As the NHL season begins, fans are excited to see their favorite teams hit the ice with high expectations for the upcoming year. With a shortened season due to COVID-19, every game is crucial and many teams are looking to make a run for the Stanley Cup.
One of the teams with high hopes for the season is the Colorado Avalanche. After making it to the second round of the playoffs last year, they have added depth to their roster and are seen as one of the top teams in the league. Led by superstar Nathan MacKinnon and a potent offense, the Avalanche are looking to go all the way this year.
Another team with high expectations is the Tampa Bay Lightning. The defending Stanley Cup champions are looking to repeat and have kept their core intact, including two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy in net. With a talented roster and a championship pedigree, the Lightning are a team to watch this season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are also a team to keep an eye on. With Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner leading the way, the Maple Leafs are looking to end their playoff woes and make a deep run this year. They have added veteran leadership in Joe Thornton and Wayne Simmonds to bolster their team, and the city is buzzing with excitement.
The Montreal Canadiens are another team that is hoping to surprise this year. They made it to the playoffs last year and have added depth to their roster, including star defenseman Shea Weber and veteran forward Tyler Toffoli. With a strong goaltending duo in Carey Price and Jake Allen, the Canadiens could be a dangerous team this season.
Of course, there are many other teams with high expectations this year, including the Vegas Golden Knights, the Boston Bruins, and the Philadelphia Flyers. With a shortened season and new divisions due to COVID-19, anything can happen this year.
Fans are eager to see their teams hit the ice in what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season. Whether your team is a favorite or a dark horse, the start of a new hockey season is always an exciting time filled with high hopes and anticipation for what’s to come.
