The Stanley Cup Playoffs are about to begin, and hockey fans will be treated to one heck of a tournament as always. This year is going to be different though, but in a very good way. Usually when the playoffs begin, experts can pick out that one team or two teams that are going to lift Lord Stanley come June, but not this year. I've got news for you experts and it's very simple; everyone has a shot this year. In this article I will give you the top ten teams who have the best chance to win the Stanley Cup.
1. The Los Angeles Kings
The Kings have been in the Stanley Cup conversation ever since they won their first one back in 2012, and oh yeah they did it again in 2014. The Kings are built for the playoffs. They are a big gritty team, and they have a ton of skill in their line-up. I would not be surprised if goaltender Johnathan Quick led the Kings to their 3rd Stanley Cup in four years.
2. The Chicago Blackhawks (Defending Champions)
The Blackhawks are simply a dynasty, with three Stanley Cups in the last five years. Even though the Blackhawks are going to finish in 3rd place in the Central Division, they will have a great chance to repeat as the Stanley Cup Champions. With star goalie Corey Crawford on his way back from a concussion, and the NHL point leader Patrick Kane leading the way, don't bet against the Hawks.
3. The Pittsburgh Penguins
The Eastern Conference hasn't had a Stanley Cup Champion since Boston won it back in 2011. The Penguins give the East their best chance since then. The Penguins will enter the playoffs as the hottest team in the NHL and trust me no one wants to face a team with the foot speed that the Penguins have. The Penguins biggest challenge will be in the first round against the New York Rangers or the New York Islanders. The Rangers have eliminated the Penguins the last two years. If the Penguins make it out of the first round, they will get back Evgeni Malkin, and that will make this team even more challenging to beat. Whether it's Marc-Andre Fleury or the rookie Matt Murray in the net come playoff time, the Penguins have what it takes to win the Stanley Cup. Pittsburgh last won the Stanley Cup in 2009.
4. The Washington Capitals
The Capitals won the President's trophy this season as the leagues best team. The Capitals are certainly built for a deep playoff run, but they might be their own enemy. The Capitals have never won the Stanley Cup, and they're known for having historic regular seasons, but they can never get it done come playoff time. It is up to Alexander Ovechkin, the captain of the Capitals and leading goal scorer of the NHL, to reverse the curse in Washington.
5. The Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars have become an offensive powerhouse with snipers like Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. The Stars are one of the best teams in the Western Conference even though they lost Seguin to an achilles injury down the stretch. Seguin will be back some time in the playoffs, but the biggest thing for the Stars will be their goaltending. If the Stars can protect the goal, they have a great chance to bring the Stanley Cup to Dallas. Dallas last won a Stanley Cup in 1999.
6. The Anaheim Ducks
After a rough start to the season, the Ducks are back to being one of the best teams in the NHL. With star forwards Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, the Ducks will not have any trouble scoring goals. The Ducks also have no trouble in the net as John Gibson has settled in quite nicely. The biggest concern the Ducks have is their defense. Their blue liners have to step up for the Ducks to have a chance against teams like Los Angles and Chicago. Anaheim last won a Stanley Cup in 2007.
7. The Florida Panthers
The Panthers are having their best season in franchise history and have clinched the Atlantic Division. The Panthers are a very young team, but they also have veterans like 44-year-old Jaromir Jagr who is playing like he is 18. They also have one of the best goalies in the league, Roberto Luongo, who is enjoying a very good season. The Panthers are very good, but might not be deep enough to make a run. Florida has never won the Stanley Cup.
8. The New York Rangers
The Rangers are no strangers to deep runs in the playoffs, as they have been to the Eastern Conference Final the last two years. The Rangers are not a very talented offensive team; they strive on their goaltending and strong defense. If the Rangers are going to go back to the Stanley Cup Finals, Henrik Lundquivst is going to have to steal a series or two. The Rangers haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1994.
9. The St. Louis Blues
The Blues are another team that seem to choke come playoff time. They are a very good offensive team with star forward Vladimir Tarasenko leading the way. The Blues have one of the best goaltending tandems in the NHL with Brian Elliot and Jake Allen. The Blues biggest concern is their depth. The Blues are still seeking their first Stanley Cup.
10. The Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay lost in the Stanley Cup Finals last year against the Blackhawks and started off this season flat. They have since turned things around offensively led by Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov. The Lightning will be without Stamkos in the playoffs as he was injured in the last month of the season. Without their captain, the Lightning will have to turn to young stars like Tyler Johnson and recently called up Johnathan Drouin. Tampa Bay won the Stanley Cup back in 2004.
