2022 NHL Playoffs: Conference Finals predictions

We’re down to the final four teams of the 2021-22 NHL season. One of the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Colorado Avalanche, or Edmonton Oilers will be this year’s Stanley Cup champion.

In the East, it’ll be a battle of the goaltenders with the excellent matchup between Andrei Vasilevskiy and Igor Shesterkin. The other angle in the Rangers-Lightning series will be Tampa Bay’s pursuit of a third straight title, something no NHL team has done since the early 1980s New York Islanders.

The Western Conference Final will be one of star power with the Avalanche taking on the Oilers. Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Leon Draisaitl, Cale Makar… This is going to be a fun one.

On to the the Pro Hockey Talk Conference Final predictions!

LIGHTNING vs. RANGERS

Sean Leahy, NHL writer: Lightning in 6. You’re going to read so much about “The Rangers are finally going to face a No. 1 goalie” this round, and while that’s true — and good luck beating Andrei Vasilevskiy — the Lightning are a machine right now. And let’s not forget they could get Brayden Point back this series. Igor Shesterkin, like he was against Carolina, will be New York’s best hope.

Michael Finewax, NBC Sports Edge Senior Hockey Writer/Editor: Lightning in 6. The Lightning have been resting their wounds after defeating the Panthers in four straight while the Rangers were forced to play a pair of seven-game series. While Igor Shesterkin will keep the Rangers close in most games, Andrei Vasilevskiy will once again show that he is the best goaltender in the world in leading the Lightning to another Stanley Cup Final.

Adam Gretz, NHL writer: Lightning in 7. Igor Shesterkin and Andrei Vasilevskiy take turns stealing games for their respective teams, but