2026 NHL Playoff Predictions: Why Dallas vs. Minnesota is a COIN FLIP | Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are finally here! In this Thursday edition of Locked on NHL, Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) deliver a deep-dive, stats-heavy preview of the first-round matchups. From the health of Miro Heiskanen to the "God Mode" potential of Jake Oettinger, we break down why the Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild series is destined for seven games. We also pivot to the Eastern Conference to give our definitive series picks for the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators, the high-flying Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins, and the "Cinema" matchup between Tampa Bay and Montreal.  Plus, we analyze the Pacific Division seeding chaos: Will Edmonton face Anaheim or the Kings? 05:31 Importance of five-on-five play  09:15 Minnesota team player analysis  12:18 Quick take on Carolina vs Ottawa  14:16 Playoff struggles without a superstar  17:18 Buffalo vs. Boston prediction  22:43 Stuart Skinner's playoff impact  23:53 Penguins vs. Flyers series preview  28:56 Predicting Edmonton vs. Anaheim series outcome  29:47 Discussing Edmonton vs. Anaheim playoffs  Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttp://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.