It’s my Parting Shot for the second and final part of The Fearless Predictor’s N-H-L prognostications…..

I said at the end of yesterday’s first part to, quote, wait until what I have to say tomorrow, end quote – which is today! That’s because I’m telling you who’s going to win the Stanley Cup and who they will beat in the final series!

Spoiler alert – it’s NOT going to be a Florida-based team!!

After picking the order of finish in the two divisions of the Western Conference yesterday, it’s time to focus on the Eastern side of the continent…

…beginning with the Metropolitan Division where a lot of the smarty-pants insiders are saying Carolina will finish first going away – and I tend to believe them. New Jersey will be next with Washington having a bit of a drop-off from President’s Trophy runners-up to third and being guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. The Rangers will be fourth and just squeeze into the post-season ahead of Montreal – which will thrill me to no end! After that, in order, and watching hockey in late April, May and June will be Columbus, Philadelphia, the Islanders and Pittsburgh!

To the Atlantic Division and I’m going to say the Maple Leafs will do their darndest to prove that they don’t need Mitch Marner to finish in first place by doing just that! A healthy Anthony Stolarz in goal will be key to that happening. Those Florida teams I mentioned will be two-three behind Toronto with Tampa Bay second and the Panthers being healthy enough to claim the guaranteed post-season spot in third place. Ottawa will claim the first wild-card berth, making for a great first round playoff match-up against the Leafs. As I mentioned before, the Habs will Hab not make the playoffs in fifth place, followed – in order – by Detroit, Buffalo and Boston.

I shake my head at saying the Bruins and last place together in the same sentence! Oh, how the mighty have fallen!!

That brings me to the Stanley Cup final. There won’t be a Canadian-based team winning the big prize for a 33rd consecutive year – mostly because none of the seven Canadian-based sides will be in the final! I’m going with the Dallas Stars to hoist the mug over the Hurricanes!

Again, because it’s my commentary, I reserve the right to change my mind later in the season!!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!