2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Bracket Challenge

The 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are upon us, and it’s time to put your hockey knowledge to the test with the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge. 

FTN has you covered with a full Stanley Cup playoff preview.

This contest is just like March Madness — but for the NHL playoffs. Try your hand at predicting the outcome of the entire playoffs and compete against friends.

Let’s dive into the rules, scoring system and predictions to help you make the most of your NHL bracket.

How to Play the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Bracket Challenge

According to the official rules, participating in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge is easy:

• Create an NHL Account and an NHL Game Zone profile or sign in if you already have one.
• Once the bracket opens, choose a league, click “CREATE BRACKET,” and start making your picks for each round.
• You can also create and join leagues to compete with others. You can make one bracket per league.
• Remember to submit your picks before the deadline: one minute before the puck drop of the first Game 2 of the Playoffs scheduled for 6:59 p.m. ET April 19.

Scoring and Points System

Points are earned in two ways: Basic Scoring and Bonus Points. Basic Scoring is based on correct series winner predictions in each round, while Bonus Points can be earned in the first round by predicting both the winner and the series length. Here’s a breakdown of the points awarded:

• 1st Round: 10 points for each correct series winner prediction
• 2nd Round: 25 points for each correct series winner prediction
• 3rd Round (Conference Finals): 50 points for each correct series winner prediction
• 4th Round (Stanley Cup Final): 100 points for the correct Stanley Cup Champion prediction

For each first-round matchup, you can earn 3 bonus points by correctly predicting the series length in addition to the winner.

You’ll also predict the total number of goals scored during the Stanley Cup Final as a tiebreaker.

Key Dates and Deadlines

The closing date is one minute before the first Game 2 of the Playoffs, scheduled for 6:59 p.m. ET April 19. Make sure to finalize your picks before the deadline.

NHL Playoff Bracket Challenge Predictions, Picks, Tips

Here are three things to keep in mind when filling out your bracket:

• You get bonus points for correctly predicting how many games will be in each series. As you’ll see in the breakdown, there are a lot of matchups in the first round that are pretty even. We only saw one sweep in the first round last year, and at least seven of the eight series went to at least six games. 
• Keep in mind how teams performed at home and on the road when determining how many games to select in each series. This doesn’t mean to pick all home teams, but home ice advantage is important.
• Tie goes to the goalie. If you’re having a problem predicting a series because you think it’s “too close to call,” lean toward the team with the better 5v5 play and goaltending. Special teams (power play and penalty kill) are important, but a strong goalie can carry a team a long way. Make sure your “upset team” is strong in goal or great at eliminating high danger.

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