No. 1: The Storylines
Finally, no good run to Lord Stanleyās Cup would be complete without incredible pieces keeping us engaged. This season has plenty.
Vegas has been touched upon already, but itās worth noting one last time how truly fascinating this season is for them. No expansion team in the modern era has ever won a Stanley Cup its first year. Further, no expansion team has even made it to the finals the first time out. Unless the Leafs from exactly 100 years ago are to be counted. An omen? Creepy, but fine by us.
Florida would be the closest in recent memory, as they reached in just their third year back in ā96. Colorado swept them handily.
Okay. Letās get to the most obvious story then: Will the Capitals finally win a Cup with Ovechkin? This will be the 10th playoff appearance for Washington since he was drafted in ā04, and theyāve never advanced beyond the second round.
Itās also understandable that fans are tired of the question being asked, butā¦
When you have the greatest scorer of this generation, and a guy who could likely break ANY record by Wayne Gretzky, let alone one of the most unattainable in sports, itās mind-boggling that they havenāt even made it to the Conference Finals yet.
Also, we want to know if Pittsburgh can three-peat. And if Sidney Crosby will win hisĀ fourth Stanley Cup. Caps fans, an apology: Youāve been raked over the coals the last decade and there is no ointment remaining. Weāre all out. It might be time to just live with these wounds.
How about this: Is Nashville going to go Kill Bill through the West as they search for revenge against the Penguins?
Another future legendās run could start this year. Patrik Laine? Or is it David Pastrnak?
Meanwhile, donāt forget about Boston. Or sleep on anyone who might have eyes for an upset over Tampa Bay. Perhaps Toronto?
The most fun storylines, though, are those that we have no way of predicting. They develop mid-series and suddenly mudslide their way through the playoffs. Those are the absolute best. And they live forever, in the minds of players, coaches, and maybe more importantly the fans.
Next: Each NHL Team's Biggest 'What if' Moment
Really, thatās what this is all about: The memories. The moments youāll always have. For those of you whoāve grown up with hockey, who watch religiously with friends, a spouse, a parent or a sibling, keep those times, those memories and all future ones alive. They are so vitally important.
For those who are new to hockey, we canāt wait to have you join this incredible journey with us. Weāve been waiting for you. Because letās be honest, itās the greatest sport in the world. Enjoy it. Cherish it. Love this game.