NHL Power Rankings: Washington Capitals begin title defense

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 7:The Washington Capitals celebrate around the Stanley Cup after Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights at Capital One Arena on Thursday, June 7, 2018. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

30 of 31

Photo by Matt Kincaid/Getty Images /

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins made it their goal to win three consecutive Stanley Cups. Winning one is hard enough. Winning two is indescribably difficult. But winning three proved to be too much for the Penguins, who ran out of gas when the Washington Capitals beat them in six games in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

They got the long summer they desperately needed and should come back rested and ready to take the title away from the Capitals. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are both top five centers in the NHL. Having two such centers on the same team is a luxury no one else except maybe the Maple Leafs can claim.

Derick Brassard should be much better after a full offseason. He was a bit of an odd fit after the trade deadline, but that’s understandable. Phil Kessel is coming off his most productive season and should be up to his usual tricks in 2018-19.

Their defense is solid, but if Kris Letang comes back strong from a rough season, it will be even better. It’s not among the best in the NHL, but as the Penguins have proven, you don’t need an elite (or even great) defense to win the Stanley Cup.

Trending. Greatest Player To Wear Each Jersey Number. light

Goaltender Matt Murray had a rough season, as he dealt with a number of concussions and injury issues. He also dealt with the tragic loss of his father. Murray really needed a long summer to relax and re-energize. His resume is a darn good one, so expect him to bounce back.

This adds up to the team I have as my Stanley Cup favorites.

Home/Editorials