Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
It seems like just last night the Stanley Cup was being brought out onto the ice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, concluding the 2013-2014 NHL season. Now, just 4 months later, it’s time to break out your favorite team jerseys and t-shirts, if you haven’t done so already. The 2014-2015 season kicks off tonight with the first puck dropping at 7pm EST in Toronto, Canada between the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are ready to try a new approach at succeeding and the Montreal Canadiens, who put last seasons success behind them and are ready to start anew. Along with these 2 teams, other teams that are rejuvenated, healthy, and ready to play tonight include the Boston Bruins with a home advantage against the Philadelphia Flyers, the San Jose Sharks at last years Stanley Cup winners, the Los Angeles Kings, and the Vancouver Canucks with a new goalie against the Calgary Flames who have an optimistic outlook for this season.
The downtime of the off season gave every team in the NHL the opportunity to make the changes necessary in order to succeed above and beyond what they are used to. The pre-season series however, allowed the teams a glimpse at whether or not the decisions they made were going to affect them positively or negatively, but just about all of them are happy to say the least. Younger prospects were brought on to teams like the New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, and the San Jose Sharks, and some like Anthony Duclair were lucky enough to make the roster for the regular season with the Rangers. The Buffalo Sabres brought in a new coach that they hope will be a vital part of their success, as do the Pittsburgh Penguins who are ready to push themselves with the help of their new coach. With the help of a new goalie for the New Jersey Devils, the team is ready to take on the ice this season. Though it is often difficult for new teammates to make the transition from their former team to a new one, teams like Anaheim Ducks, the Boston Bruins, and the Dallas Stars are confident that their new additions will lead them to the ultimate prize this year.
It is no surprise that every team has their sights set on the Cup, and with predictions that teams like the Los Angeles Kings, the Anaheim Ducks or even the Chicago Blackhawks will keep the Cup on the West Coast yet again, the bar is set extremely high. Every team is going to work harder than last season, as expected, but the Boston Bruins have put last season behind them and have reset their sights on the top goal to bring the Cup to the East Coast, as well as the New York Islanders who are hoping to win it for a 5th time during their final season at their home since 1972.
Though every team will give their all this season, only a select few that have proven themselves will make it to the playoffs series, and while it seems like there is a long way to go before that round happens, it will be here a lot sooner than we know it. Here’s to the 2014-2015 NHL season, good luck to every team. May the most outstanding, hardworking, and energetic team win!
