The National Hockey League has long been popular among sports fans in America, as it is considered one of the most exciting sports to watch. With the NHL’s regular season ending this April, many teams and fans are gearing up for the post-season playoff championship, also known as the Stanley Cup, on June 8.
Mikey Eyssimont (Center) maneuvers around defenseman Will Borgen (3) to score past goalie Martin Jones (30) – Photo by Jack Lima
The 16 teams advancing to the playoffs will comprise the three outstanding teams in each of the four divisions and two wild cards from the two conferences. If you are still getting familiar with how NHL works, it is composed of two conferences, namely the Eastern and Western Conferences. Each conference then has two divisions, with the Eastern Conference having the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions, while the Western Conference has the Central and Pacific Divisions.
To help you get to know more about who to look out for in the upcoming playoffs and championship games, here is a list of the latest top teams in each division this year.
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes (Metropolitan Division)
Number one on the standings for the Metropolitan Division and second on the overall rank for Eastern Conference is the Carolina Hurricanes. With their powerful and full of effective strength and conditioning training programs on the ice, the Canes assure everyone that they are conditioned enough to bring home the Stanley Cup trophy this year.
The team is well-known for its active pre-game warmups that enable players to bring out their best in defense and positions, including forwards and goaltenders. This is given justice on the record as the team was recognized as the fifth-best in the NHL defense category. Moreover, the Canes are notable for their strength in goal against, ranking fourth among other teams in the NHL.
Despite the many injury incidents faced by the Carolina Hurricanes this season, including the need for improvement in offense, sure enough, with preparation and conditioning, the team is eager to maintain its spot on the latest Stanley cup odds and rankings ahead of the championship game.
Boston Bruins (Atlantic Division)
When talking about elite performance on the ice, you can never go wrong with the Boston Bruins. Ranking first on the overall standings for the Eastern Conference and first in the Atlantic Division, the Bruins continue to show dominance in defense core and goaltenders. The team’s experienced players show excellent strength in defense and scoring chances, bringing perfect puzzle pieces together to create an outstanding lineup.
Jason Zucker (16) reacts to being checked by Charlie McAvoy (73) – Photo by Jack Lima
Although the team’s top left-wing and defensemen were off early for the regular season since last year due to injury surgeries, the team was still able to put their name on the top with adequate depth in terms of top-notch and aggressive approach in offense skills. Additionally, the Bruins have shown more of their dominance in scoring by ranking first in goals scored and goals allowed in the league.
Its excellent scorers, defensemen, MVP-material, and A-grader players will certainly bring in more advantages for the team as they aim to head on to the championships.
Western Conference
Dallas Stars (Central Division)
The Dallas Stars ranked first in the Central Division and second in the Western Conference standings this season. It is no surprise to see the Stars show strength in scoring. Reflected in numbers and stats, the team has showcased outstanding balance in goal records and defense, leading to elite gameplay on the ice.
Logan Couture (39) watches Timo Meier’s shot, not pictured, elude Stars goalie Jake Oettinger to tie the score at 3-3 in the second period – Photo by Jack Lima
The Stars’ strong players are notable for their ability to handle tough games and bring out the best of their abilities with a clutch performance. Except for their strength in goal setting and defense, the team’s offense is also their advantage. Although the line changes have caused many a doubt, this is the Stars’ unique way and strategy to bring out more unpredictable strength on defense during in-games.
The Dallas Stars’ great control and pace on the ice will surely be their edge to plug away until the championship.
Vegas Golden Knights (Pacific Division)
The unstoppable Vegas Golden Knight is ranked first in the Western Conference and first in the Pacific Division. Unlike any other teams on the list, the Knights are confident that they have the balance and awareness of when to step up the game even more. Simply put, they know how to elevate the game with their strength and skill on the ice.
Although the team admits that it has been challenging to maintain such a game style, with great attention to puck possessions and penalty kills, they are ready to dominate the league continuously. Moreover, the Knights are known for their depth and outside shooting abilities. The team’s depth in center and other positions and their eye for a good blue line will further help them better aim for a victory in the Stanley Cup this year.
Summary
As the teams on the list continue to bring out the best in them, each team and their fans can expect an outstanding championship game for the postseason. With them embodying strength and utmost skills on the ice, the road to the Stanley Cup trophy will undoubtedly be a challenging yet exciting game match action to look forward to this year.
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