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March 26,2023
Behind The Mask
With Kelly Hrudey
There's a lot on the line entering the last week of play as the regular season comes to a close. Vancouver and San Jose each have 3 games to decide who will have home ice advantage in their first round showdown. Calgary and Winnipeg are fighting for the final playoff position in the Western Conference each with 71 points but the Jets with 1 game in hand. In the East Detroit holds a single point advantage over Tampa Bay with a playoff birth on the line. They each have 4 games remaining and can make things interesting given Boston is only 5 points ahead with 2 games left to play. Yes there's plenty to cover so let's get at it shall we?!
| Sunday, March 26, 2023: |
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Calgary have their work cut out for themselves. Clinging to the final playoff spot tied with Winnipeg, they only have 2 games remaining and unfortunately one of them is against the juggernaut from Edmonton. It doesn't look good for the Flames given their play of late. Entering play Sunday they are 1-8-1 but on the bright side they did earn a 1-1 tie on Saturday against Colorado thanks to a 35 save performance from Sergei Bobrovsky. They'll need another such showing from Bobrovsky to even have a chance. I don't like their odds... I'll give my thoughts on the Oilers once the playoffs start. Wow do they look really good!
| Prediction |
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| 1 |
5 |
| Actual (OT) |
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| 3 |
3 |
| Wednesday, March 29, 2023: |
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The Wings lead Tampa Bay by a point with each team having 4 games remaining. Detroit finishes with the Islanders, Quebec, Colorado, and the Rangers. Detroit has been coming on lately winning their second game in a row Saturday, a 4-2 decision over Pittsburgh. Detroit will have to keep it going with the way Tampa have been going. It'll come down to the wire as I expected in the East. Colorado are locked into the 6th seed and will likely face Anaheim in the first round and will want to get into playoff form. Expect a tough test from Detroit given the Wings defeated the Avs in their last meeting 3-1.
| Prediction |
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| 3 |
2 |
| Actual |
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| 5 |
4 |
| Friday, March 31, 2023: |
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Well what can I say about the Vancouver Canucks that hasn't been said already? Currently on a 15 game winning streak and with upcoming games against Chicago, Seattle and this game, it wouldn't be hard to see them close out the season on an 18 game win streak! The Canucks on firing on all cylinders and I did mention awhile ago if goaltender Tristen Jarry picked up his game to watch out. Yes he has a formidable lineup in front of him but entering the playoffs you need quality and consistent goaltending. The Sharks had better be ready. Winnipeg has games remaining against Columbus, Edmonton and this contest. Tied with Calgary and with a game in hand, the Jets will need to find a way to garner points somehow. Side note: the Jets defeated the Canucks 3-2 in their last meeting.
| Prediction |
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| 4 |
1 |
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| 2 |
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| Friday, March 31, 2023: |
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The Bruins are 5 points ahead of Detroit but only have 2 games left, this one and against Hartford Wednesday. Win out and they should earn a playoff birth. Easier said than done however as both the Whalers and Sabres are playing good hockey at the moment. Boston does control their own destiny and are a difficult team to play regardless. This will be a tough game but the Bruins do play well on the road. Buffalo are almost guaranteed the division but Toronto are making things interesting. That said I do believe Buffalo should be ok in taking the Orr Division with 4 games left to play and will look to strengthen their game against their division rival.
| Prediction (OT) |
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| 2 |
3 |
| Actual |
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| 4 |
3 |
| Thursday, March 30, 2023: |
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 We come to my coveted Game of the Week featuring cross state rivals Tamps Bay and Florida. Besides bragging rights there's a lot on the line for both clubs. Tampa hope to earn the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference and Florida may want to send a future playoff partner a message and also seal their overall standing atop the RSHL . Tampa's 3 other remaining games against Quebec, Washington, and Minnesota has them looking good entering this contest. Winners of 5 straight games, GM Scott Palmer's Lightning have their sights set on catching Detroit and are playing like it. 7-3 in their last 10 Tampa will look to show Florida what they may be in for come the post season. Florida meanwhile are seeking their first RSHL Presidents Trophy. They've played consistent, solid hockey all season long and this Trophy would be well earned. They hold a 2 point edge on Edmonton with a game in hand and this game could decide it all. What a way to do so especially against Tampa Bay. This should be a great game and a possible prelude of a first round matchup. What a first round that would be!!
| Prediction |
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| 2 |
3 |
| Actual (OT) |
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| 4 |
3 |
On a side note San Jose blew a golden opportunity dropping a 4-3 decision to Chicago Saturday. They have remaining games against Columbus, Buffalo, and Florida. Should be great watching all these games and the developments unfold. I love this time of year and I hope you do as well. Enjoy the games everyone and as always your thoughts and feedback are most welcomed. Can the Canucks finish the month undefeated? What do you think? I look forward to doing a playoff edition of Behind the Mask: Playoff Edition soon. Until next time.....
KH
3/26/2023
Your Call
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