As this new NHL season opens, many people are already wondering who will be hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup in June. Bearing that in mind, I bring you a look at a few of the contenders for this year’s championship.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Last year’s champions are bound to compete for another Cup this year, as much of the core of the squad from last year is returning. Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are bound to be among league leaders in points, and Marc-Andre Fleury will be confident as ever in net, having proven himself in the playoffs. Look for these two-time consecutive Eastern Conference Champions to be a dominant force in the East this year.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins may have lost Phil Kessel to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but they have as much scoring and solid a defense as ever. Marc Savard will have something to prove after not receiving an invitation to the Canadian Olympic Camp, and should have another point-per-game season.
Detroit Red Wings
The 2008 Stanley Cup Champions won’t be going down without a fight either, as Detroit should have another dominant year atop the Western Conference standings. With many of their core players locked up in long term contracts, look for the Wings to make another long run through the playoffs.
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks may finally have all the pieces they need for a deep playoff run this year. With Goaltender Roberto Luongo signed to a new 12-year contract, the Sedins inked for 5 years and young Russian import Sergei Shirokov dominating in the pre-season, the Canucks should win another Northwest Division Title. Though the Canucks haven’t reached the Western Conference finals since 1994, with hard work and determination this team could return to the Stanley Cup finals for the third time in their history.
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