NHL analyst makes bold Stanley Cup Final prediction

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Dorin Canaday
February 6, 2023 (8:12 PM)

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On Monday, The NHL Network panel discussed the 2023 Stanley Cup postseason.

With Gary Bettman's current playoff format, the NHL's first round matchups are almost already set, especially in the Eastern Conference. With few teams on the outside have a small chance of squeezing into the picture in either Conference.

However, former NHLer Mike Johnson, who is now an analyst, went as far as predicting his Finals matchup, and it's bold, to say the least.

As per Johnson:

''I think the winner of the Toronto vs Tampa has a great chance of upsetting Boston. They'll be battle tested - if it's Toronto, so full of confidence after having accomplished something they've been striving to accomplish getting past the first round. They also played Boston really tough, as has Tampa.. The Momentum of winning that very big series to start the playoffs, cloud propel that team forward.''

The Oilers were able to make it to the Western Final last year, but got swept at the hands of the eventual Cup winning Avalanche. Being in the Pacific Division, Edmonton perhaps has one of the easiest paths in the playoffs.

So, it's possible that Connor McDavid and Co. may not be too far away from finally reaching the Final.

The Maple Leafs on the other hand, haven't been able to make it past the first round since 2004. Although they're a top team in the league it won't get any easier.

Toronto will most likely have to go through the Lightning and then the Bruins in the first two rounds. Outside of that, they would have to potentially face the Hurricanes, Rangers or up and coming Devils.

It won't be easy but you never know! What do you think?