In terms of Canadian teams all but Calgary are under huge pressure
Van- can they still compete for a cup with this aging core? They are staring a rebuild in the face in a couple years
Edm- it is time to move forward and get out of the basement. Expectations to be competing for a playoff spot all year no top 10 pick
Wpg- honeymoon is over, the core is locked up and it is time to make a move to the playoffs
Tor- prove last year was not a fluke (horrible puck possession and a high shooting % have some believing the leafs will miss this year)
Mtl- always pressure to win
Ott- some say they are Canada's best shot at a cup but I just don't see them with as much pressure perhaps because they are still a young team that has been getting results?
American teams with the most pressure are Washington and the Rangers IMO. Pitt, Chi, LA, Bos are all expected to be elite and if one struggles then the pressure will be on. Especially Boston who made some very significant changes in the offseason replacing younger Seguin with Eriksson and younger Horton with Iginla
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