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We’re nearing the top of the calendar yr 2022. Meaning it’s now not too quickly to take a position on what occurs in 2023. We’ve seen the NHL in motion for roughly a 3rd of the season now. And with some stunning groups sitting excessive within the standings, it looks like a superb time to replace our championship picks.
Whether or not it has modified out of your preseason choose or not, inform us, Day by day Faceoff roundtable: Who’s your Stanley Cup choose proper now?
MATT LARKIN: I believe I’ll cave and replace mine. I picked the New York Rangers earlier than the season began. I’m pivoting to the Dallas Stars. They’ve all of the pillars you need from a Cup-winning workforce: alpha goaltender (Jake Oettinger), dominant No. 1 defenseman (Miro Heiskanen), beastly No. 1 heart (Roope Hintz) and, in fact, a budding celebrity in Jason Robertson. I count on GM Jim Nill so as to add one other high-impact ahead earlier than the commerce deadline, too. I’m envisioning the Cup taking residence within the Lone Star State for the primary time since 1999.
FRANK SERAVALLI: My preseason choose was the Carolina Hurricanes, and whereas they’ve by no means been in bother for a minute this season, I’m going to pivot and go together with the Boston Bruins. They’ve acquired some severe “Final Dance” vibes for the time being. They’ve additionally been nearly unbeatable on home-ice (15-0-2), which is required throughout a deep playoff run. There’s been no drama across the David Pastrnak contract scenario. Linus Ullmark is placing collectively the Vezina season that nobody is admittedly speaking about. Jake DeBrusk and Taylor Corridor are taking part in their finest hockey in years. And right here’s the kicker: I believe the Bruins are going to be big deadline gamers, attempting to bolster each this yr’s probabilities and possibly even their future if Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci grasp ’em up after hoisting Lord Stanley’s chalice once more.
MIKE MCKENNA: I’m too cussed to look off my preseason favourite: the Pittsburgh Penguins. So I’m sticking to my weapons in saying Sidney Crosby and the gang elevate the Stanley Cup as soon as once more this June. The Penguins have been red-hot currently regardless of lacking high puck-moving defenseman Kris Letang for a stretch. And despite the fact that the blueline remains to be skinny with Jeff Petry out of motion, I believe Marcus Pettersson has actually stepped up. Bryan Rust is lastly taking part in as much as his capability. And ever since Teddy Blueger stepped again into the Penguins lineup, the penalty kill has been staunch. I may go on down the record of gamers, however actually it boils all the way down to this: Pittsburgh doesn’t have any passengers proper now. Crosby is main the way in which, and Tristan Jarry is 10-0-1 in his final 10 video games with a .941 save proportion. I’m undecided how a lot roster tweaking GM Ron Hextall can do on the commerce deadline, nevertheless it won’t matter. The Penguins are a legit Stanley Cup contender.
NICK ALBERGA: In contrast to Frank, I’ll stand agency with my preseason choose of the Carolina Hurricanes. As per common, they’re not the flashiest workforce, however once more, they’re getting the job accomplished. Moreover, they’ve accomplished most of their injury with out No. 1 goalie Frederik Andersen. Pyotr Kochetkov has been a implausible story. On high of that, Max Pacioretty has but to play a sport. Moreover, I absolutely count on the Canes to be energetic upfront of the commerce deadline. As at present constructed, they’re already a contender, so simply wait till they get wholesome and probably purchase a participant or two as nicely. I’m all-in; they need to be as nicely.
STEVEN ELLIS: I’m sticking to my weapons right here with the Carolina Hurricanes as nicely. They’re nonetheless wanting sharp within the Metro and would possibly be capable to take over the division lead earlier than too lengthy. Goaltending has been a blended bag, however the truth that they’ve three goalies who, when wholesome, can all go on scorching streaks excites me. The play of Martin Necas is big, and Jordan Martinook has been a nice shock, too. I’m not 100% bought on them, however I nonetheless have to carry robust for now.
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