WESTERN CONFERENCE

CENTRAL DIVISION

(1) Nashville Predators versus (4) Colorado Avalanche

The Predators and Avalanche had very different goals heading into this season. Nashville was looking to get back to the Cup final after falling to Pittsburgh last spring, while Colorado was coming off a miserable 48-point season. The Predators took the first step on their mission by winning the Presidents’ Trophy with 117 points. The surprising Avalanche finished with 95 points – 47 more than they earned in 2016-17 – to get back in the playoffs for just the second time since 2011. Colorado centre Nathan Mackinnon, who had 97 points this season, is a Hart Trophy candidate after helping to drag his team back to respectability. But the Predators’ deep forward group and stud defence backstopped by Vezina Trophy contender Pekka Rinne is a difficult hill to climb.

Head-to-head season series: Predators 4-0-0; Avalanche 0-3-1

Pick: Predators in five

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(2) Anaheim Ducks versus (3)

San Jose Sharks

Both teams head into this series with question marks. Anaheim starter John Gibson hasn’t played since suffering an upperbody injury on April 1. Veteran backup Ryan Miller, who has plenty of playoff experience, will get the call if the Vezina contender is unable to go. San Jose, meanwhile, heads into the playoffs after going 1-4-1 over its final six games. The Sharks made the Cup final two seasons ago, but were bounced in the first round by Edmonton last spring. The California rivals have only met once in the playoffs, with the Ducks winning in six games back in 2009.

Head-to-head this season: Sharks 3-0-1; Ducks 1-1-2

Pick: Sharks in six