Minnesota Wild
On Opening Day of the 2015-2016 NHL season, a championship banner will be raised in a building where it has never been lifted before: Minnesota’s Xcel Energy Center.
You heard me; the Minnesota Wild will win the Stanley Cup.
The Wild entered the NHL as a franchise fifteen years ago and have yet to take home the Cup. Minnesota has won one division title, and that was back in the 2007-2008 season.
The question is, what does the Wild have that will put them over the top this year and into the history books? One word: balance.
At this season’s conclusion, you won’t have to look far down the NHL league leaders point’s column before seeing Zach Parise’s name. Captain for the U.S.A. Men’s National Team in the 2014 Olympics, Parise is in his prime and is already off to a big start this year. Ryan Suter lead the NHL in total ice time last year and will look to do the same this season, as he’s considered one of the league’s top defenseman.
The Wild had a key addition this offseason with the signing of Thomas Vanek, who looks to play a major role in the Wild’s success.
Lastly, you can’t talk about the Wild without mentioning up-and-coming goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
The young Canadian started to make a name for himself last year in the playoffs and currently has the best goals allowed average to start off this season.
You can expect several surprises this NHL season and for the Cup to be hoisted in Minnesota.
– Matt Crusen
Chicago Blackhawks
Two teams have won four of the last five Stanley Cups; the Chicago Blackhawks and the Los Angeles Kings. This year, the Stanley Cup will probably be claimed by one of these two teams again.
Both have solid goalies and a great group of core guys along with savvy veteran role players. But only one team can win, and that team will be the Blackhawks.
The Hawks have title hopes every year. With guys like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp, the goal should always be to win it all. Their core is arguably the best in hockey, and when playoff time comes around, their experience is priceless.
Their stars don’t define them this time, either. Players like Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Marian Hossa are invaluable pieces to their success. The addition of Brad Richards is like icing on the cake to a team with great young studs and veteran experience.
Every team has a drive to win and get better, but losing in last year’s Western Conference Finals has fueled the Blackhawks’ fire even more. Their desire to win this year will be higher than it has been in the past couple years.
The Kings simply won’t repeat as champions because teams don’t anymore. It’s so tough to win back-to-back titles, especially when there are teams like the Hawks out there. When a team is as talented and driven as Chicago, they become the obvious pick to take home the title.
– Alex Kryah
