The Hockey Show: The Cup Is Back Up For Grabs

The NHL playoffs are set with surprising absences of traditional powerhouses like the Panthers, Maple Leafs, and Rangers, while teams like the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators enter with momentum. Analysts debate upsets, with bold predictions favoring Montreal over Tampa Bay and Ottawa over Carolina based on late-season form and goaltending improvements. The conversation also highlights Joe Bowen’s retirement after 40 years as the voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Get sharp, opinionated playoff predictions grounded in team dynamics and season performance from seasoned hockey analysts.

1. 01Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators are predicted to outperform expectations due to strong finishes and improved goaltending.
2. 02Tampa Bay Lightning are seen as vulnerable despite past success, with Montreal favored by some for an upset driven by rising star Cole Caulfield.
3. 03The absence of Panthers, Leafs, and Rangers—teams that received poor season grades (D to F)—marks a significant shift in the Eastern Conference landscape.