the Central
43-30-9 (95 points)
Head to Head Matchup
Jets Lost 1-1-0-1
Top Playoff Performers
Jets vs Golden Knights - Conference Final Preview
Round 2 Recap:
Jets beat Predators 4 games to 3
This series between Nashville and Winnipeg lived up to its billing. These were the top two teams during the regular season and this game showed fans why. If you looked at this series with stats, you would see that it was even in almost every category. Going to seven games would also suggest this, however many of the games were a little lopsided on the score sheet. Home ice was not a huge advantage in this series as most wins came on the road, which is out of character for these two teams as they both had strong home records in the regular season. The Predators got plenty of scoring from their defensive core during the regular season, but they did not get the same production during this round.
Jets showed us what they did well all season, they received scoring from top to bottom which made it hard on the Predators, especially their defence who could not play their natural game. One thing that decided this series, was the poor play by Pekka Rinnie for the Predators (especially in game 7) and the solid goaltending of Hellebuyck.
Golden Knights beat Sharks 4 games to 2
This series was a battle of the goalies. Jones played hot and cold but managed to steal a game for the Sharks. Unfortunately, for Jones and the Sharks, Fleury was red hot during this series. Marc-Andre had two shut-outs for Golden Knights during series. Fleury is playing in the best form of his career for Vegas, and on track to win the Conn Smyth if Vegas goes to the finals.
The Sharks big guns did well and may have been successful against any other team, but they could not solve Fleury. The Golden Knights team speed was just too much for the Sharks to handle. Vegas scoring has been well balanced during these playoffs. They are getting production from regular season leaders Karlsson and Marchessault, the younger guys Smith and Tuch and veterans Neal and Perron. This makes it hard for any team to shut down the Vegas scoring.
NHL Western Conference Finals Preview
One year ago, the Jets were a non-playoff team and the Golden Knights did not even exist as a playing team. Today, we can all say that both teams deserve to be where they are in the NHL Western Finals. The Golden Knights have beaten expectations all year. First, they were a competitive team and then they won their division. Vegas followed this up by winning a playoff series and now they are in the Western Final. Their main star has been Fleury, he has been playing at Conn Smythe level in goal these playoffs. Also, the players on the Vegas top line are scoring goals on a consistent basis.
Winnipeg is a much-improved team from last season and they are playing like a Cup contender. They finished second, overall, in points during the regular season and last round, and knocked off the Presidents Trophy winner. Jets got Stastny at the trade deadline and now this seems like the best move of this year’s trade deadline. He has settled in well on the Jets second line and formed a great partnership with Laine. This acquisition has allowed the Jets’ other big players, Scheifele and Wheeler more freedom to score goals. This series will be a fast paced one that will have the hockey (and maybe sports) world talking. The Jets are one of the only teams that have the speed to match Vegas every step of the way. The Winnipeg Jets win this series in an exciting six games.
Jets vs Golden Knights Prediction - Jets in 6 Games
Why Winnipeg Win This Series
- 1Mark Scheifele is leading the Jets in points during these playoffs. During these playoffs, he has been a true leader and inspiring the team.
- 2Big Dustin Byfuglien. He gets points, he is physical and he is a massive presence on the ice - in size and status.
- 3Depth of scoring. Scheifele is not the only one scoring for the Jets. Winnipeg are getting goals from all their lines which will be crucial to beating Vegas who don't give you many opportunities.
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