Monday, Feb. 26 represented the last chance for National Hockey League (NHL) teams to make improvements for a playoff run. Some teams are just hoping to get there, while others made moves to make their roster even better. This year’s NHL trade deadline didn’t see an abundance of moves made, but the ones that were made had a major impact. Now that we know what each team’s playoff roster will look like, we can definitively say who the favorites are. Here are the NHL’s top 10 teams heading into the playoffs.
10. Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets had a great turnaround season. The Jets missed the postseason by seven points in 2017. However, they showed tremendous improvement with Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, and Patrick Laine leading the way. The only question for the Jets was in net, but Connor Hellebuyck has been great and should give Winnipeg a fighting chance.
9. New Jersey Devils
The Devils were very much the opposite of the Winnipeg Jets entering the season. The only thing for sure with the Devils was that they would be fine in net with Cory Schneider. Although Schneider battled injuries this season, the Devils built up other areas. Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier both gave the Devils a nice offensive threat while the addition of Sami Vatanen via trade has given New Jersey some leadership on the blue line. The Devils also added Patrick Maroon at the deadline, bringing some size that is always a plus in the playoffs.
8. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have arguably the most balanced roster in all of hockey. Great talent in the top six forwards and some strong defensive forwards in the bottom six, which was only bolstered when the team acquired Derek Brassard via trade. They are also well equipped on the blue line. The Penguins’ only flaw lies in net. Matt Murray has struggled to stay healthy and has been inconsistent when he’s on the ice. Goaltending is crucial in the playoffs, and Murray hasn’t been the guy for Pittsburgh.
7. Washington Capitals
The Capitals are always talented. They have top players at every position. The only issue with the Capitals is the same issue they always have: Can they win come playoff time? The smart money says no, but with the Rangers out of the playoffs and the Penguins not looking like themselves, maybe it’s finally the year for the Caps.
6. San Jose SharksThe Sharks have a fantastic combination of youth and veterans. While they did lose Patrick Marleau, they have plenty of young forwards to take his place. Martin Jones has looked pedestrian, but we certainly know what he is capable of. After San Jose acquired Evander Kane, they look prepared to make a run in the playoffs.
5. Nashville Predators
The defending Western Conference Champions will be right back in the mix come playoff time this year. Pekka Rinne has played lights out all year and the team has a balanced scoring attack with Viktor Arvidsson, Kevin Fiala, and Filip Forsberg. Watch out for Nashville once the playoffs begin, especially in the wide open Western Conference.
4. Boston Bruins
The Bruins are a team that is way ahead of schedule. Some of the established talent—Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, and Patrice Bergeron—have led the way, but some of the support has been a real surprise. Danton Heinen and Jake Debrusk have emerged as contributors in their rookie season, while Charlie McAvoy has grown into a top four defenseman right before our eyes. Tuukka Rask has also found his game again, playing with a level of consistency that hasn’t been seen since 2014. After the acquisition of Rick Nash, the Bruins now have some scoring depth, with Nash slotting in perfectly next to David Krejci. Boston should be tough to beat in a seven-game series.
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs showed a flash of this talent in last year’s playoffs. Toronto is young, talented, and exciting. They will be a perennial threat to win a Stanley Cup at some point, but is that point now?
2. Vegas Golden Knights
If I had said this before the season started, I’d be crazy. The Golden Knights are the favorites out of the West. They are loaded with goal scoring and even added Tomas Tatar to the mix. With Fleury playing like he is, I see no reason to believe this team is a fluke.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning
Funny that the favorite to win the Stanley Cup before the trade deadline is the same team that virtually won the trade deadline. In acquiring Ryan McDonagh, the Lightning grabbed the best player on the trade market. If this team lives up to their expectations, I see no way that they aren’t hoisting the Stanley Cup come June.