The NHL season of 2024-25 is underway, and teams are already showing if they’re aiming for the Stanley Cup or not. Let’s dive into the Western Conference.
Some teams should just think about next year: Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, and Nashville Predators. Chicago, San Jose, and Anaheim aren’t even dreaming of playoffs; they’re deep in rebuild mode. But Nashville? That’s a shocker! They looked strong on paper but have ended up with the worst record in hockey.
Calgary Flames, Utah Hockey Club, St. Louis Blues, and Seattle Kraken are hanging around as playoff pretenders. Calgary has been doing better than expected after trading away veterans last year to start fresh. However, their offense isn’t strong enough to keep them afloat for long. Seattle’s still just okay at best; Joey Daccord is a solid goalie but without top talent or scoring power, they won’t go far if they make it to playoffs.
Fans might wonder if these teams can turn things around or if it’s too late already. St. Louis faces defensive woes with Jordan Binnington’s hefty $6 million contract weighing them down like an anchor . Utah invested heavily in defense this offseason by adding Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino but needs more time before they can truly compete.
Stanley Cup Pretenders:
Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche – all seem close yet so far from being true contenders due to glaring weaknesses holding them back despite being playoff-bound squads.
Colorado struggles with goaltending issues that transform potential into mere pretense while Los Angeles shines defensively yet lacks offensive firepower necessary against top-tier rivals out West; plus goalie troubles persist here too! Betting against Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl feels wrong somehow given their immense talent though Edmonton suffers from shallow depth across positions including goalies once again causing concern among fans hoping for success soon enough!
Winnipeg started hot at 15-1-0 only now cooling off significantly resembling Rangers over-reliant upon stellar netminding lacking sufficient support beyond elite stars unable sustain momentum needed win championships ultimately leaving supporters questioning future prospects ahead…
Stanley Cup Contenders:
Dallas Stars stand tall reaching Western Conference Finals twice consecutively boasting impressive lineup featuring All-Stars everywhere such as Miro Heiskanen anchoring defense alongside Jake Oettinger guarding crease expertly making them formidable force indeed!
Vancouver Canucks surged forward last season achieving one best records within conference despite missing Thatcher Demko initially whose return bolsters hopes further given his elite status between pipes when healthy finally reunited roster chasing championship dreams eagerly anticipated by loyal followers eager witness triumph unfold eventually perhaps?
Vegas Golden Knights possess outstanding squad led Jack Eichel coupled relentless management exploiting every opportunity maximize potential success utilizing creative strategies circumventing salary-cap constraints ensuring competitiveness remains intact throughout campaign thrilling enthusiasts alike watching closely developments transpire over coming months surely exciting journey awaits everyone involved undoubtedly!
Minnesota Wild may surprise some observers thanks Kirill Kaprizov performing MVP level complemented elite goaltending solidifying reputation among league’s premier defensive units prompting speculation whether underdog story could culminate victorious outcome defying expectations proving skeptics wrong ultimately delighting passionate fanbase rallying behind beloved team unwaveringly cheering victories achieved along way hopefully culminating glorious celebration end season maybe…?
Which team do you think will win it all?
