Stanley Cup Playoffs: One reason why each team can win it all
We are down to the final eight teams left in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here is one reason why each team can win it all.
The 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs are far from normal but they have been highly entertaining with upsets and fascinating storylines.
We are now down to the final eight teams so I decided to write about one reason why each team has the ability to win it all.
Eastern Conference
Tampa Bay Lightning
Reason: Ridiculous depth
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The Tampa Bay Lightning are the deepest team in the playoffs right now. They have four solid lines and their third defensive pairing is Mikhail Sergavhev and Kevin Shattenkirk. This team has such a variety of players and that allows them to be very adaptable and win in all kinds of ways.
They can beat you in a one-goal game or they can simply outscore you. This was evident through their series against the Columbus Blue Jackets and has been a part of their rebrand since the sweep in 2019.
Boston Bruins
Reason: Resilience
The Boston Bruins have a winner’s DNA. They thrive when they are counted out and are constantly proving to the league that they are the real deal. When Tuukka Rask opted out of the bubble, Jaroslav Halak stepped up and won the next three games.
This has been the story of the Bruins throughout the season as they have seen their players step up to the challenge every time someone else went down with an injury. Mental toughness and resilience are so crucial in the playoffs and the Bruins have a ton of it in the locker room.
New York Islanders
Reason: Barry Trotz
Barry Trotz’s defensive systems have been magic in the playoffs. The New York Islanders do not have any glaring advantages on paper but their team systems make Semyon Varlamov‘s life very easy. In the playoffs, they have allowed just 1.67 goals per game and have allowed just 4 goals in the third period.
Once this team gets a lead, the game is over. Of all the teams left in the postseason, the Islanders have blocked the most shots (169) and allow the second-least amount of shots a game (25.2). Defensive hockey is a recipe for success in the playoffs and Trotz’s team has looked very sharp.
Philadelphia Flyers
Reason: Carter Hart
Hockey is a team game but the goaltender can make or break your team. Carter Hart has been absolutely incredible for the Philadelphia Flyers, including back-to-back shutouts in the series against the Montreal Canadiens.
The Flyers have had their issues on the powerplay, getting key contributions from star players, but they have managed to win because they have one of the best goaltenders in the league playing behind them. As long as Hart continues to play this way, the Flyers are a very dangerous team.
Western Conference
Dallas Stars
Reason: Defense wins championships
The Dallas Stars are known for their defensive style of hockey and their defense has been the driver of this team for the whole season. However, they have been getting some pretty strong offensive production in the playoffs and that’s what makes this team so dangerous.
In the series against the Calgary Flames, they score 5+ goals three times, including seven unanswered goals in the series-clinching game. The combination of offense and defense leaves very little weakness and is why this team can go all the way.
Colorado Avalanche
Reason: Game breakers
Nathan MacKinnon is the best player left in the playoffs and he has the ability to completely change a series. What makes the Colorado Avalanche so dangerous is that they have players that can take over a game.
Other than MacKinnon, they also have Nazem Kadri, Gabriel Landeskog, and Mikko Rantanen who are all capable of putting this team on their back. In a very close and hard-fought series, game-breakers will be key in breaking the tie and the Avalanche have a ton of them.
Vancouver Canucks
Reason: Nothing to lose
No one expected the Vancouver Canucks to be the last Canadian team standing in the postseason and yet, here they are. This young team has been a treat to watch and seem to be enjoying every second of it.
The Canucks have nothing to lose this year and that’s their biggest advantage. Their window has just started to open up and they’ve managed to fully take advantage of it. A team that has no pressure is extremely dangerous and Vancouver is just having fun and seeing how long they can make this magic last.
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Vegas Golden Knights
Reason: A complete team
This team is arguably the most complete team left in the playoffs. They have depth in each position, play a strong two-way game, and are a very adaptable team thanks to their versatile players. This is a group of hardened veterans that know what it takes to win and have been all business in this year’s playoffs, wasting no time eliminating their opponents. If this team doesn’t make the Finals, it will be a surprise to everyone.