Columbus would be the ultimate cinderella but they're still the underdogs to make the playoffs.
Will there be a Cinderella team this year? if so, who?
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John Mandalorian
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If they can manage to get in, Columbus would be the best Cinderella story in decades. After the preseason gut punch they weren't really expected to do much this year. Then to take the playoff hunt to the literal final day of the season...yeah, they're going to be on such a mental high that they will be tough for at least the first round or two.
Beezeral
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The cinderella options here are pretty limited.
You have Ottawa, CBJ/MTL, and maybe NJ with their injury issues in the East.
In the west you don't really have a true cinderella. STL would be the closest bet but with how hot they have been, hard to really give them that title. It also doesn't help they have to play WPG in rd 1.
So if we are ranking the potential to go on a run it's probably
1) MTL/CBJ
They get the benefit of having to go through the Metro instead of the Atlantic and a rd 1 matchup with WAS who have massively out played their underlying numbers. However, both MTL and CBJ have also outplayed their underlying numbers. They have the "easiest" path but are also the two worst teams in the playoffs by a substantial margin.
2) STL
They are the hottest team in the NHL. History could repeat itself but are they really a cinderella? The team is really solid and has good underlying numbers.
3) Ottawa
Rd 1 against Toronto is probably the most even matchup of the cinderella options but even if they upset toronto, Tampa/FLA is waiting in round two.
4) NJ
Just too injured and unfortunate to run into Carolina in rd 1 who is arguably the best team any of the cinderella options have to face in rd 1. They have the softest rd 2 option if they can pull the upset though.
The reality is the most likely scenario is that the MTL/CBJ and NJ bow out in 4/5 game, while Ottawa and STL get to 6/7
You have Ottawa, CBJ/MTL, and maybe NJ with their injury issues in the East.
In the west you don't really have a true cinderella. STL would be the closest bet but with how hot they have been, hard to really give them that title. It also doesn't help they have to play WPG in rd 1.
So if we are ranking the potential to go on a run it's probably
1) MTL/CBJ
They get the benefit of having to go through the Metro instead of the Atlantic and a rd 1 matchup with WAS who have massively out played their underlying numbers. However, both MTL and CBJ have also outplayed their underlying numbers. They have the "easiest" path but are also the two worst teams in the playoffs by a substantial margin.
2) STL
They are the hottest team in the NHL. History could repeat itself but are they really a cinderella? The team is really solid and has good underlying numbers.
3) Ottawa
Rd 1 against Toronto is probably the most even matchup of the cinderella options but even if they upset toronto, Tampa/FLA is waiting in round two.
4) NJ
Just too injured and unfortunate to run into Carolina in rd 1 who is arguably the best team any of the cinderella options have to face in rd 1. They have the softest rd 2 option if they can pull the upset though.
The reality is the most likely scenario is that the MTL/CBJ and NJ bow out in 4/5 game, while Ottawa and STL get to 6/7
Edmonton East
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The Blues are the obvious choice. Columbus as well if they get in. These 2 teams basically check multiple boxes for what Cinderella teams typically include. From goaltenders that could get hot, to a midseason coaching spark, to strong play down the stretch, to getting healthy at the right time, to strong ES play, and/or of course having a story/cause to rally behind. I like how Ottawa matches up vs Toronto plus the added pressure, but their ES scoring is too questionable to take them.
Jackets and Blues are both top 10 in 5v5 goal differential. Caps are gonna paste Montreal. Book it. Jackets could put up a fight and even win. Don't love how Blues matchup against Jets, but they have a shot.
Montreal and my Devs have no chance. ZERO. Would love to be proven wrong on the latter though.
Jackets and Blues are both top 10 in 5v5 goal differential. Caps are gonna paste Montreal. Book it. Jackets could put up a fight and even win. Don't love how Blues matchup against Jets, but they have a shot.
Montreal and my Devs have no chance. ZERO. Would love to be proven wrong on the latter though.
Does the injured oilers count? I think they are underdogs this year....5 top 9 forwards and their best d man out.
Skinnyjimmy08
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SomaliHackey
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Hiya, hiya. Pleased to meetcha.
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It's actually "If so, whompst?"
The philosophizers among us may ask, "was it in fact Cinderella's merit that won the day, or rather the incompetence of her opponents?"
...something, something, I could see the Senators. Yes I'm a damaged Leaf fan. Don't judge me. Or do.
The philosophizers among us may ask, "was it in fact Cinderella's merit that won the day, or rather the incompetence of her opponents?"
...something, something, I could see the Senators. Yes I'm a damaged Leaf fan. Don't judge me. Or do.
St-Louis and Minnesota are not Cinderella team material. They've got solid teams. St-Louis needed that coaching change and Minnesota was decimated by injuries to their key players.
I'd only consider Ottawa and Montreal as possible Cinderella teams. Maybe New Jersey since they are missing their top D and top F.
I'd only consider Ottawa and Montreal as possible Cinderella teams. Maybe New Jersey since they are missing their top D and top F.
banks
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Montreal had a miracle run to the Finals in 2021. That was already their Cinderella story.
Im pretty sure Disney made a Cinderella 2. I haven't seen it. But if the plot of that movie is that Cinderella, I don't know, gets crushed to a pulp in Washington, then I think Montreal will definitely be Cinderella 2 this year.
Im pretty sure Disney made a Cinderella 2. I haven't seen it. But if the plot of that movie is that Cinderella, I don't know, gets crushed to a pulp in Washington, then I think Montreal will definitely be Cinderella 2 this year.
Bouboumaster
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Woodrow
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Monty is a great coach but I also think the Fowler acquisition and Leddy coming back from injury were huge for the Blues. Their blue line just has so much more depth now than the pairings they had early in the season.
Mrb1p
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I'll leave this here
But really though, is it really a cinderella run when they've been there just 4 years ago ? #CONTENDERS
Mrb1p
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The Eric Comrie slander will not be tolerated here!Maybe if you had an actual goaltender you'd get some respect.
Sasha Orlov
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dj Mahoney
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If we get 2019 Cup winning rookie Binnington I think they could do serious damage and go to the final. When he's on his game and dialed in, there's not many goalies I'd take over him in big games.
Yeah we all know he's an arrogant SOB but that's what makes him so competitive.
Yeah we all know he's an arrogant SOB but that's what makes him so competitive.
Ottawa is the one I could see from the east. In the west I think maybe LAK, they would not really qualify in that category but if they get past Edmonton I'd be far from surprised if they could make the WCF or F
