2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Round 3 Preview

(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (A2) Ottawa Senators

At the beginning of the playoffs, this series would be in the Penguins favour, now it looks to be more of a toss-up. The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games before beating rival Washington Capitals in a seven game battle. Offensively, it has been Jake Guentzel whose found the back of the net most often, as he leads the playoffs with nine goals. Evgeni Malkin leads the playoffs with 18 points, while Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel have also reached the double-digit mark. The defense has managed without Kris Letang, with Justin Schultz leading the way from the backend. Marc-Andre Fleury has ran hot-and-cold in these playoffs, but has posted a respectable 0.927 SV%. The Ottawa Senators have beating an injured Boston Bruins squad and a not-too-good New York Rangers team, both in six game series. It's been Pageau-mania up front, with the forward scoring seven times. Bobby Ryan and Derick Brassard lead the forwards with nine points each. The defense has been all Erik Karlsson, as he has done nearly everything for this team. Karlsson leads the team with 13 points. Craig Anderson has had a few bad games in net, resulting in a somewhat disappointing 0.914SV%. It kind of is a coin flip between the two, especially with both star players playing hurt (Crosby with the possible issues from a concussion, Karlsson with his foot). Pittsburgh may have a slight edge in depth players, which can help in a long series. Pittsburgh Penguins in seven.

(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (W2) Nashville Predators
The only two teams to sweep their first round opponents face each other for a chance to go to the Cup Final. The Anaheim Ducks eliminated Alberta (Calgary first, then Edmonton). Ryan Getzlaf has been a force through the playoffs for the Ducks, posting a 8-7-15 stat line. Jacob Silfverberg and Rickard Rackell have also been filling the net. Defensively, it has been their young crop (Josh Manson, Shea Theodore, and Brandon Montour) helping out while Cam Fowler and Sami Vatanen missed time. In the words of a former Maple Leaf coach, John Gibson has been "OK, just OK" in net for the Ducks. The Anaheim goaltender has a 0.907 SV% through two rounds (granted, one blowout loss has skewed the number somewhat). For the Nashville Predators, they went through the Midwest in their two rounds (Chicago and St. Louis). While no one on the team has reached double-digits in points, there were still able to get the offense they need to get this far. Their defensemen have been solid at both ends, thanks the four-headed monster of P.K. Subban, Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi, and Mattias Ekholm. Pekke Rinne has continued to be great in these playoffs, posting a 0.951 SV%. Overall, Nashville's defense and goaltending has been slightly better, and that may be enough to fend off Anaheim's attack. Nashville Predators in six.