2021 Hockeyfights Playoff Preview – Central Division
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen to one quarter of the penultimate hockeyfights preview of each of the first round matchups with a hockeyfights angle.
If you would like to check out our other division previews, they are coming:
This division had the 2nd most fights in it this season, which would be good. Unless you’re an old school type like me and know that there are a lot of fights left on the board these days. That said, one of these matchups may have some gold in them their fists.
Central Division – (Total Fights 48)
- Carolina Hurricanes (6) vs 4. Nashville Predators (12)
- Florida Panthers (11) vs 3. Tampa Bay Lightning (18)
Hurricanes / Predators
Between these two teams, there has only been one fight:
It’s almost as if these two teams could sense what was coming. For the Preds it was Lewington’s first as one (three more as a Cap), and for McCormick first as a Cane (eight fights as a Sen). If those two guys dress, we may have a chance. Other than that, it’s up to Mathieu Olivier (four) and any one of the five others who had a fight for the Canes. In other words, good luck.
Dream Fight: Viktor Arvidsson vs Cedric Paquette – I don’t have a funny or fun reason for wanting this. I just actually happen to think this would be a decent little matchup… so Viktor and Cedric… DO IT.
Danimal rating: Don’t bother
Lightning / Panthers
Between these two teams, there has been SEVEN fights:
Luke Schenn vs Ryan Lomberg from the Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers game on May 8, 2021
Barclay Goodrow vs Noel Acciari from the Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers game on May 8, 2021
Radko Gudas vs Yanni Gourde from the Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning game on Feb 15, 2021
Blake Coleman vs Radko Gudas from the Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers game on Feb 13, 2021
This one gives me so much hope I go from six to midnight or something else the kids would say. The first time the two state rivals will meet in a series and you don’t think they are both going to try and make it be one of the more memorable ones? Get real. This is going to be good.
Dream Fight: Patrick Maroon vs Radko Gudas – There can be only one Florida Man, and I truly believe this is the matchup that would decide that. Give it to me Patty and Radko.
Danimal rating: MUST SEE TEEVEE
Finally, and after a quarantine period that will last until Wednesday night, we look at the North division.
