Even though the Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the bubble teams in the playoff race in the Eastern Conference, I feel they have a very good change at a three-peat.
I imagine sportsbook reviews had the Penguins as one of the top teams to win the Cup but I wasn't one of them.
I felt they would just run out of gas but their recent surge has changed my mind. They will need some help at the trade deadline, most likely adding a defenseman, a bottom 6 veteran forward and an established goaltender.
GM Jim Rutherford is in win now mode and will make every effort to improve his team and give them the best chance to win their third Stanley Cup in a row.
Of course, the team's health will be of importance once we get down to the nitty gritty of March and beyond but if the Penguins are healthy and pick up a few pieces, watch out.
So you don't think the Penguins are in the mix? How about the Tampa Bay Lightning or Boston Bruins?
Most of those in the know feel the Lightning do have what it takes to lift Lord Stanley's Cup but they have to prove it this year. They seem to be a motivated team and probably have the best all-around team in the NHL.
The Bruins on the other hand were not expected to be this good. But coach Bruce Cassidy has them playing very well and could be that team that comes out of nowhere and makes a Cup run.
No matter what team lifts the Stanley Cup this season, I am looking forward to great hockey for the two month period starting in mid-April and running through mid-June.
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
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