We’re nearing the finish of the calendar 12 months 2022. That means it’s now not too quickly to invest 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 in the standings, it looks as if an excellent time to replace our championship picks.
Whether it has modified out of your preseason choose or not, inform us, Daily Faceoff roundtable: Who is 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 have all the pillars you need from a Cup-winning staff: alpha goaltender (Jake Oettinger), dominant No. 1 defenseman (Miro Heiskanen), beastly No. 1 middle (Roope Hintz) and, in fact, a budding famous person 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 in the Lone Star State for the first 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 along with the Boston Bruins. They’ve acquired some severe “Last Dance” vibes at the second. They’ve additionally been just about unbeatable on home-ice (15-0-2), which is wanted throughout a deep playoff run. There’s been no drama round the David Pastrnak contract state of affairs. Linus Ullmark is placing collectively the Vezina season that nobody is actually speaking about. Jake DeBrusk and Taylor Hall are enjoying their finest hockey in years. And right here’s the kicker: I believe the Bruins are going to be big deadline gamers, making an attempt to bolster each this 12 months’s possibilities and perhaps even their future if Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci hold ’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 carry the Stanley Cup as soon as once more this June. The Penguins have been red-hot recently regardless of lacking prime puck-moving defenseman Kris Letang for a stretch. And regardless that the blueline is nonetheless skinny with Jeff Petry out of motion, I believe Marcus Pettersson has actually stepped up. Bryan Rust is lastly enjoying as much as his skill. And ever since Teddy Blueger stepped again into the Penguins lineup, the penalty kill has been staunch. I may go on down the listing of gamers, however actually it boils right down to this: Pittsburgh doesn’t have any passengers proper now. Crosby is main the means, 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 at the commerce deadline, however it may not matter. The Penguins are a legit Stanley Cup contender.
NICK ALBERGA: Unlike Frank, I’ll stand agency with my preseason choose of the Carolina Hurricanes. As per regular, they’re not the flashiest staff, however once more, they’re getting the job completed. Furthermore, they’ve completed most of their harm with out No. 1 goalie Frederik Andersen. Pyotr Kochetkov has been a incredible story. On prime of that, Max Pacioretty has but to play a sport. Additionally, I absolutely count on the Canes to be energetic upfront of the commerce deadline. As presently constructed, they’re already a contender, so simply wait till they get wholesome and doubtlessly purchase a participant or two as properly. I’m all-in; they need to be as properly.
STEVEN ELLIS: I’m sticking to my weapons right here with the Carolina Hurricanes as properly. They’re nonetheless wanting sharp in the Metro and may be capable of take over the division lead earlier than too lengthy. Goaltending has been a blended bag, however the proven fact that they’ve three goalies who, when wholesome, can all go on sizzling streaks excites me. The play of Martin Necas is big, and Jordan Martinook has been a pleasing shock, too. I’m not one hundred pc offered on them, however I nonetheless have to carry robust for now.
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