Quick Glance:

This should be a good one. Both teams were hot when the regular season ended. And Jack Eichel vs. Nathan MacKinnon is worth the price of admission. Then you have Nikolaj Ehlers vs. David Pastrnak. The offenses are the headliners here. Belfast was 5th in the league in goals per game and Stockholm was 8th, just quarter of a goal behind. Both teams play hard, take penalties and score powerplay goals. And they both have veteran goalies who are both in the Top 6 all-time in wins. Like we said, it should be a close one.

Goalies:

• Stockholm – Braden Holtby, 3.26 GAA, .900 save pct.
• Belfast – Alexander Salak, 3.01 GAA, .900 save pct.

Top Plus/Minus players:

• Stockholm – Olli Maatta +21
• Belfast – Ryan Murray +38

Expert Panel Predictions:

• Commissioner Chuck: Belfast in 6 games. Both teams are evenly matched, but Stockholm gives up more shots per game and more powerplay goals. In a tight series, that could make the difference.
• Rose: Stockholm in 5 games. I am smarter than everyone, and everyone thinks this will be a close series. It won’t be. The EEE Line and Stockholm’s solid forward depth will carry the day.