Episode 395: 2021 Playoff Preview, Part 1

Ryan Lambert joins the show to help kick off our playoff previews by deep diving the round one matchups in the East and Central divisions. The topics include:

• Carolina's nearly flawless statistical resume
• What the Predators need to do to make a series of it
• The Hurricanes forecheck vs. Predators skilled defensemen
• The impact of seeing fans at the rink for a playoff game again
• Why Lightning vs. Panthers is the most exciting round 1 matchup
• What to expect from Kucherov, Stamkos, and TB's returning players
• Concerns about Victor Hedman since his injury
• How the Panthers use defensemen to dominate in transition
• What Florida will do in net with their goalie options
• What to make of Boston's numbers considering the teams they've played
• Taylor Hall's impact on the Bruins 2nd line and 5-on-5 play
• The Capitals power play vs. the Bruins penalty kill
• Why the Capitals are more dangerous than shot rates suggest
• How much to buy into the Islanders limping into the playoffs
• Barry Trotz's ability to plan for an opponent in a series setting
• Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock vs. Crosby's line
• Pittsburgh's secondary scoring and manufacturing offense
• What the Penguins need to do to avoid a repeat of 2019

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