Eastern Conference: Who Deserves To Hoist The Cup?
Yesterday I posted about the five Western Conference teams that I wanted to see hoist the Stanley Cup. Those teams included the Chicago Blackhawks, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Detroit Red Wings, the St. Louis Blues, and the Vancouver Canucks. Now is time to reveal who I want to see hoist the cup from the Eastern Conference.
Montreal Canadiens
Apr 9, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk (27) misses a chance to score a goal against Washington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
The Canadiens have been enrolled in the joke pool for too long. Reading a joke that stated: “How many Montreal Canadien fans does it take to change a light bulb? None, they just talk about how great the old one was.” Sure, I laughed at it the first time I read it, and even sent it along to my brother and some friends. They have really stepped up their game, much like how Columbus has done this year. The only problem is Carey Price is looking a little shaky. It’s going to be hard to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals with an unpredictable goaltender. Along with Price, I want to see P.K. Subban and Alex Galchenyuk hoist the cup. I felt bad for Galchenyuk because he made it to the first round of the OHL playoffs with Sarnia, where they got swept by my Plymouth Whalers. Now that he is in Montreal, he has been scoring and showing that he belongs there, and not dumped in Hamilton.
New York Rangers
Apr 16, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) celebrates his goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at the Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Rangers, 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
I want to clear this up. I wouldn’t mind seeing the RANGERS win. Not the Islanders, the Rangers. Sorry Isles fans, but I just don’t like your squad. Henrik Lundqvist is one of the main reasons I want them to win. He is too good of a goaltender to not have a Stanley Cup win before he retires. You could even add Michael Del Zotto, Rick Nash, and Ryan Callahan to my list of reasons. I guess you can even throw in Marc Staal. They are a team who had a great run last year, and I think had they beat New Jersey, they could have shut down the Los Angeles Kings. Plus, could you imagine John Tortorella not having anything to complain about? It would be awesome to hear him not yelling with anger.
Pittsburgh Penguins
April 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) and Penguins right wing Jarome Iginla (right) talk on the ice against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
No, I’m not a bandwagon fan. So if you’re thinking I am, I’m not. I started liking the Penguins in 2008 when my Detroit Red Wings beat them. I loved how Sidney Crosby led his team to the Stanley Cup Finals as the youngest NHL captain and almost beat the world champion. I was a little proud of him when he challenged us again in the Finals and beat us. He isn’t the reason I want them to win this year. Jarome Iginla coming to Pittsburgh was probably the best move of his career. Sticking with Calgary, he wouldn’t have won a Stanley Cup. Also, I want to see Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz hoist the cup.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Apr 8, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Tyler Bozak (42) against the New York Rangers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated New York 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs have almost the same story with me as the Montreal Canadiens. I am ready to stop hearing the jokes about them. Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf are big reasons for me cheering them on. Also, I like the way Tyler Bozak plays hard every game. I wouldn’t mind seeing these players win the whole thing, even though they aren’t my top pick. Phaneuf, much like Iginla, made the best choice of his career by jumping out of Calgary and onto another team. Along with his trade, he suited up, shortly after arriving on the team, with the captain’s “C” on his jersey. He has been leading from the blue line ever since, and this could be his year to shine.
Washington Capitals
Mar 12, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green (52) skates with the puck as Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) chases in the third period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
I am an Alex Ovechkin fan. The way he plays is just phenomenal. He puts that puck in the net just about every different way possible. He can make a play and score a goal. He dances around defenders, like his fellow countrymen Pavel Datsyuk and Malkin, and makes them look stupid. If anyone deserves to win the Stanley Cup as a captain this season, it’s him. He has been working his butt off so hard since his season debut. Braden Holtby is another factor of why they should win. He didn’t start playing for the Caps until the playoffs last season, and he led them to the Conference Semi-Finals, after beating the defending champions the Boston Bruins, where they fell to the New York Rangers. Nicklas Backstrom and Joel Ward are other reasons. And we can’t forget the powerhouse defenseman Mike Green, who knows how to set up a pass and break down and offensive threat.