Is it finally the year Canada brings home the Cup?
October is, without a doubt, the best month to be a sports fan. The MLB playoffs are starting soon, NFL season is ramping up, the NBA is about to get underway, and, come October 2, the NHL season will finally begin.
For the purpose of this article, let’s look to the NHL and see if this could feasibly be Canada’s year to bring home the Stanley Cup. After all, the last time a Canadian team took home the Cup was 1993 (which also coincides with the year I was born – sorry, guys). For the sake of organization, I’ll group the Canadian teams into three categories: No Chance, B’y, Potentially, Bud, and Serious Contenders, Eh.
No Chance, B’y
Edmonton Oilers – This team could end up being the biggest waste of talent in recent memory. Connor McDavid continues to be far and away the best player in the league. Supporting pieces like Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are incredible. So why is this team so consistently inconsistent? The previous managerial regime did an atrocious job of surrounding them with decent teammates. Edmonton’s defence and goaltending remain mediocre at best, and for this reason, I expect another year of McDavid’s prime to be wasted.
Ottawa Senators – Sorry Sens, but I have to do this to you. The Senators are set up to be one of the worst teams in the league and surely have no chance at hoisting the Cup come June. Granted, the team is taking appropriate steps to becoming a contender down the road, but they just aren’t anywhere close yet. With Thomas Chabot locked up long-term, and the likes of Brady Tkachuk and Colin White continually developing, all is not lost in Sens land. However, there is a dark cloud that continues to loom over Ottawa: owner Eugene Melnyk. With a long list of questionable business decisions, and many in the city demanding he sell his ownership stake in the team, I find it hard to believe the Sens will find sustainable long-term success with him in charge.
Vancouver Canucks – The Canucks are certainly building a strong team but they are currently nowhere near the stage of title contention. Their top forwards, Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, should continue to impress, and rookie defenceman Quinn Hughes will look to make an immediate impact. Outside of these bright spots, Vancouver has plenty of concerns regarding their forward depth, and whether or not Jacob Markstrom can lead the team in net, two things which will likely keep them out of playoff contention this year. Being in a deep Western Conference absolutely does not help either.
Potentially, Bud
Calgary Flames – This is a make-or-break year for the Flames. They are undoubtedly a strong team with few weaknesses, and are searching for redemption after being upset by the Avalanche in the opening round last year. Their first line, featuring Johnny (Hockey) Gaudreau, is one of the most feared lines in the NHL. Their time to win is now, but will an odd goalie tandem of David Rittich and Cam Talbot be able to lead them to the promiseland? How well they hold up will likely determine how far the Flames will go.
Montreal Canadiens – It’s hard to say this, but I will begrudgingly admit that the Habs have become a very solid team after drafting third overall in 2018. Carey Price continues to be a lock in net and their scrappy, up-tempo style of play pushed by coach Claude Julien really suits the talent on this team. I expect the Habs to sneak into the playoffs as a wild card, and with Price in net, anything is possible.
Serious Contenders, Eh
Toronto Maple Leafs – Of course the Leafs are on here. As I mentioned in my last article, this might be the best Leafs lineup we have seen (and will see) for a long time. Tyson Barrie coming in solidifies a back-end that I believe to be extremely underrated. We know what to expect up front with John Tavares, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner leading the charge. Goalie Frederik Andersen will need to be as strong as ever, but he should be up to the task. The Boston Bruins will likely be waiting for the Leafs in the first round of the playoffs (again). If they can finally exercise these demons, perhaps the Leafs could find themselves hoisting their first Cup since 1967.
Winnipeg Jets – This is a team so well built it’s a wonder they didn’t win it all either of the last two seasons. The Jets have the foundation to become a dynasty. Their first line, led by Mark Scheifele, is a terror to behold and can compete with any line in the entire league. While their defence certainly takes a hit with the absence of Dustin Byfuglien, I expect players like Josh Morrissey to step up in a big way. Their chances likely hinge on the play of goalie Connor Hellebuyck after his off-year last season. I’ll be keeping an eye on the recently signed Patrik Laine, who has a lot to prove with his “show-me” contract and his weak performance last season.
Predictions: The Leafs will win the cup in 6 games over the Nashville Predators. (Editor’s Note: Hope is a dangerous thing, Luke.)