So we've come down to the final 10. The creme de la creme. All teams here are under the assumption as shoe-ins to the playoffs & favorites for Lord Stanley's Cup. Who will take the top spot? Let's find out!:
#10
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Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago has become a perennial contender. Even though Patrick Kane is out getting in trouble all the time, the rest of the team doesn't depend on him showing up every game, which he actually does anyways (incredible). To be successful this year: get dirty & lock down on defense. The Blackhawks just may be cup contenders.
#9
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Detroit Red Wings
Nicklas Lidstrom wasn't everything in Detroit. Sure he was the captain & heart & soul, but something tells me he left with a plan installed. We all know Henrik Zetterberg & Pavel Datsyuk can get it done, but the rest of the Red Wings squad can also, & that's why this season can be exceptionally great even without there beloved long time captain.
#8
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Philadelphia Flyers
Claude Giroux is just riding an incredible crest right now. Cover of NHL 13, the new captaincy, but is it enough to transfer on ice? I placed Philadelphia up at #8 because they have been getting it done year after year. Even with the loss of Jake van Riemsdyk to Toronto, the Flyers can manage an elite season.
#7
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Los Angeles Kings
This is another team that will benefit or suffer under the shortened season. The Kings are back defending the cup this year & that is probably the only reason they are ranked this high. The reason? Injuries. The short schedule keeps the time to heal down to a minimum which can't be good when you have Anze Kopitar out. Besides that, look for the same energy from last season, but I doubt a repeat year is in the mix.
#6
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St. Louis Blues
The Blues had a phenomenal run last year which ended in upset. With David Backes leading the way again, expect youngster T.J. Oshie to post up monster numbers if he can avoid the injury bug. St. Louis has the chance to create havock in the standings and possibly go further than they did last year because of the shortened year.
#5
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Edmonton Oilers
#5?? Really? Yes, really. Check it out: Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, & Nail Yakupov all studs and under 25? This team may or may not reach the bar I've set for them this year, but if they don't then watch out for next year, and the year after that, and the year after that, and...well you get what I'm saying. Edmonton's future looks bright.
#4
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Vancouver Canucks
The only reason Vancouver is up at #4 is the same reason they should be lower, & that's the Roberto Luongo saga. Even when he wants to get traded & is upset with his location, the guy somehow manages to run for the Vezina almost every year without trying. Along with the Sedin twins, the Canucks always have a shot at the cup, or at least the President's trophy (u mad?).
#3
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Boston Bruins
Boston's another one of those teams that you sit there and wonder, "How do they do it every year?". This strong TEAM is full of talented individuals that move as a group towards one goal. I expect a superb season if Nathan Horton can pull together a stellar performance & if Tuukka Rask shuts down the angles.
#2
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Pittsburgh Penguins
Everybody wishes they had one, Pittsburgh has them both! Sidney Crosby & Evgeni Malkin are just flat out sick. Sid, by far the best in the league when he's healthy, & Geno the best when he's[Crosby] not. This club lost Jordan Staal but I know Penguins fans are like, "Jordan-Who??". If Pitt can have fast start & maintain, the Stanley cup can most likely be in Pennsylvania this year.
#1
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New York Rangers
With the amount of talent these guys stack up each year they should be playing outdoor games in Yankees' Stadium just to rub it in people's faces the dominating rosters both teams have. Rick Nash is the big story here, & now that he has his team around him he always wanted, let's see if he can produce. The top line looks scary & if Henrik Lundqvist does his thing like every year, the cup's in the bag for the Rangers.
Well there you have it. I hope everyone enjoys the season! Hockey's back and it's amazing to see the clubs skating again. Stay posted for more Power Rankings throught out the season!
