Quick Glance:

On top of Lisbon players’ shoulder pads is their Lisbon jersey, of course, but on top of that there is a new chip on their shoulder after being edged out for the division title at the last minute by Bern. They are going to try to make Prague pay for it. But Prague is capable of beating them; they proved that in two of the three games the teams played this season. Keep an eye on this series because it could be a close one that hinges on one or two key moments.

Goalies:

• Prague – Andrei Vasilevskiy, 3.71 GAA, .883 save pct.
• Lisbon – Robin Lehner, 2.68 GAA, .903 save pct.

Top Plus/Minus players:

• Prague – Michael Rasmussen, Roger Karrer and Mikhail Sergachev, -3
• Lisbon – Brandon Montour, +57

Expert Panel Predictions:

• Commissioner Chuck: Lisbon in 6 games. Lisbon center Mathew Barzal had a great regular season and he came within 5 points of tying the existing scoring record (the one Connor McDavid blasted away). If he stays healthy, I think Barzal should be able to carry this team into the second round. The team is solid elsewhere, but Barzal generates offense at an incredible rate and giving up goals seems to be Prague’s Achilles’ heel.
• Rose: Prague in 7 games. It troubles me that Prague gives up goals easier than I give up, uhh … let’s not finish this sentence. But I love their depth. The Spartans have 4 – count ’em, 4 – excellent centers Mika Zibanejad, Connor Bedard, Matteo Gennaro and Phillip Schultz and I think the constant pressure they are capable of applying could pay off. They also have the better special teams units than Lisbon, so a little sweet-talking of the refs could go a long way. I’d throw in a wink while you’re talking to them, Mika.