2022 Stanley Cup playoff picks - Every first-round series, plus Cup champion, Conn Smythe Trophy

The NHL's 32 teams have completed their 82-game schedules, and now 16 of them have a chance to take home the most glorious trophy in all of sports.

Yes, the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs are upon us. And this year, they're back on the networks of ESPN and ABC, including every game on Monday through Wednesday this week to open the tournament.

But it's also time for ESPN's hockey experts to serve up their picks on every first-round series, along with their calls on which team will skate with the Cup this June and which player will earn the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.

Jump ahead:FLA-WSH | TOR-TBCAR-BOS | NYR-PITCOL-NSH | MIN-STLCGY-DAL | EDM-LAStanley Cup champConn Smythe

Sean Allen: Panthers in fiveBlake Bolden: Panthers in fiveBrian Boucher: Panthers in fiveJohn Buccigross: Capitals in sevenRyan Callahan: PanthersCassie Campbell-Pascall: Panthers in sixSachin Chandan: Panthers in fourChris Chelios: Panthers in sixLinda Cohn: Panthers in sixRick DiPietro: PanthersRay Ferraro: Panthers in sixLeah Hextall: Panthers in sixEmily Kaplan: Panthers in sevenTim Kavanagh: Panthers in fiveHilary Knight: Panthers in sevenDon La Greca: Panthers in fivePeter Lawrence-Riddell: Panthers in sixSteve Levy: Panthers in fiveVictoria Matiash: Panthers in fiveSean McDonough: Panthers in fiveBarry Melrose: Panthers in sixMark Messier: Panthers in sixAJ Mleczko: Panthers in sixDominic Moore: Panthers in sevenArda Öcal: Panthers in fourKristen Shilton: Panthers in sixJohn Tortorella: Capitals in sevenKevin Weekes: Panthers in fiveBob Wischusen: Panthers in sixGreg Wyshynski: Panthers in five

Consensus pick: Panthers, 28/30

John Buccigross examines the historical run the Tampa Bay Lightning have had over the past two seasons.

Sean Allen: Li