Don Waddell, the general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, is pleased with the team's performance at the end of the season, but he knows that it doesn't matter now.
Waddell mentioned that in the playoffs, everyone starts from scratch, and it's a different time compared to the regular season. The NHL playoffs are unpredictable and anyone can come out on top.
This year's playoffs are more uncertain than in recent years.
Compared to last year, where Boston was a clear favorite, this year there are many strong contenders such as Carolina, Florida, Vegas, Dallas, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and the New York Rangers.
According to former player and current TNT analyst Ed Olczyk, there are several teams that have a good chance of winning the Stanley Cup, and there is no significant gap between them.
Carolina, Florida, Dallas, Colorado, Edmonton, the Rangers, Boston, Vegas, and Toronto are among the top contenders for the Stanley Cup, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Victor Hedman, the 2020 playoff MVP, expressed confidence in the team's goalie's abilities to perform well under pressure during the playoffs.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
The New York Rangers are considered a strong team with home-ice advantage throughout the postseason, which could give them an edge. Igor Shesterkin and Artemi Panarin have been key players for the team this season.
The depth of the New York Rangers team could be a distinguishing factor, especially in the playoffs when unexpected players can become heroes.
According to former player and current ESPN analyst Ray Ferraro, players who are not in the spotlight could make a significant impact in the playoffs, like Kaapo Kakko for example.
Ray Ferraro also mentioned the possibility of players like Jake DeBrusk from the Boston Bruins making a difference in the playoffs, considering the team's desire for redemption after a disappointing previous season.
Coach Jim Montgomery believes that his team has learned from past challenges and is confident in their ability to compete with any team in the league.
The Eastern Conference in the playoffs is challenging, as mentioned by Lightning coach Jon Cooper ahead of the team's first-round series against the Panthers.
“It's very difficult to get through the challenging situation many times,” Cooper stated. “It's tough. It's really tough to do.”
WESTERN CONFERENCE
The West has a very tough first round, according to Ferraro. Exciting matchups include Winnipeg vs. Colorado and Vancouver opening against Nashville. Dallas finished first in the conference, but are the Stars the team to beat?
“I believe five out of the eight have a real chance at winning the Cup,” stated former defenseman Jason Demers, now an NHL Network analyst. “It really comes down to the first-round matchups and then staying healthy.”
The top-seeded Stars, who will start against either Vegas or Los Angeles, will try to outperform opponents in the race for the Cup, using their speed and skill, and depending on Jake Oettinger and a strong defense behind a top group of forwards. But they know it won’t be simple.
“It's going to be a tough journey to get through everything,” winger Mason Marchment said. “It will be exciting, but I think we'll be ready for it.”
Reigning and three-time MVP Connor McDavid could carry the Oilers through the playoffs like Nathan MacKinnon did when the Avalanche won the Cup in 2022. A lot will depend on Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner.
With a first-round matchup against the Golden Knights or Kings, Demers said “Edmonton just needs to exorcise those demons.”
So do the Jets, who haven’t made it to the West final since 2018. Winnipeg has this season’s best goaltender in Connor Hellebuyck and a big, tough lineup full of players who can also score but think first about their end of the ice.
“We prioritize defense,” assistant coach Scott Arniel said. “We don't give teams much time and space to do anything, and we wear them down and frustrate them by smothering them defensively.”
