The Vegas Golden Knights have defied expectations this season, evolving from a team not considered a serious Stanley Cup contender to being the favorite to win it all. In a recent poll by The Athletic’s NHL staff, the Golden Knights were the top choice to win the Stanley Cup. Expert analysis from NHL senior writers James Mirtle and Sean Gentille, analytics expert Shayna Goldman, and goaltending expert Jesse Granger further reinforced this sentiment.
The poll also highlighted other evolving expectations for the 2024-25 season, with notable shifts in predictions for teams like the Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, and Edmonton Oilers. The Vegas Golden Knights, backed by strong goaltending and the performance of players like Jack Eichel, emerged as a strong and structured team with few weaknesses.
While some teams faced disappointment, including projected teams like the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers, others like the Columbus Blue Jackets were seen as surprise playoff contenders. The overall consensus among voters pointed towards a competitive and open league where the race for the playoffs promises to be thrilling.
Individual awards predictions were also discussed, with players like Zach Werenski, Leon Draisaitl, and Sam Reinhart emerging as contenders for prestigious trophies like the Norris Trophy and the Selke Trophy. In the coaching category, Spencer Carbery of the Washington Capitals was highlighted as a significant contributor to his team’s success, while rookie players like Macklin Celebrini and Lane Hutson were frontrunners for the Calder Trophy.
Overall, the poll highlighted the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the NHL season, showcasing how expectations can evolve over time and how teams and players can surprise and exceed initial perceptions.
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