NHL Network Radio presents the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions Round Two

Eight of the sixteen teams that made it to the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs have moved on to the second round. It was close. There were no sweeps in the first round, and only Winnipeg left the rink after managing a solitary win.

It was a highly entertaining opening round, with great goals, saves, controversial officiating, and big hits.  Like every other playoff year.

Now it’s down to the Hurricanes, Devils, Maple Leafs and Panthers. Golden Knights, Oilers, Stars, and Kraken. Of this group, Carolina most recently won the Stanley Cup, doing so in 2016…the first Stanley Cup Final this channel covered.

There is a two-way tie for first place in the pool.  Both Joe Thistel and Ryan Paton picked up an impressive 10 points and led the way by correctly predicting 6 of the 8 opening-round series. Steve Kouleas and Peter Berce also had an impressive first round, both correctly picking 6 of the 8 series.

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The staff and friends of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio now make their fearless predictions for the second round.

Keep in mind this is not a bracket challenge.  We will submit our predictions round by round.  Tune in to “Under Review” on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Channel 91 every weekday at 11 am Eastern/8 am Pacific for the latest Fearless Playoff Predictions updates.

2023 STANDINGS – AFTER 1 ROUND

• Joe Thistel                      10 Points (6 for 8)
• Ryan Paton                    10 Points (6 for 8)
• Steve Kouleas               8 Points (6 for 8)
• Peter Berce                    8 Points (6 for 8)
• Jonathan Davis             8 Points (5 for 8)
• Dennis Bernstein          8 Points (4 for 8)
• Martin Biron                  7 Points (5 for 8)
• Mick Kern                      7 Points (5 for 8)
• Scott Laughlin               7 Points (4 for 8)
• Tyler Madarasz             7 Points (4 for 8)
• Linda Cohn                    6 Points (4 for 8)
• Shane Malloy                6 Points (3 for 8)
• Jim Gordon                    5 Points (5 for 8)
• Mike McKenna             5 Points (4 for 8)
• Bruce Bolton                 5 Points (4 for 8)
• Russ Cohen                    5 Points (4 for 8)
• Gord Stellick                  5 Points (3 for 8)
• Dave McCarthy             4 Points (3 for 8)
• Jake Hahn                      4 Points (3 for 8)
• Bernie Corbett              4 Points (3 for 8)
• Lucas Critelli                  4 Points (3 for 8)
• Designated Listener    4 Points (3 for 8)
• Mike Lippa                     3 Points (3 for 8)
• Jesse Ralph                    3 Points (2 for 8)

FEARLESS PLAYOFF PREDICTION CHAMPIONS
2023 Champion – ???????

2022 Champion – Steve Kouleas
2021 Champion – Bruce Bolton (2)
2020 Champion – Dennis Bernstein
2019 Champion – Jim Gordon
2018 Champion – Joe Thistel (3)
2017 Champion – Peter Berce (2)
2016 Champion – Mike Lippa
2015 Champions – Peter Berce & Nick Alberga
2014 Champion – Joe Thistel (2)
2013 Champion – Bruce Bolton
2012 Champion – Mick Kern (4)
2011 Champion – Joe Thistel
2010 Champions – Scott Laughlin (2) & Shawn Lavigne
2009 Champions – Scott Laughlin & Mick Kern (3)
2008 Champion – Mick Kern (2)
2007 Champions – Mike Ross & Mick Kern

46 points is the maximum number of points one can achieve. Mike Lippa set the record with 36 points back in 2016. REMEMBER: This is NOT a bracket challenge.  We will make subsequent picks every round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

• 1 point for correctly choosing the winner of each 1^st round series
• 2 points for correctly choosing the winner of each 2^nd round series
• 2 points for correctly choosing the winner of each 3^rd round series
• 3 points for correctly choosing the 2021 Stanley Cup winner
• 2 points for correctly choosing the 2021 Conn Smythe winner
• 1 point for correctly choosing how long a series goes, but only if one also correctly picks that series’ winning team
• 3 points for correctly choosing the 2021 Stanley Cup winner before the playoffs begin
• 3 points for correctly choosing the 2021 Conn Smythe winner before the playoffs begin

As for favoured teams this time around, here is the statistical breakdown,,,

2023 Stanley Cup Champion:

Boston Bruins 9 votes – OOPS
Edmonton Oilers 9 votes

Dallas Stars 3 votes

Toronto Maple Leafs 2 votes
New York Rangers 1 vote – NOT GONNA HAPPEN

Our Fearless 2023 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions
SECOND ROUND

Steve Kouleas – DEFENDING CHAMPION
New Jersey in 6
Toronto in 6
Dallas in 6
Edmonton in 7

Linda Cohn
New Jersey in 6
Toronto in 7
Seattle in 7
Vegas in 7

Martin Biron
Carolina in 7
Toronto in 5
Dallas in 6
Edmonton in 7

Mike McKenna
No 2^nd Round Pick Submitted

Jonathan Davis
New Jersey in 6
Florida in 6
Dallas in 5
Edmonton in 6

Scott Laughlin
New Jersey in 6
Toronto in 6
Dallas in 6
Edmonton in 6

Dave McCarthy
New Jersey in 6
Toronto in 5
Dallas in 6
Edmonton in 6

Bernie Corbett
New Jersey in 7
Toronto in 6
Dallas in 6
Edmonton in 6

Dennis Bernstein
Carolina in 6
Toronto in 6
Dallas in 6
Vegas in 6

Mick Kern
New Jersey in 6
Toronto in 7
Dallas in 7
Vegas in 7

Gord Stellick
Carolina in 6
Toronto in 6
Dallas in 5
Edmonton in 7

Peter Berce
New Jersey in 7
Toronto in 6
Dallas in 6
Vegas in 7

Mike Lippa
Carolina in 7
Florida in 6
Dallas in 5
Edmonton in 7

Jim Gordon
New Jersey in 7
Toronto in 7
Dallas in 5
Vegas in 7

Joe Thistel
New Jersey in 6
Florida in 7
Dallas in 5
Edmonton in 6

Jesse Ralph
New Jersey in 6
Florida in 7
Dallas in 7
Edmonton in 6

Shane Malloy
Carolina in 6
Toronto in 6
Dallas in 6
Edmonton in 6

Tyler Madarasz
New Jersey in 6
Toronto in 6
Dallas in 6
Edmonton in 6

Bruce Bolton
Carolina in 7
Toronto in 6
Seattle in 7
Edmonton in 6

Jake Hahn
New Jersey in 6
Toronto in 7
Dallas in 7
Edmonton in 5

Ryan Paton
New Jersey in 6
Toronto in 6
Dallas in 7
Edmonton in 7

Russ Cohen
New Jersey in 7
Florida in 6
Dallas in 6
Edmonton in 6

Lucas Critelli
New Jersey in 7
Toronto in 6
Dallas in 6
Edmonton in 6

Designated Listener: Brad from Trail, B.C.
Carolina in 7
Florida in 7
Dallas in 6
Edmonton in 6