It's finally here. The World Cup finished, preseason games are wrapping up and we finally are looking at NHL hockey again. Here are some top stories heading into the season.
World Cup Repercussions
Will there be lasting effects from the World Cup of Hockey? Canada dominated (unfortunately), and everyone's wondering if that'll help the individual players come back on a hot streak, or if they'll they lose momentum. The young guns of Team North America had an explosive tournament, playing well and involved in some fun games, but ultimately missing out on the semis. Team Europe surprised, and Team USA played horrifically badly. You never know how this kind of tournament could affect performances once the season starts, but it also could have no effect. At least for the USA players, they can't play much worse than they did in the World Cup, so there is no where to go but up. For the Canadians, many of them played out of their minds, so momentum could sustain itself for them, but I find it rather doubtful. There is no way Brad Marchand is the most dangerous offensive player in the NHL, like he was in the tournament.
Top Teams Outlook
Going into this season, we don't know much. There hasn't been too much crazy movement as in previous summers, although it still was busy. Many contenders kept their core together, making my top five going into the season fairly straightforward.
1. Pittsburgh Penguins
If Kessel and Co play half as well as they did at the end of the season last year, they will start fast. Even more so if Crosby and Malkin start contributing like they should.
2. San Jose Sharks
Many felt that if the Sharks were going to win a Cup, last year was their shot. The Sharks disagree. Even though some of their cornerstones are aging, they are starting to look like they have some Jagr-esque agelessness. They also have some younger pieces that started playing lights out at the end of the season, so if they can bottle some of that momentum and explosiveness, they will be serious contenders yet again.
3. Tampa Bay Lightning
They kept Stamkos. They also didn't even have him for a while, and still were crazy explosive offensively. They remain dangerous in the East.
4. Chicago Blackhawks
Despite a poor playoffs last year, it almost feels wrong to drop them this low in a preseason ranking. They keep the pieces that have won multiple championships, and are immediately ready to fight for more. It's expected of them at this point.
5. Washington Capitals
They would be higher if it weren't for the fact they literally turn into a youth team when they get into the playoffs. They were looking like shoe-ins for the Cup, with how steady Ovechkin is with his non-stop shooting (even terrible shots) and their young players fiery attitude. But this team has to prove they can do something in the playoffs. I have no doubt they will probably make it, but they have to actually win something to be taken seriously.
All hockey fans are in a state of rejoicing, because the NHL is back.
