2024 Stanley Cup playoffs: Conference Final series picks

Credit: Feb 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) and Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) chase the puck during the first period at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Four teams, inching toward Lord Stanley’s mug, some of whom have never won it at all, none of whom has captured it this century. The stakes feel extra high in both Conference Final matchups this spring.

The ‘Team of Destiny’ New York Rangers seem to be mimicking the path of their 1994 counterpart, which also opened the playoffs 7-0 and ended up winning it all. They take on a stacked and balanced Florida Panthers team that bullied its way through the first two rounds of the playoffs with a rough and tumble style.

Out West, the Dallas Stars seem to be getting stronger with each round. After squeaking by the Vegas Golden Knights in seven games, Dallas only needed six to dispose of the Colorado Avalanche. The Stars have now knocked off the past two Stanley Cup champs and enter their series with the Edmonton Oilers as the clear favorite.

So, which two teams will advance to the 2023-24 Stanley Cup Final?

Below, you’ll see our picks for Round 3.

The panel of prognosticators:

Colby Cohen, co-host of Morning Cuppa Hockey
Steven Ellis, DFO associate editor & prospect analyst
Jason Gregor, co-host of the DFO Rundown podcast
Matt Larkin, DFO managing editor & senior writer
Jonny Lazarus, DFO writer & co-host of Morning Cuppa Hockey
Brock Seguin, DFO managing fantasy editor
Frank Seravalli, DFO president of hockey content
Tyler Yaremchuk, host & senior producer of The Nation Network

The picks:

The Oilers have unrivalled top-end star power, and the Rangers have tremendous emotional momentum, but the Stars and Panthers have looked like the most balanced teams in the playoffs so far. They feel like fitting picks to meet in the Final, and while we don’t have unanimous agreement on either series, the consensus leans toward a Dallas/Florida matchup.

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