Minnesota’s sixth consecutive showing in the Stanley Cup playoffs is tied for the league’s third-longest streak. Though Winnipeg has far less postseason experience, making only its second appearance in franchise history, a high-powered offense and steady goaltending place it among this year’s championship favorites.
The Wild’s veterans won’t go quietly, but injuries are adding up at the wrong time of the year. The Jets, meanwhile, are well rested (relatively speaking) and free of injuries to key players as the playoffs begin.
Sporting News’ NHL experts Brandon Schlager, Evan Sporer and Jim Cerny make their series predictions below.