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The NHL playoffs have plenty of fresh blood, and a new Stanley Cup champion will be crowned
Colorado enters as the favorite, while Pittsburgh returns and the Panthers’ injuries guarantee a new Stanley Cup champion.
- The Stanley Cup will have a new home this year after the defending champion Florida Panthers missed the postseason, with the 16-team NHL field featuring roughly half dozen newcomers including the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres.
- Injuries derailed Florida's back-to-back championship run, clearing the path for expansion in a competitive 16-team field that now includes several playoff newcomers seeking to capture the Stanley Cup.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins qualified for the first time since 2022, reuniting Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, while Buffalo ended a 14-season postseason drought after losing 18 of its first 29 games.
- Colorado enters as the favorite with the best regular-season record, relying on Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar to navigate the tough Central Division while pursuing another parade in Denver four years after their previous title.
- Commissioner Gary Bettman praised the division-focused format for creating excitement, while Dallas Stars defenseman Tyler Myers stated, "Every series is a tough series," emphasizing how the playoffs bring out the best in every team.
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12 Articles
12 Articles
Associated Press News+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
The NHL playoffs have plenty of fresh blood, and a new Stanley Cup champion will be crowned
The Stanley Cup will have a new home this year after the back-to-back champion Florida Panthers had their season derailed by injuries.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left8Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 33%
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