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It’s hockey time! Here’s what we think will happen this year in the greatest game on earth.
The Leafs Win a Second Playoff Round
We know, we know. When pigs fly, when hell freezes over, when Peter Pocklington apologizes for The Trade. But seriously, the Leafs can push through and win a second round.
But we’re not just blowing smoke. The Leafs have a pretty solid defence and two good goaltenders in Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll. On top of that, their competition isn’t looking so hot. It feels nutty to write this, but Boston isn’t as good as they used to be. And the Leafs beat the Lightning handily last year. The Panthers are the real threat, but this season will show whether or not last year was a fluke.
Cole Caufield Breaks Out
Other Canadians would know the name Cole Caufield if he hadn’t gone down in January with a season-ending injury. He was on track to easily score 40 goals in the season, putting him in the company of Vincent Damphousse, who did the same for Montreal back in 1993-94.
Josh Morrissey Becomes Josh Norrissey
Okay, Winnipeg fans already call him that, but the rest of the league should know that Josh Morrissey has a shot at the Norris Trophy. Morrissey put up 76 points last year, so we’ll be looking for more goals and assists from this amazing defenceman.
Andrew Mangiapane Recovers
Mangiapane had a 35-goal season two years ago. Last season, he struggled with just 17 goals. Yeah, maybe it’s easy to predict that a great player will bounce back after a slump, but what else do the Flames have to look forward to?
The Oilers Will Make a Serious Cup Run
So it turns out that the Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl show wasn’t enough to beat the Golden Knights. Hopefully, lessons are learned and Edmonton stops relying so much on this record-setting duo. A little more defence, a little more depth, and hopefully some guys defending McDavid and Drai, and the Oilers will look like a Stanley Cup team. Besides, surely McDavid is the best player to never have a Cup at this point, right?
This Year Is the Elias Pettersson Year
Pettersson has one year left on his contract before he becomes a free agent, so no doubt media in Vancouver will be closely watching every move Pettersson makes and trying their best to read the tea leaves.
The Senators Will Have Two 40-Goal Scorers
Last year, Tim Stützle scored 39 goals. He’s only 21. This kid has more in him, we’re sure of it, and we can’t wait to see what he does.
Josh Norris was mostly out with an injury last season, but the previous season he scored 43 goals. We bet he’ll bounce back, and between these two, the Senators will have some pretty decent prospects.
A Canadian Team Will Take Home the Stanley Cup
Why do we think a Canadian team will take home the Cup? Because you’ve gotta believe.
