On Saturday, April 20, the Stanley Cup Playoffs get underway. There are two games featured on TBS and TNT.

Both are in the Eastern Conference. First up is the Islanders taking on the Hurricanes. That’ll be followed by the Maple Leafs challenging the Bruins.

Sunday will include four more matchups. The Lightning and Panthers renew their rivalry at brunch time. The Capitals and Rangers will follow tomorrow afternoon.

The Western Conference kicks off with two intriguing series. In what could be an exciting battle between two good teams, the Avalanche take on the Jets on Sunday night. Then, the Predators will take on the Canucks late tomorrow night.

The Golden Knights challenge the Stars in a juicy first round matchup that begins on Monday, April 22. Once again, the Kings and Oilers will clash later on Monday night.

How will it all shake out? Some of these series are tough to call.

FIRST ROUND

Eastern Conference

(W1) Lightning vs. (A1) Panthers

Analysis: It’s got the makings of a classic. It won’t be easy for the Panthers, who feature a strong cast. The Lightning enters playing well led by Nikita Kucherov. Matthew Tkachuk will renew acquaintances with Victor Hedman. Can Sam Reinhart duplicate his regular season success? Brayden Point is usually pretty clutch in the spring. Steven Stamkos is lethal on the power play. Aleksander Barkov gives the Panthers an edge at center.A great goalie matchup between Andrei Vasilevskiy and Sergei Bobrovsky could determine who wins.

Pick: Panthers in 7

(A3) Maple Leafs vs. (A2) Bruins

Analysis: Anytime Toronto and Boston collide, expect fireworks. The Leafs want to erase past stinging defeats when Patrice Bergeron led the Bruins to a remarkable first round win for the ages. Auston Matthews will be front and center. So will David Pastrnak. You have Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy on the Bruins’ side. There’s Mitch Marner, William Nylander (uncertain), and Morgan Rielly on the Leafs’ side. Is Ilya Samsonov up to the challenge, or will Joseph Woll replace him? The Bruins seem to have the edge with the tandem of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark. Will the Leafs’ depth make a difference?

Pick: Leafs in 6

(M3) Islanders vs. (M2) Hurricanes

Analysis: It feels like these teams meet often. The Hurricanes usually have the answers due to their superior skating and puck possession. The Islanders will ride the hot hand in Semyon Varlamov. The Canes will go with Frederik Andersen. The pressure is on Carolina after adding Jake Guentzel to a core that includes Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Seth Jarvis, Jordan Staal, Martin Necas, Teuvo Teravainen, Jaccob Slavin, Brett Pesce, and Brady Skjei. The Islanders come in hot thanks to Varlamov, who supplanted Ilya Sorokin as the starter. Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat headline the offense along with Kyle Palmieri, Brock Nelson, and Noah Dobson. Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock will be keys along with Alexander Romanov. Can Anders Lee provide support?

Pick: Canes in 6

(W2) Capitals vs. (M1) Rangers

Analysis: I had plenty to say about this matchup in a series preview. Unless the Caps can slow down the Rangers’ offense led by Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, Alexis Lafreniere, Adam Fox, power play sniper Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad, it probably won’t last long. Alexander Ovechkin looks to play the underdog role with John Carlson, Tom Wilson, Dylan Strome, T.J. Oshie, and Connor McMichael. Can Charlie Lindgren outplay Igor Shesterkin?

Pick: Rangers in 5