Western Conference Final
In the Western Conference Final, the Avalanche would face the winner of the Pacific Division bracket. As it stands, the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings would battle in one first-round series with the Vegas Golden Knights, winner of the Pacific Division, taking on the Minnesota Wild, the first wild card team.
Let’s assume the Oilers bounce the Kings and the Golden Knights dispatch the Wild, the Oilers would face the Golden Knights in the second round. Let’s assume once more that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are too much for the Golden Knights, leading the Oilers to the Conference Final.
That situation sets up an epic Connor McDavid versus Nathan MacKinnon matchup. The Oilers, while uber-talented, aren’t exactly the most consistent team. There are times when the Oilers falter and other times look unstoppable.
So, let’s suppose the Avalanche continue a string of successful games, beating the Oilers in the Conference Final. Such a situation would set the Avalanche up against the winner of the Eastern Conference side of the bracket.
Stanley Cup Final
It’s anyone’s guess who could be the winner on the Eastern Conference side of the NHL playoff bracket. The Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning all look poised to make it to the Stanley Cup Final.
But let’s take the odds and suppose the Florida Panthers, as defending champions, make it back to the Stanley Cup Final. That would set up another unforgettable final featuring MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and company against a rag-tag group in Florida.
Last year, the Panthers needed seven games to take the Cup home. This time around, the clock will strike midnight as the Avalanche dethrone the Cup champs and bring their second Cup in four seasons.
Of course, the path I’ve laid out is purely based on assumptions. We’ll have a clearer picture once the playoff seedings are final in about four weeks.