Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Four stealth Stanley Cup contenders this spring

dash_pinched · 03-15-2017, 02:52 PM

No mention of the Flames, but Alberta's other team gets some love:

Led by 20-year-old captain Connor McDavid, Edmonton looks likely to earn a postseason berth. The Oilers have youth, talent and a veteran presence -- which could provide a perfect storm for a deep playoff run. GM Peter Chiarelli decided to sign veteran free-agent forward Milan Lucic last summer for a few reasons. Sure, Lucic's looming presence serves as protection for McDavid and his teammates, but the veteran also brings a Stanley Cup-winning mentality. He understands firsthand what it takes to win one, as he helped the Boston Bruins bring home a Cup in 2011 and returned to the finals in 2013 before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks. Lucic is also the type of leader who can keep his teammates focused and even-keeled during a stressful postseason run.

Speaking of focus, McDavid is beyond his years in that category, which bodes well for his first trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Goaltending needs to be outstanding for the Oilers, and Cam Talbot has been solid for the majority of the season. He has limited Stanley Cup playoff experience, but he had a front-row seat as Lundqvist's backup when the Rangers reached the finals in 2014.

http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/1...y-world-spring

03-15-2017, 02:52 PM	#1
dash_pinched Franchise Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Maple Bay, B.C. Exp:	Four stealth Stanley Cup contenders this spring No mention of the Flames, but Alberta's other team gets some love: Led by 20-year-old captain Connor McDavid, Edmonton looks likely to earn a postseason berth. The Oilers have youth, talent and a veteran presence -- which could provide a perfect storm for a deep playoff run. GM Peter Chiarelli decided to sign veteran free-agent forward Milan Lucic last summer for a few reasons. Sure, Lucic's looming presence serves as protection for McDavid and his teammates, but the veteran also brings a Stanley Cup-winning mentality. He understands firsthand what it takes to win one, as he helped the Boston Bruins bring home a Cup in 2011 and returned to the finals in 2013 before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks. Lucic is also the type of leader who can keep his teammates focused and even-keeled during a stressful postseason run. Speaking of focus, McDavid is beyond his years in that category, which bodes well for his first trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Goaltending needs to be outstanding for the Oilers, and Cam Talbot has been solid for the majority of the season. He has limited Stanley Cup playoff experience, but he had a front-row seat as Lundqvist's backup when the Rangers reached the finals in 2014. http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/1...y-world-spring