Bleacher Report · Jul 31, 2020
NHL Playoffs 2020: Predictions for East, West Qualifying Games
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Connor McDavid have to take an extra step to hoist the Stanley Cup this season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers are the No. 5 seed in their respective conferences after the 24-squad restart field was determined off points percentage from the regular season.
On paper, both teams are deeper and more talented than their foes in the NHL qualifying round, but there could be some difficulties throughout the five-game series.
Pittsburgh has to face one of the most experienced goalies in the league, while Edmonton must shrug off a bad string of recent results against a team with championship-winning pedigree.
Qualifying Round Predictions