The Celtics and Bruins both sit at the top of their divisions as the NBA and NHL seasons come to a close. With each team expected to make deep runs in the playoffs, let’s take a look at their possible paths to championships.
CELTICS – HOW TO MAKE IT OUT OF THE EAST
After their win last night against the Heat, the Hawks solidified themselves as the Celtic’s round one opponent. This season, Boston holds an undefeated 3-0 record agaisnt Atlanta with an average win margin of 13.33 points per game. The opening line for game one leaned eight points in Boston’s favor, but after knowledgeable bettors heavily thew on the Celtics, the line has already shifted to 8.5. I think that the Celts will overwhelm the Hawks in rebounds and breeze by them in four or five games.
In the second round, the Celtics will face off against the winner of Philly vs Brooklyn. While I would love for the Nets to win and make the Celtics playoff run easier, I think that the 76ers will make quick work of Brooklyn. The line for this matchup is identical to Boston’s with Philly favored by 8.5 points. I expect Embiid to carry the Sixers to the second round to give the Celtics their first real challenge of the postseason.
After crushing the dreams of Philly fans once again, the big three of Tatum, JB, and Smart will go on to face the Greek Freak in the conference finals. I am not even going to go over Milwaukee’s first and second rounds. Just know that they will be in the Eastern Conference Finals because they are that good. The matchup between the Celtics and the Bucks will be legendary, likely going seven games.
For who the Celts will face in the finals, any guess is good. The west is a complete toss up for who will make it out. The only team that I think has an edge is the Suns who haven’t lost when KD plays. The key for that team is to stay healthy, so we’ll see if they end up going the distance or if another team will be the ones to top the Western Conference.
BRUINS – THE PATH TO BECOME THE GREATEST TEAM IN HISTORY
The Bruins have 64 wins with one game remaining, meaning that they can finish three wins higher than any team in the history of the NHL. The most casual follower of sports would call that enough evidence for them to be crowned the greatest team ever, but hockey fans know that without the Stanley Cup, regular season accolades are meaningless. So, here’s who I think their opponents will be as they make a run for the cup:
Round One: The Islanders will face off against the Bruins if they can beat the Canadiens tonight. If the Islanders fail to do so (in regulation) and the Penguins beat the Canadiens, the Pens will be the ones squaring off against the B’s. If the Islanders win and the Panthers lose, the Islanders will hop into the first wildcard spot, causing the Panthers to be Boston’s first victim. Any way you look at it though, the Bruins are heavy favorites and I expect them to breeze through the first round.
In the second round, the Bruins will face off against either Toronto or Tampa Bay. Personally, I would prefer to play the Lightning who have been limping to the finish line of the regular season. The Maple Leafs are also a much scarier team in away arenas (22-13-5 vs 18-22-1). No matter what, Boston will have a tough series, but I have complete confidence in them to make it though to the Eastern Conference Finals.
I can see any one of the Hurricanes, Rangers, or Devils coming out ontop of the Metropolitan Division. These teams are all within four points of each other with no team looking a step ahead of the others. Any of these three teams are contenders for the Stanley Cup and will surely make it difficult for Boston to advance. That being said, the Bruins are a combined 8-1 against them, so the B’s chances are looking good. If I were forced to bet on one team though, I’d take the Rangers. They have so much talent, and if they start clicking they will be incredibly hard to stop.
As for who the Bruins will face in the finals, it is just as much a tossup as who the Celtics will face when they reach the same point. The defending champions out of Colorado are looking great, the Stars and Wild are high class contenders, and Conor McDavid is hungry for his first chip. In 16 games last postseason, McDavid had 10 goals and 23 assists, totaling 33 points and a plus minus of +15. If he can put up a legendary postseason like that once more, I don’t see why the Oilers wouldn’t make a run. However, if I were to pick any team to make it all the way, it’d have to be the Avalanche. They are just so complete on both sides of the ice and all throughout their bench.
One thing’s for sure, the Stanley Cup Finals will be must watch television.