Western Conference: Who Deserves To Hoist The Cup?

Apr 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center

(19) tries to shoot the puck past Dallas Stars goalie

(31) during the second period at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Dallas Stars 5-2. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Looking through the standings of the NHL, I realized I want multiple teams to win the Stanley Cup this year. The problem is that they can’t all win it. I have picked out the five teams from each conference (yes that’s a lot) that I want to watch hoist the cup. First off, I’m going to start with the Western Conference.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have been the hype for the whole season, making history in the start of the season and wowing fans. They have shown substantial ability with players like Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, and Duncan Keith. Let’s not forget their two starting goalies. Ray Emery has been as effective as starter Corey Crawford. With two solid goaltenders, it’s going to be hard to beat them. I wouldn’t mind seeing Marian Hossa raise the cup along with Ray Emery.

Columbus Blue Jackets

April 15 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing

(71) is congratulated for the his game winning overtime goal by teammates center

(19) and right wing

(40) against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Blue Jackets defeated the Avalanche 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Blue Jackets have been the underdog’s of the NHL for the past couple of seasons. With the shortened season, the Blue Jackets have shown their strength, especially with trading captain Rick Nash to the New York Rangers for a few players. They have played their hearts out and have shown great potential. They can even make it into the playoffs, but it will be tough. The reason Columbus should win the cup is because they would have the perfect story. The losers every single year come back and prove themselves by winning the Stanley Cup. I think Sergei Bobrovsky deserves it, too, because he has led this team and really should finish out this season with a Cinderella story. I wouldn’t mind Marian Gaborik inning with the Blue Jackets either.

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings haven’t missed the playoffs in 20+ seasons, but are hanging on by a thread this year. The problem is injuries and lack of defense. With the retirement of captain Nicklas Lidstrom, they were left without their lead defenseman, which caused a few problems. Without “The Perfect Human” defending the blue line, they were left with players who looked like they didn’t know how to play. Injuries plagued the team early on, especially fast-skater Darren Helm, who has been

Apr 14, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing

(93) is congratulated by

(52) after Franzen scored against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Detroit won 3 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

on and off the ice during practices, battling a back injury. He has missed all but one game this season. The Wings, being my favorite team, need another cup to boost their self esteem. Winning the Cup after almost missing the playoffs for the first time in two decades would be a great story.

St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues was a last-minute addition to my list, but I figured since they have a good squad, I’d add them. David Backes and Alex Pietrangelo deserve to hold the Stanley Cup above their head. Also, the goaltender duo of Brian Elliot and Jaroslav Halak has been talked about since last season, and have put up good numbers. A push for the cup is something they can do, just like what they were expected to do last year after acquiring Ken Hitchcock as their head coach part-way through the season last year.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks lost at the last step in the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals to the Boston Bruins.

Apr 16, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) and goalie

(1) celebrate their shootout victory over the Vancouver Canucks at the Scottrade Center. The Blues defeated the Canucks 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

They have won the President’s Trophy the last couple of seasons, but they can’t seem to win the cup. There are four players who I desperately want to win the cup. First (and second) are Henrik and Daniel Sedin deserve it because of how well they play together. Their passing and shooting combo is unreal and virtually impossible to stop. The third player is Ryan Kesler. The Livonia, Michigan native (where I went to high school) has played very well season after season and I would love to see him bring the Stanley Cup through the streets of Livonia. The last player is Roberto Luongo. Everyone has given him so much crap, but they need to be proven wrong. With a Stanley Cup victor, I think everyone will finally get off of Luongo’s back and respect his play.

April 13 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin (22) controls the puck in the third period of the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche defeated the Canucks 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

These are the five Western Conference teams that I think deserve to win the Stanley Cup. Check in tomorrow to see who I pick for the Eastern Conference. Also, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can e-mail us at tmmots@yahoo.ca or Tweet us @TMMotS. Follow me for hockey related news @NardoneDylan.