The 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Conference Semifinals

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Philadelphia Flyers (1) vs. New York Islanders (6)
For the first time since 1984-85, the New York Islanders advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs in consecutive seasons. They face the Philadelphia Flyers, who advanced beyond the Conference Quarterfinals for the first time since 2012. This marks the first playoff meeting between the Flyers and Islanders since 1987, when the Flyers defeated the Islanders in seven games in the second round. This is the fifth meeting between the two teams in the playoffs to date; Philadelphia have won three of the previous four meetings. Despite being considered the underdog, the Islanders won every meeting they had against the Flyers during the regular season.

Prediction: Philadelphia in six games.

Tampa Bay Lightning (2) vs. Boston Bruins (4)
The Tampa Bay Lightning avenged their shocking first round loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets last year by defeating them in five games this year in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The series had one of the longest playoff games ever, as Game 1 was decided in the fifth overtime. Boston defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. The Lightning and Bruins have met twice previously in the playoffs. Boston won the first meeting in the third round in 2011, while Tampa Bay won the second meeting in the second round in 2018. Tampa Bay won three of the four regular season meetings against the Bruins.

Prediction: Boston in seven games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Vegas Golden Knights (1) vs. Vancouver Canucks (5)
The Vancouver Canucks have already made their first Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance in five years a memorable one, as they defeated the St. Louis Blues, the defending Stanley Cup Champions, in six games in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. The Vegas Golden Knights knocked out the Chicago Blackhawks in five games in their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. This marks the first playoff meeting between the Golden Knights and the Canucks. Vegas and Vancouver met twice in the regular season. Vegas doubled Vancouver 6-3 on December 15, and only four days later, Vancouver defeated Vegas 5-4 in overtime.

Prediction: Vegas in seven games.

Colorado Avalanche (2) vs. Dallas Stars (3)
Expected by many to go all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals this season, the Colorado Avalanche ousted the Arizona Coyotes in five games in their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. They face the Dallas Stars, who eliminated the Calgary Flames in six games. This marks the fifth time Dallas and Colorado have met in the playoffs; Colorado won the most recent meeting, which was in the first round in 2006. Dallas beat Colorado in all four regular season matchups.

Prediction: Colorado in six games.