With just a few weeks remaining in the regular season, teams are not just trying to prove that they can make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but also prove they are capable of making a deep run in the postseason.
While many teams are gearing up for the postseason, only a few can be considered Stanley Cup favorites.
One easy choice to represent the Eastern Conference is the Florida Panthers. The reigning conference champions have only improved since making it to the Finals for the second time in franchise history last season. Currently sitting second in the Atlantic Division, they are still in the mix for the President’s Trophy.
Out west, the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers made moves to ensure they had the depth to make a run, especially the Avs, who are vying to win their second Cup in three seasons.
On Tuesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Colby Cohen and Tyler Yaremchuk give their choices on Stanley Cup favorites at this point of the season.
Colby Cohen: I think Colorado, Florida, New York, and Carolina are peaking and playing their best hockey at the right time. I know Florida had a couple of losses in the last week, but at the end of the day, I love the way they’re built. They’ve been the favorite in the East for quite some time. I like the additions at the trade deadline. To me, Florida is a no-brainer.
What the Colorado Avalanche did at the deadline was sneaky…so you have to like them as well. For obvious reasons, look at how the Rangers are playing. They’re peaking at the right time. Look at Carolina, they added [Jake] Guentzel, he’s a difference-making goal scorer.
Vegas, they need to start seeing these pieces play together, they need to string together wins. The Edmonton Oilers have question marks on their back end in the net.
Tyler Yaremchuk: I have the Jets in my inner circle. I agree with you on the Canes, their new additions are looking good early on. The Panthers, how could you not? The Avalanche, how could you not?
You can watch the full segment, and entire episode here…
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