As the first couple weeks of the new NHL season have come and gone and fans have already seen some crazy fights, crazy outcomes and mind-blowing results. But it all leans on one question. Who is going to win the Stanley Cup? The Florida Panthers are coming off their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, starting the season 4-2-1. How will the rest of the season shake out?
Awards Prediction:
Hart Trophy: Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils, Center.
The Hart Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player of the league, and is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers association.
In 2023, Hughes had a career-best season with 99 points, breaking Patrik Elias’ record for most points in a season, and also was the only Devil to score more then two even strength goals. Hughes plays the game with so much passion, and drive. I strongly believe that he is the best candidate to represent the NHL by being the “MVP.”
Vezina Trophy: Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers, Goalkeeper
The Vezina Trophy is awarded to the goaltender who is judged to be the best at the position.
Shesterkin is known for making big saves and being the difference-maker for his team, especially when they are outshot with his “brick wall” goaltending. Shesterkin is also good at moving the puck and getting the puck up the ice when needed.
Norris Trophy: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche, Defensemen
The Norris Trophy is awarded to the league’s best defensive player, who is all-around best at what they do.
Makar is a top candidate for this trophy for a number of reasons, including his two-way play, physicality and ability to create offense. He makes it very hard for the offense to get through, and plays tough, which is why I believe he deserves the Norris trophy for defense.
Calder Trophy: Matvei Michkov, Philadelphia Flyers, Right Wing
The Calder Trophy is awarded to the most proficient player in their rookie year.
Michkov is a top candidate because of his experience, offensive skills, physicality and the way his teammates are drawn to him and the dynamic role he plays.
Jack Adams Award: Andre Tourigny, Utah Hockey Club
This award is given to the best coach in the league.
Coach Andre Tourigny is known for his coaching of three different teams. He coached Team Canada to two gold medals, but is currently coaching the Utah Hockey club and adjusting to new heights.
Playoff Seeding Predictions:
Atlantic Division:
Florida Panthers
Toronto Maple Leafs
Boston Bruins
Metropolitan Division:
New Jersey Devils
Carolina Hurricanes
New York Rangers
Eastern Conference Wild Card:
Tampa Bay Lightning
New York Islanders
Central Division:
Dallas Stars
Nashville Predators
Colorado Avalanche
Pacific Division:
Edmonton Oilers
Vancouver Canucks
Vegas Golden Knights
Western Conference Wild Card:
Utah Hockey Club
Winnipeg Jets
Stanley Cup Prediction: Dallas Stars over the New Jersey Devils.
The Dallas Stars have had two seasons where they have “fell off” in the Western Conference final. The Stars downgraded their defense in the offseason, but that is made up for and then some by a forward group that has the strength of a rocket. Along with an unstoppable goalie in Jake Oettinger, I believe they’ll get past the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch of last year’s conference finals.
The New Jersey Devils are considered strong Stanley Cup contenders due to their young, high-potential core of players like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt, huge improvements to their defense through recent growing offensive, making them a well-rounded team with potential to compete at the highest level.
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