Can Connor McDavid carry Canadian hockey back to relevance?
The NHL season has begun, and Canada seems to have its best chance in years to hoist the Stanley Cup. In Game one Connor Mcdavid flashed his brilliant speed and quick shot, while on the other side of the country Auston Matthews staked his claim as the best player in Canada. The Matthews Marleau line created constant pressure, proving it may be one of the most dynamic lines this season.
A team from Canada has not won the Stanley cup since 1993. Successful attempts have been few and far between, as only four teams have even made it to the final round. This year seems to be different. Both the Western and Eastern conference Canadian teams are loaded with star power and high hopes. The western conference has two Canadian teams that have a high probability of making the playoffs, with one of them being serious contenders for the championship. Here are your early season power rankings of the Canadian teams in the Western Conference:
Vancouver Canucks: Vancouver is one of the least talented teams in the NHL. It is sad to see the Sedin’s go down in flames with this team. The team is not very deep and doesn’t seem to have the offensive power to score many goals. In previous seasons the Canucks could have been described as gritty, consistent and disciplined. This year’s version doesn’t seem to have any of those qualities. The team does have some high-end prospects such as Brock Boesner. Boesner could surprise on the wing, starting the season on the third line.
Winnipeg Jets: In game one of the season Winnipeg saw eight power-play opportunities and did not score on a single opportunity. The team is solid but locked within the competitive Central division. Even with some star power, they don’t have solid enough defense or discipline to finish above fifth in the Central division. There are some solid lines that could be building blocks for the future. Laine was solid in the first game, looking to build upon his stellar first season. The top line with Schiefele and Wheeler looked absolutely rough on the power play, they created pressure but failed to score on eight opportunities. Overall the lack of discipline will make it impossible to succeed in this highly competitive division.
Calgary Flames: Calgary lost to Anaheim in the first round of the playoffs last year. The team is absolutely stout defensively. Adding Mike Smith was a brilliant move that should pay off throughout the season. The top six forwards are decent but the team lacks the depth to put any pressure on teams consistently. The team should finish comfortably behind Edmonton and Anaheim in the Pacific Division.
Edmonton Oilers: Edmonton looks to build upon a stellar season last year. Like the Flames, they lost to Anaheim in the playoffs last year. This team has star power and young talent that will be around for a long time. Mcdavid is legitimately one of the fastest, smartest and strongest players in recent NHL memory. No one splits the defense like Mcdavid, and his shot is lethal. Lucic, Nugent Hopkins, and Kailer Yamamoto are one of the most formidable second lines in the Western Conference. On defense, Klefbomm should have another solid season as a great two-way defenseman. The defense will get even deeper when Andrej Sekara returns a month or so into the season. Solid goaltending behind Cam Talbot make this team well rounded and the class of the Western Conference. Look for this team to have a great shot at the Stanley Cup this year.
