In the 2023/24 NHL season, the ice has been ablaze with unexpected heroes and narratives that could very well find their climax in a Stanley Cup victory.
Last season, the giant trophy was hoisted by the Vegas Golden Knights for the first time in their history. Since its foundation back in 2017, the Nevada outfit has gone on to become one of the league’s biggest powerhouses, reaching the postseason in all but one campaign. But they still had to wait until last term for that elusive championship.
That, of course, came when they knocked off Winnipeg Jets, Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers, and the Dallas Stars en route to the cup finals. There, they would meet a Florida Panthers team that had been the talk of the postseason, embarking on a Cinderella run to their second-ever championship series.
Ultimately, the Golden Knights were too much for them to handle, running out 4-1 victors and champions, and sending the betting world wild with excitement. This year, the latest NHL odds make them contenders to repeat the feat, pricing them at +1200. But there are a number of sides ahead of them in the betting odds, some of whom are in the midst of fairytale runs of their own.
Among the ensemble, the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, and Florida Panthers stand out. Let’s delve into their journeys so far, dissecting their recent results and spotlighting the players who have been instrumental in their success.
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings have long been one of the most storied franchises in NHL history. At the turn of the millennium, they were the league’s biggest dynasty, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1997 and 1998 before adding a third in five years in 2002. Six years on from that, they were champions again, making it four titles in just over a decade, but in recent years, they have become a shadow of their former selves.
The Motor City side is without an appearance in the postseason in seven years, a drought that is currently the second longest in the league behind the Buffalo Sabres. However, this term, they have been painting a picture reminiscent of their glory days. With a record of 32-20-6, they’ve shown resilience and skill, placing them 4th in the Atlantic Division. Their season kicked off with a mixed bag of results, but in recent weeks, they have picked up five straight victories, including wins against some formidable teams such as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins, solidifying their status as serious contenders.
Key to their success has been the dynamism of Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin. DeBrincat, netting 10 goals, has been a revelation since his debut, bringing a sharp edge to Detroit’s attack. Larkin, on the other hand, continues to be the heart of the team, contributing not just in goals but in leadership on and off the ice. However, the man that has made headlines in recent days is Patrick Kane. The veteran left the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years to join the New York Rangers last season, before moving on once again to the Red Wings last summer.
On February 16th, he made his return to the United Center for the first time and as luck would have it, netted a last-gasp overtime winner to keep his side on course for the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Even the Blackhawks fans in attendance rose as one to applaud their former hero, but it may well be the Red Wings that reap the rewards of the veteran’s last hurrah.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have had the best player on the planet on their roster, namely Canadian sensation Connor McDavid, since 2015. However, despite him racking up a plethora of personal accolades including five Art Ross Trophies, he has been unable to bring a championship to Rogers Place. This season though, that could all be set to change as his side has been nothing short of spectacular, prompting the bookies to install them as the +725 favorites for the Stanley Cup.
At the forefront of their charge is the duo of McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The former of those two is without a doubt one of the finest players on the ice, and has been in phenomenal form once again, orchestrating the Oilers’ offense with precision and creativity. Draisaitl, with his knack for finding the back of the net, has complemented McDavid perfectly, making them the most feared pairing in the NHL. They are currently third in the Pacific Division and a first championship since the days of Wayne Gretzky could be in the offing.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers embarked on a journey that very nearly led them to the pinnacle of NHL glory last season. They stunned the record-breaking Boston Bruins in the opening round of the playoffs last season, before going on to reach the Stanley Cup finals for just the second time in their history. That ultimately ended in heartbreak, but this season they are on the prowl once again and have proven they are more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the league’s elite.
Jonathan Huberdeau has been at the center of Florida’s success, showcasing his abilities as both a scorer and a playmaker. His vision on the ice and ability to make those around him better have been crucial for the Panthers.
Alongside him, Aleksander Barkov continues to excel in his role, contributing significantly on both ends of the ice and solidifying the Panthers’ middle.
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