It seems like just yesterday when the Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez netted the game-winning goal against the New York Rangers to clinch their second Stanley Cup championship in three years.
Now that October has arrived, a new season of hockey is right around the corner and not a moment too soon. Here are four teams to keep an eye on this coming season.
Montreal Canadiens: The Habs are coming off of a season that exceeded expectations. Montreal upset the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Semifinals after defeating them 3-1 in Game Seven. However, the momentum did not carry over for the Habs as they fell to the Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals. With that said, the Canadiens are looking to come back with vengeance. Montreal is anchored by goalie Carey Price, who was the reason for why the Canadiens were one round away from the Stanley Cup Final. Also, they added some depth to the roster after signing center Manny Malhotra and trading for right wing P.A Parenteau. Yet, Montreal will need stars P.K Subban and Max Pacioretty to take their game to the next level if the Canadiens want to make it to the Stanley Cup Final.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby is the name fans first think of when they refer to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In addition to Crosby, the pens have a solid nucleus that consists of center Evgeni Malkin and left wing Chris Kunitz, their roster depth is a cause for concern. Pittsburgh lost some key components to their roster such as forward Jussi Jokinen, defenseman Brooks Orpik, and forward James Neal via trade.
Even with the lack of depth, the Pens are going to have to rely on goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
Fleury has been known for being shaky come playoff time and last year was no exception. Fleury’s performance will determine how far Pittsburgh goes this season.
St. Louis Blues: After surrendering a 2-0 series lead in the first round of the playoffs to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Blues will have something to prove this season. In fact, the Blues struck gold in free agency when they signed top free agent center Paul Stastny to a four year deal. Even though the Blues added the 25 goal scorer, the Blues still have problems behind the pipes. The Blues lost goalies Jaroslav Halak and Ryan Miller to free agency, which leaves the starting role to Brian Elliott, who has major shoes to fill. Also, look for left wing Alexander Steen and right wing T.J Oshie to be major contributors along with Stastny. Overall, fans should expect some type of playoff hockey in St. Louis.
Dallas Stars: A dark horse team to look out for is the Dallas Stars. In a tough Western Conference, the eighth seed took the number one seed Anaheim Ducks to six games in the first round of the playoffs last season. This young group is led by left wing Jamie Benn. Benn scored a career high 34 goals in 81 regular season games last year.
The supporting cast behind Benn is also impressive making up of centers Tyler Seguin, Rich Peverley, and newly acquired Jason Spezza. The depth at the center position will make the Stars a legitimate contender which makes for an easier playoff matchup come April. Do not be surprised if you see the Stars take a giant leap in 2014.
The stage is set and the refs are almost ready to drop the puck on what seems to be another great season.
Watch out for these teams to either sink or swim in the quest for Lord’s Stanley Cup.
Phil Novotny can be reached at philip.novotny@theminaretonline.com