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We’re getting deeper and deeper into elimination game territory through the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The New York Rangers have already lost their 2-0 series advantage and hope to stop the avalanche of wins from the rival New Jersey Devils. The Edmonton Oilers looked shaky at one point in this series, but now they have a chance at knocking off the Los Angeles Kings in six games. Finally, those Toronto Maple Leafs hope not to have their series against Tampa Bay go to Game 7 … as if we haven’t seen that before.

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Time for our expert picks.

During the Stanley Cup playoffs, The Athletic’s writers will make their straight-up picks. You’ll find picks, coverage and the latest odds here. Our in-depth NHL coverage is linked below the picks.

All odds from BetMGM and update live. 

Game 6 – Maple Leafs at Lightning

Toronto leads 3-2

7 p.m. on TBS, SN, CBC

The Leafs aren’t going to do this again, are they? Instead of fans having a massive party in Maple Leaf Square following a Game 5 win, the team has to travel to Tampa to finish off the Lightning. Game 5 reiterated an unfortunate reality: the Leafs haven’t been the best team in every game in this series. While they’ve had meaningful contributions from players like Morgan Rielly, it’ll be missed opportunities like a breakaway from Mitch Marner that will keep Leafs fans awake in the middle night. Especially if they repeat themselves in Game 6.

Jon Cooper and the Lightning, meanwhile, are still nursing injuries. Erik Cernak won’t be available. But they still have their big guns at the ready, and their depth pieces have stepped up. Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point each had as many points in Game 5 as you and me. Zero. But Anthony Cirelli, Michael Eyssimont, Nick Paul and Alex Killorn’s empty-netter were enough. If one thing is for sure, the Lightning’s depth pieces have been better than the Leafs’ own. If the Lightning win Game 6, don’t be surprised if those same pieces are the main reason why.

Game 6 – Devils at Rangers

New Jersey leads 3-2

8 p.m. on ABC, ESPN+, SN360

The Devils have gone from a team seemingly too small for the playoff limelight to a team on the verge of disposing of the Blueshirts on Broadway. Devils goalie Akira Schmid has gone from backup to saviour, propelling the Devils to the verge of achieving a second-round berth. The Devils’ speed and talent must be on display again if they want to pull off an incredible series turnaround.

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The Rangers, however, have been in this situation before. Look no further than last year when they came back from a 3-1 series deficit against Pittsburgh — even if Louis Domingue was the Penguins’ goalie partway through. The Rangers’ heavier, older, more experienced style needs to improve. They’re favored in Game 6 and are at home.

Game 6 – Oilers at Kings

Edmonton leads 3-2

10 p.m. on TBS, SN, CBC

So, Connor McDavid might not be at 100 percent for the Oilers. On most teams, this is a problem, especially with a player as talented as McDavid. Imagine if the Oilers had another MVP on their team who could pick up the slack. Wait, what do you mean they have that player already? What do you mean he has MORE playoff points than McDavid? If you didn’t know, Leon Draisaitl is that dude and has been that dude. If the Oilers captain is still slowed by whatever’s ailing him, Draisaitl — who played through a high ankle sprain in the playoffs last year — is there. That needed to be said.

The Kings need to rebound from a Game 5 performance that had them going to Pheonix Copley in relief. One player they don’t have to worry about is Adrian Kempe, who’s gotten at least one point in each game this series. It looks like he’ll line up with Viktor Arvidsson and Anze Kopitar on the top line. Talk about putting all of your eggs in one basket.

(Photo of Connor McDavid and Drew Doughty: Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)

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