The 2021-22 Stanley Cup Playoffs are already just around the corner. The season is about to reach its halfway point, and with the ever-evolving status of the NHL standings, the teams that will make the playoffs are largely up for debate.
For a long time, the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and more have dominated the predictions for eventual Stanley Cup Champions year after year. However, despite how often people try to guess how each round will unfold, there are no guarantees in playoff hockey. Most likely, this year will be no different.
Three teams are currently barely in a playoff spot or not in one altogether that could contend for the Stanley Cup this postseason. While there would have to be several guarantees to ensure each team gets a shot at Lord Stanley’s cup, it is not outside the realm of possibility with how these teams have been playing.
Oh, and to spice up the list, anyone who did well in the playoffs in the 2020-21 season is exempt. Making the playoffs and going far in back-to-back years is not exactly the most “sleeper” move.