Members of the NHL’s Original Six are a tough and talented bunch, and any one of them are legitimate contenders for the Stanley Cup, but which one will bring the next Cup home first?
The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off their crowning year, led by young captain Jonathan Toews. The Conn Smythe Trophy winner may still be leading the ranks in the Windy City, but many contributing factors from the 2009-10 championship team are no longer there. Dustin Byfuglien, Antti Niemi and Kris Versteeg are just a few of the key contributors no longer playing in Chicago.
The Detroit Red Wings are always a perennial contender, and 2010-11 is no different. The Red Wings have a nice cushion atop the Central Division, and, as always, are led by their seemingly ageless captain, Nicklas Lidstrom. As long as the Red Wings’ talent continues to fall in behind Lidstrom, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tougher Central opponent than Detroit.
The Bruins seem to have all the right pieces to put toward a Stanley Cup victory. With two top-notch goaltenders, fierce forward lines and a solid defense, the B’s were a lock in early season predictions. The Bruins have proven their legitimacy when all their cogs start clicking as one, but when one piece fails, their game starts falling apart.
The Canadiens are working off their longest Stanley Cup drought in team history, and one can bet they’re starving for another title. Carey Price has served the team well as the full-time backstop and the team definitely has the potential for another run at the title in the near future.
The Rangers and the Maple Leafs are statistically further from the Stanley Cup than their Original Six counterparts, but it’s only December. The Eastern Conference competition may be tight, but it’s always a surprise to see who will lift the Cup come spring.
In your opinion, which Original Six team will next win the Stanley Cup? Share your thoughts below.
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Which Original Six team will win the Stanley Cup first?online surveys
