NHL Network Analysts predict Toronto-Edmonton Stanley Cup Finals
On today's NHL Network broadcast while fielding viewer questions, Analyst Mike Johnson made a bold prediction of the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs playing each other in this year's Stanley Cup Finals.
Known for his accurate predictions, «Mystic Mike» Johnson said the Leafs will defeat the Oilers for their first Stanley Cup win since 1967. Met with initial doubt over their tough path towards the finals, Johnson said he believes Toronto has the ability to beat Tampa Bay in the first round, which would give them the momentum needed to upset the Bruins in the second round.
Essentially, he argues that the confidence gained by winning one round could propel them to new height in the post-season.
On the other hand, both Johnson and his co-host Mike Rupp agree that the Oilers will represent the west in this year's cup finals. With the playoff experience they gained with last year's run to the conference finals, in addition to an already weak Pacific division, the Oilers look primed to go deep in the postseason. Of course, they've got a guy named Connor McDavid, too.
If those predictions come to be true, the Cup Finals this year could be electric in a way not seen before in years. The all-Canadian matchup, the head to head battle of Matthews and McDavid, and the existing rivalry of the teams and fan bases would make for an incredible series.
