Who is winning the cup this year? (No BS thread)

[Turin]

Feels like there’s no true powerhouse this year, but Edmonton still has McDrai. If they don’t do it this year I don’t think they’re ever doing it

 

[Clint Eastwood]

I am curious to see how the trade deadline shakes out to really make a conclusion along with who has a good 2nd half of the season.

A team I haven't seen mentioned that I think is worth throwing out there are the Kings. A quick look at the stats and they are the best defensive team in the league with a deep group of centers and a competent goalie in net. I would like for Kings fans to weigh in because I'm stat watching here, but I feel like there's definitely a lane for potential in LA. They also haven't had Doughty all season.

They need a jolt to that PP though. An awful PP like that will kill the momentum of games especially in the playoffs.

 

[Gritty Bonk]

A team I haven't seen mentioned that I think is worth throwing out there are the Kings.

Just has to avoid Oilers in the first round!

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

I guess Florida repeats.

 

[Channelcat]

No bs? Well then who the f*** knows. Could be any of 16 teams

 

[WhataKnight]

No bs? Well then who the f*** knows. Could be any of 16 teams

I feel like it’ll be Florida or Carolina in the East. Not sleeping on the Caps or Devils getting there. Maybe the Leafs do it and break the internet.

The West is as impossible to call as last year, if not worse. I can’t pick between Minny, Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Vegas and LA. That’s a f***ing gauntlet.

 

[dirtydanglez]

avs

 

[BKIslandersFan]

Head : Oilers
Heart : Knights

 

[Hank Plank]

The Canucks. Other teams are peaking too early and the Canucks are pacing themselves to get hot in the playoffs

 

[KCC]

I feel like it’ll be Florida or Carolina in the East. Not sleeping on the Caps or Devils getting there. Maybe the Leafs do it and break the internet.

The West is as impossible to call as last year, if not worse. I can’t pick between Minny, Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Vegas and LA. That’s a f***ing gauntlet.

Whoever comes out of the west to the finals will have had an insane path that’s for sure.

avs

They aren’t built like the 2022 team. Lost all their depth, too top heavy and a lot more. Unless they go wild at the deadline I don’t see it.

 

[mad4comp]

Caps looking like the most complete team in the east. I'll say Vegas looks like a more complete team than Winnipeg out west. So Caps vs Vegas round 2.

 

[McShogun99]

Feels like there’s no true powerhouse this year, but Edmonton still has McDrai. If they don’t do it this year I don’t think they’re ever doing it

McDrai are only in their late 20’s. They probably have 4 more years left if management can surround them with the right players.

 

[Turin]

McDrai are only in their late 20’s. They probably have 4 more years left if management can surround them with the right players.

Sure it’s possible. But as soon as they get over 30 it starts getting way less likely

 

[Jumptheshark]

Just has to avoid Oilers in the first round!

I know a few kings fans who whenever they see they are playing Edmonton in the playoffs? Not the happiest campers in the world

 

[myperbixhurts]

Blue Jackets

 

[WhataKnight]

Whoever comes out of the west to the finals will have had an insane path that’s for sure.

I’d love to see stats for teams that get to the Finals having gone through an irregularly strong conference, just to see which teams actually got the Cup after going through a “Group of Death” World Cup style.

 

[dalewood12]

I still have Dallas.

 

[Schennanigans]

Oilers go back and do it this time.

 

[SensFactor]

I have the Oilers and Washington in the finals. Toss up who wins from there.

 

[Kegs]

I’m going with the leafs.

 

[Rants Mulliniks]

Whoever comes out of the west to the finals will have had an insane path that’s for sure.

Nice to see it switch

I’d love to see stats for teams that get to the Finals having gone through an irregularly strong conference, just to see which teams actually got the Cup after going through a “Group of Death” World Cup style.

Just look at the East the past half decade

 

[elmaco]

Betting on Oil to win it this year, losing in the finals can give a huge boost to a team.

 

[HugginThePost]

Betting on Oil to win it this year, losing in the finals can give a huge boost to a team.

Just like 2006!!!

 

[elmaco]

Just like 2006!!!

Zero superstition involved, i'm a betting man, odds are my thing. I liked what i saw last year so i feel comfortable.

 

[oilers4life5]

Won’t be the Oilers if this inconsistent and incompetent officiating keeps up. Absolutely embarrassing how a lot of these games are game managed.

Teams learned from last years finals, just interfere or any other number of infractions on McDavid and they will call a fraction of them. Brutal to watch game in and game out. Rear example again last night.