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5 reasons why the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs will be amazing

By C.L. Kohuss

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 04: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) hoists the Stanley Cup before the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the St. Louis Blues on October 4, 2017, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 04: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) hoists the Stanley Cup before the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the St. Louis Blues on October 4, 2017, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 17: Young fans watch the Toronto Maple Leafs warm up before facing the Montreal Canadiens at the Air Canada Centre on March 17, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 17: Young fans watch the Toronto Maple Leafs warm up before facing the Montreal Canadiens at the Air Canada Centre on March 17, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /

No. 1: The Storylines

Finally, no good run to Lord Stanley’s Cup would be complete without incredible pieces keeping us engaged. This season has plenty.

Vegas has been touched upon already, but it’s 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 ’96. Colorado swept them handily.

Okay. Let’s 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 ’04, and they’ve never advanced beyond the second round.

It’s also understandable that fans are tired of the question being asked, but…

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, it’s mind-boggling that they haven’t even made it to the Conference Finals yet.

Also, we want to know if Pittsburgh can three-peat. And if Sidney Crosby will win his fourth Stanley Cup. Caps fans, an apology: You’ve been raked over the coals the last decade and there is no ointment remaining. We’re 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 legend’s run could start this year. Patrik Laine? Or is it David Pastrnak?

Meanwhile, don’t 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, that’s what this is all about: The memories. The moments you’ll always have. For those of you who’ve 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 can’t wait to have you join this incredible journey with us. We’ve been waiting for you. Because let’s be honest, it’s the greatest sport in the world. Enjoy it. Cherish it. Love this game.

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