It is going to be a long Spring for Montreal Canadiens fans without playoff hockey to look forward to. With the post mortem conference over and done with, hockey will only start to get relevant once again in Montreal around the NHL draft in June. And so without Canadiens playoff hockey to look forward to, we’ll take a quick break from the Habs as I ask:
I feel that this year’s playoffs are wide open. Of the 16 teams in the dance, there could be strong arguments for any of the following 10 teams to have a legitimate chance of winning the Stanley Cup:
Washington - It’s been quite the year for Ovechkin and Holtby. This edition of the Capitals is the best and most balanced in years.
Pittsburgh - Fleury looks to be back and they have been one of the best teams in the NHL since the coaching change in December. Can never discount Crosby.
New York Rangers - Lundqvist can backstop the Rangers all the way
Florida Panthers - Luongo is at the top of his game and how can you not cheer for Jagr?
Anaheim Ducks - Boudreau saved the Ducks season by altering their strategy to defense first until their offence woke up in the second half of the season.
Dallas Stars - Question marks in goal but they have the offence to outscore their opponents
Los Angeles Kings - 2 cups in the last four years, Experience & Quick
Chicago Blackhawks - 3 cups in the last 6 years, Experience & Kane
St. Louis Blues - Overcame tons of injuries to still finish 2nd in the division
San Jose Sharks - Was supposed to be a rebuild year but they have surprised. No pressure = finally getting results?
No offence to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators, I just don’t see this being the year for them to hoist Lord Stanley.
Out of the Eastern conference I’m joining the bandwagon for the Panthers and Capitals. Would love to see Luongo and Jagr win a cup and likewise would be very happy for Ovechkin with the Capitals. In the Western conference, I would really like to see Anaheim in the cup final. Bruce Boudreau deserves the Jack Adams for being able to save the Ducks season and would be further proof of how a coach is able to alter the system in season to benefit his team (cough, cough Therrien). An Anaheim vs. Washington final would be terrific, Ovechkin vs former coach Boudreau, who wins the cup first?
Who are you cheering for?
Keep those mailbag questions coming! I’ve gotten some great ones so far. You can reply with one in the comments, PM me, Tweet or DM…
Cheers & follow along! Follow @Jenbcutler