2019-2020 NHL Season Preview – Who Can Upend the St. Louis Blues?

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2019-2020 NHL Season Preview – Who Can Upend the St. Louis Blues?

5 years ago

As the 2019-2020 NHL season gets into full swing, let’s assess several teams with a chance to be the 2020 Stanley Cup Champions.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning look to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after their historic season last year. The Lightning set several records for regular season success on their way to a 62-16-4 record. The celebration was short lived however, as Steven Stamkos and company were swept in the first round of the playoffs. The Lightning return a crop of veterans including Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov, and Victor Hedman. They have also brought in Kevin Shattenkirk to improve an already loaded team. The Lightning will have to overcome their Stanley Cup Playoff demons if they want to have a chance at making a run.

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins were one win away from another Stanley Cup Championship last season. You cannot get much closer to the crown without taking it. Zdeno Chara and the Bruins racked up 107 points last year, won the Atlantic Division, and made a deep run into the playoffs, only to get ousted in a historic Stanley Cup Finals Game 7. With Tuukka Rask in net and returning skaters such as Brad Marchand, David Backes, and David Krejci, the Bruins look to return to form at repeat their recent success.

Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights could not repeat their inaugural season success last year but continue to remain a force in the NHL. The Golden Knights have only been around for 2 years but have made the playoffs each season. Any team with Marc-Andre Fleury in net seems to be successful. The 2-time Pacific Division Champions have embraced stars William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault and the fans have made T-Mobile Arena one of the most raucous venues in America. Look for the Golden Knights to return to their first season form.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a run of success for what seems like forever. Can you really bet against Sidney Crosby? The man is an artist on the ice. Although they exited the playoffs early last year, the 5-Time Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins are in prime position to make it 6 this year.

Evgeni Malkin, Jake Gunzel, Kris Letang, and Matt Murray return to a team saturated with talent. The Penguins remain a contender to capture this year’s Stanley Cup.