It’s that time of year again, hockey fans! The puck is about to drop on a new NHL season, and with it comes the inevitable predictions of who will hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup. TSN’s esteemed panel of insiders have weighed in, and the consensus is clear: the Edmonton Oilers are the team to beat.
Four out of five TSN experts – Darren Dreger, Mike Johnson, Cheryl Pounder, and James Duthie – are picking Connor McDavid and the Oilers to end Canada’s Stanley Cup drought. This is a bold statement, considering the last Canadian team to win was the Montreal Canadiens back in 1993.
Edmonton Oilers Emerge as Stanley Cup Favorites in TSN Preseason Predictions
The Oilers have been knocking on the door for several years now, boasting one of the most potent offenses in the league led by McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. They’ve made significant strides in addressing their defensive issues and goaltending, making them a more complete team. The hunger is certainly there, and this could be the year they finally put it all together.
The Other Contenders
While the Oilers are the favorites, the TSN panel also sees strong contenders in the Eastern Conference. The New York Rangers, with their young core and solid goaltending, are a popular pick to come out of the East. The Florida Panthers, fresh off a Stanley Cup, are also expected to be in the mix. Jeff O’Neill is the lone dissenter, predicting the Panthers will defeat the Colorado Avalanche in the final.
My Take
As someone who has followed this league closely for years, I can’t help but agree with the Oilers’ assessment. They have the star power, the depth, and the experience to go all the way. However, the NHL season is a marathon, not a sprint. Injuries, unexpected slumps, and hot goaltending can all derail even the best teams. It will be fascinating to see how it all unfolds.
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