The NHL playoffs are set to begin, and this year’s race for the Stanley Cup is wide open. With no clear favorite, teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and New York Rangers are among the top contenders.
Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell is optimistic about his team’s chances, especially after finishing the season strong. However, he knows that the playoffs are a different beast, with every team starting from scratch.
Former player and TNT analyst Ed Olczyk believes that there are at least eight to ten teams that have a legitimate shot at winning the Stanley Cup this year. The unpredictability of the playoffs adds to the excitement, as any team could emerge victorious in June.
In the Eastern Conference, the New York Rangers are the team to beat, having won the Presidents’ Trophy and securing home-ice advantage throughout the postseason. With standout players like Igor Shesterkin and Artemi Panarin, the Rangers have the depth and talent to make a deep playoff run.
In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars are the top seed, but they face tough competition from teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets. Former defenseman Jason Demers believes that five out of the eight teams in the West are legitimate Cup contenders, making for an intense and competitive first round.
As the playoffs kick off, hockey fans are in for an exciting and unpredictable postseason, with every team vying for the ultimate prize – the Stanley Cup.