As we all await the return to normalcy following the All-Star weekend, it seems only right to start guessing and wish-casting. After some talk with a dear friend, we decided to pick two teams from each conference and a long shot. Not necessarily because we think they’ll square off in the Conference Finals, but rather that we like the cut of their jib.
Western Conference:
Colorado Avalanche
Let’s just get this one out of the way. No click baiting you until the bottom. Everyone’s darling this year, the Avs, are drawing a lot of heat. And for good reason; superstar Nathan MacKinnon and Calder-leading candidate Cale Makar are must-see TV. Let’s not get it twisted though, MacKinnon has definitely been carrying the load for them, with 72 points on the year. The next closest is the aforementioned Makar. He’s got 37. That’s a pretty big gap.
Despite that gap, the Colorado finds themselves in 2nd in the Central Division. A scant six points away from the first-place St. Louis Blues. With Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen back in the lineup and the easiest remaining schedule, according to Power Rankings Guru, this team should be humming once the playoffs arrive. I’d even wager they could edge out the Blues for that top spot.
Vancouver Canucks
I cannot help but be mesmerized by Elias Pettersson. His build and silky mitts are reminiscent of a one Pavel Datsyuk. Pettersson is engine that drives the team, leading the Canucks with 52 points. With his trusty winger, J.T. Miller… wait, what?!? What happened to Brock Boeser? Nothing. He’s doing just dandy with 44 points (16 G, 28 A) in 51 games played. Meanwhile, the first year VAN-man has put up 19-31-50 in 51 played this year. In the words of Paris Hilton, “that’s hot.” With Miller helping to bolster the forward group, their power play is 7th in the NHL at 23.5%.
Oh yeah, Quinn Hughes is playing pretty good too, so that helps. I don’t mean to downplay a rookie defenseman who’s on pace for well over 40 points, I just see some minor flaws in his game that need refining. Once that happens, hopefully this season, this team will be well poised for a run at Lord Stanley’s hallowed prize.
Eastern Conference:
Pittsburgh Penguins
Despite being, again, decimated by the injury bug, Mike Sullivan has the Pens poised for anther crack at the Cup. Sidney Crosby, aka Zoolander, missed 28 of 50 games possible this year, missing almost all of November, December and half of January. When he wasn’t injured, Evgeni Malkin was. He’s played a few more than Sid, 37 total, missing a fair bit of October. Some would consider this good luck. I’m not sure I buy the luck angle. I’m thinking, more likely, that Jim Rutherford knows some deep dark magic to keep them afloat.
All kidding aside, This team has been able to more than just survive, they’ve thrived despite these injuries; sitting at 2nd in the Metropolitan with 67 points. They also boast a top 10 penalty kill and a power play that, without the services of Jake Guentzel and temporarily missing Crosby, sits around ~20%. Though not their best PP in the Sullivan era, it’s sure to improve down the stretch and give other teams fits.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Earlier this year the question was whether the Lightning were broke. I think that’s behind us know so we can just ogle at their sheer might again, right? Good.
This team is an absolute juggernaut. I’m not going to wax poetically about them… for too long. Just know that they were hovering around .500 earlier this year then went on an absolute tear of late. They currently have the 2nd PP and the 6th PK, plus they’re crushing in almost every possession and goals expected statistic you can find.
Tampa good. Nuff said.
Long Shot:
Edmonton Oilers @ -2000
Please, dear God, if you’re out there, call your friends… The Hockey Gods. Do whatever it takes to allow us to see more of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. That is all.
For additional insight, please check out the Coming Hard on the Puck podcast.