FINALLY! Playoff hockey is right around the corner, which means I'll be plastered in front of the TV for next three months. It's by far the best time of year. Even if your team isn't playing, the love for the sport compels you to watch. It pits friends against family, and girlfriends against boyfriends; it's straight up madness.
There are quite a few names that come to mind when I hear "2015-2016 Stanley Cup Champions," and here's who I think could grab that title...
Washington Capitals
The Caps have been crazy good this season, that's no secret. Braden Holtby is undeniably having the best season of his career, (my fantasy hockey team thanks you) and Alex Ovechkin became the first Russian-born player to reach the 500-goal plateau. It seems that they can't be stopped, but time and time again, they ultimately let us down during playoffs. Will they be able to overcome the odds and take it all this year?
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks completely rebuilt their team roster after the 2014-2015 win. After losing superstars like Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp, many fans thought they would be in trouble. That wasn't the case though, because the rest of team stepped up their game to get the winning done. Newbie, Artemi Panarin and superstar, Patrick Kane have been an unstoppable duo this season and have proven that they're here to stay. Will the dynasty expand to four cups in seven years, or will the Hawks finally meet their match?
Dallas Stars
The Stars have really shown their true colors this season. Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin (along with Alex Ovechkin and Patrick Kane), lead the league in points, while stars like John Klingberg and Patrick Sharp continue to push this franchise to it's full potential. However, the Dallas Stars have only seen playoffs once in the last five years, so these guys are relatively new to the playoff scene. I'm worried they may not realize how competitive it gets. Do you think they're ready to take the heat?
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks are a good team every year, but they always choke during playoffs. However, they've won 11 straight games (as of March 6th), and go on to take Washington tonight (March 7th). With a little over a month left of the season remaining before we jump into the postseason, the Ducks assert a serious look in Cup futures.
Florida Panthers
I never thought I'd be saying this, but the Panthers had a great season. They're the dark horse out of the East. After a 12-game win streak early this year, (that ended vs. Vancouver) the Panthers proved that they've completely turned their franchise's losing mentality around. I never thought they'd even make the playoffs, let alone have a shot at the Stanley Cup. I'm kind of rooting for them.
LA Kings
While the Los Angeles Kings have been wildly inconsistent since the start of 2016, (and falling into 2nd place behind the Ducks), they are tough to beat when they bring their A-game. The LA Kings went from winning a Stanley Cup, to not even qualifying for the playoffs the next year so it's hard to know what's coming from them. Something tells me that they're going to pull off something crazy, though.
Flops of the year:
Montreal Canadiens
I'm actually quite disappointed in the Habs this year. (I guess you could say this is their karma for going through with that John Scott trade.) They came out hot, with superstars like Max Pacioretty and PK Subban leading the way, but starting goalie, Carey Price being out a majority of the season really hurt them in the long-run.
New Jersey Devils
They were another team that came out pretty hot, and then flopped like we all expected. Better luck next year, boys.
Edmonton Oilers
I had a lot of faith in the Oilers this year. Number one overall draft pick, Connor McDavid is a stud on the ice and in line to become "the next Wayne Gretzky." However, an injury taking him out for nearly half the season, along with Jordan Eberle missing a huge chunk of games, is what ultimately held these guys back. Next year, they will definitely be playing to win. Don't count Edmonton out.
Overall, playoff hockey is completely unpredictable. I can't wait to fill out my bracket (and hopefully win tickets to the next Winter Classic), and watch the magic unfold. Who do you think will take it? The reigning champs, or someone totally new? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
