Now that most teams are already in the thick of preseason, we don’t have much longer to wait until the 2022-23 NHL regular season campaign begins, when the schedule officially gets going on Friday, October 7. From that point onwards, we will finally be able to see which teams are capable of challenging for divisional honors, aiming to book their place in the end of season Playoffs.
Josh Manson (42) tries to block a shot in front of Avalanche goalie Darcy Kuemper
As an interesting novelty to commence, the opening NHL game of the season will be played beyond the borders of the United States and Canada, when the San Jose Sharks face the Nashville Predators in the first of two games in Prague, Czech Republic. This forms part of the 2022 NHL Global Series, aimed at helping the competition appeal more to fans around the world.
But as we focus on teams considered amongst those capable of challenging, the fate of the Stanley Cup is already being predicted by the top international betting websites, when searching for the best sportsbook reviews and recommendations. The oddsmakers have marked their opinions of the strongest NHL teams, building a picture of the early favorites to lift the most iconic trophy in hockey.
Tampa Bay Lightning
After missing their opportunity for three consecutive Stanley Cup triumphs last season, the dynasty era in Tampa Bay may have reached an end, based upon the reduced odds being offered for the Lightning by many of the leading sportsbooks. That being said, we can still be certain they will be amongst the genuine contenders, given the roster strength available to head coach Jon Cooper.
Now the recent dominance of the NHL has been so abruptly interrupted, the Lightning might be more determined than ever to win the Stanley Cup again, regardless of the rising doubts about their capacity for sustained success. They will simply take things one step at a time, looking to book their place in the Playoffs first, at which point quite literally anything is possible during the sharp end of the campaign.
Florida Panthers
Most assuredly watching the success in Tampa Bay with envious eyes, state neighbors Florida Panthers have gradually built some important momentum of their own, since the 2019-20 season. Reaching the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, this was the furthest they have reached in recent years, although that could all be set to change this time around.
Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers
Having topped the Atlantic Division last season, above other key rivals harboring Stanley Cup ambitions, the Panthers will be looking for more of the same during the 2022-23 campaign. Head coach Paul Maurice also has a stronger roster of options this year, giving further credence to the ambitions of the Florida franchise based in Sunrise, Broward County. The dawn of a new era perhaps? It could well be given the potential of the Panthers.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Remarkable as it may seem given the origins of professional ice hockey, no Canadian team has managed to lift the Stanley Cup since the Montreal Canadiens, three whole decades ago back in 1993. This is far to long for a country boasting the game as one of its national sports, which means the Toronto Maple Leafs will be seeking to end that agonizing wait for success.
We have to go all the way back to 1967, since the last time the Maple Leafs lifted the Stanley Cup, although in recent years, they have easily become the strongest candidates for success amongst their Canadian rivals. Head coach Sheldon Keefe has the foundations of a great roster to work with, and sportsbooks are also sharing their growing confidence.
Colorado Avalanche
Having found themselves consistently amongst the futures favorites for the last several years, Colorado Avalanche finally reached their predicted potential, beating Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 in the Stanley Cup Finals. Having lifted the trophy for only the third time in franchise history, the previous occasions being 1996 and 2001, the team coached Jared Bednar will undoubtedly be hungry for continued success.
This time around as the reigning NHL champions, they head into the 2022-23 season as outright favorites by a considerable margin, indicating we could be in the midst of an Avalanche dynasty era. Nevertheless, if there is one thing fans know about the NHL, it’s the fact this competition is always capable of producing surprises.
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