In this edition of the hotstove we share our thoughts on which Canadian team has the best shot of winning the Stanley Cup.
Todd Cordell
I'm going with the Calgary Flames.
The first month or so of the season was not good but they've been among the best teams in the league since. The one thing holding them back was goaltending and that's no longer the case. Brian Elliott has allowed two or fewer in seven of his last eight games and looks like the guy who was great for years in St. Louis.
The Flames are very good in possession, they have no problem filling the net, especially since Micheal Ferland moved up to the top line, and their top-4 defense stacks up favorably against pretty much anyone's. I wouldn't be …‹at all …‹surprised to see this team go deep into the playoffs.
James Tanner The Canadian team with the best chance to win the Cup is the Toronto Maple Leafs. The reason is that Edmonton has to go through San Jose, Chicago, Nashville, St.Louis or MN. Calgary and the Jets might make it but the West is too tough and too balanced to fluke into a Final appearance.
In the East, the Pens and the Caps likely will tire each other out, and while unlikely, the teams that are 2/3 in the Atlantic might get a cheesy path to the Finals. It's at least possible. Of these teams, MTL is likely to be eliminated in the first round because they're terrible, Ottawa is still 50/50 to crash and burn and not even make it. So the Leafs - with their depth and rookie scoring - could get lucky and pull an 06 Hurricanes kind of thing. Go Leafs!!
Peter Tessier None, is none an answer? I have to choose one team and of the 3 that are likely to make the post season, Montreal Edmonton and Calgary one of these has the best chance right?
When I look into my crystal ball of analytical data that I barely grasp I look a few things, even strength results and the debatable measure of luck. Right now they favour Montreal in all areas, at least of the course of the season. If we use the all situations criteria both Edmonton and Calgary get a bit closer but Montreal still leads.
So if Price is right and the Habs start getting some Julien magic then perhaps they have a chance to go deep, but don't forget about the Flames, they may surprise too.
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