Every NHL Playoff team ranked by their Stanley Cup chances
SB Nation • • sports
Key Points:
- The Stanley Cup Playoffs feature 16 teams, with 13 from the USA and 3 from Canada, and this year promises a new champion as the Florida Panthers failed to qualify.
- The Colorado Avalanche are the favorites to win, boasting a dominant regular season record and star player Nathan McKinnon, though their success hinges on the recovery of injured defenseman Cale Makar.
- The Carolina Hurricanes are the top team in the Eastern Conference due to their depth and balanced play but lack a superstar to carry them through tough playoff moments.
- Teams like the Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Buffalo Sabres have strong seasons but face challenges such as lack of center depth, reliance on aging core players, or inexperience in playoff hockey.
- Lower-ranked teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings face significant hurdles due to defensive weaknesses, inconsistent goaltending, or a young roster still developing for future success.
