NHL.com staff members have made their predictions for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the Dallas Stars emerging as the favorite to win it all. The panel of writers and editors have offered their picks for the first-round series, with the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes among the favored teams. The predictions also include potential Conn Smythe Trophy winners, with players like Joe Pavelski, Sebastian Aho, and Connor McDavid being highlighted as potential standouts.
Five Eastern Conference teams are in a tight race for two postseason spots in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Individual and team EDGE stats highlight key players and performance metrics for the Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals as they compete for playoff berths.
The race to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Eastern Conference is heating up, with five teams vying for two postseason spots. Individual and team EDGE stats from each contending team are highlighted, showcasing standout players and key statistics as they push for playoff contention.
The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired Evgeny Kuznetsov from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, with Washington retaining 50% of his contract. Kuznetsov, who had been placed on waivers and assigned to the AHL affiliate, is seen as a potential high-end top-six talent by the Hurricanes. The trade comes as the Hurricanes aim to bolster their roster for the playoffs, following their acquisition of Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kuznetsov's tenure in Washington, highlighted by the team's 2018 Stanley Cup win, has been marred by recent struggles, leading to his entry into the player assistance program.
As the NHL trade deadline day unfolds, many big names have already found new teams, leaving some teams with key players to focus on. From the Florida Panthers to the Ottawa Senators, each team has someone worth watching or thinking about. Notable players include Anton Lundell for the Florida Panthers, Logan Stankoven for the Dallas Stars, Jake Guentzel for the Carolina Hurricanes, Casey Mittelstadt for the Colorado Avalanche, and Jake DeBrusk for the Boston Bruins. The trade deadline day is expected to be busy as teams try to finalize their rosters for the Stanley Cup quest.
The Colorado Avalanche's flurry of trades ahead of the NHL trade deadline appears to be a direct response to last season's early playoff exit. General manager Chris MacFarland made four trades in about 24 hours, aiming to address the team's depth and physical style of play. The acquisitions of center Casey Mittelstadt and defenseman Sean Walker, along with depth forwards, reflect the team's proactive approach to bolstering their roster for a strong playoff run after learning from last season's shortcomings. Coach Jared Bednar emphasizes the importance of depth and physicality in the playoffs, expressing gratitude for the team's strengthened lineup and emphasizing the need for the players to put in the work to achieve success.
The Florida Panthers bolstered their Stanley Cup aspirations by acquiring winger Vladimir Tarasenko from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for two draft picks. The Senators will receive a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick, which could become a 2026 third-round pick if the Panthers win the Stanley Cup, along with a 2025 third-round pick, while retaining 50% of Tarasenko's salary. Tarasenko's playoff experience and scoring ability make him a valuable addition to the Panthers as they aim for their first franchise title.
With the 2024 NHL trade deadline approaching, fans are eagerly anticipating potential trades despite some major players already being off the board. The excitement lies in speculating dream deals and considering which players could benefit other teams. While teams like the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers, currently in playoff spots, may not be as willing to sell as expected, the exercise focuses on trades that make sense for both parties and adhere to logistical constraints, with some creative liberties taken.
With the NHL trade deadline approaching, the goalie market is heating up with potential moves involving players like Jake Allen, Juuse Saros, and Marc-Andre Fleury. The Florida Panthers are in a strong position but may seek to add talent without depleting their assets, while the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking to bolster their defense. The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins are considering roster changes, with players like Jake Guentzel drawing interest. The Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche are also active in trade discussions, with a focus on forwards and goaltending.
New Jersey Devils' star center Jack Hughes calls for an attitude adjustment after a 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers, emphasizing the need for a change in mindset as their playoff hopes diminish. The team's power play struggles, highlighted by a failure to convert during significant opportunities in the game, have been a major concern. With defenseman Dougie Hamilton sidelined, coach Lindy Ruff is turning to rookies to quarterback the power play. Hughes, who recently returned from an injury, acknowledges his own need to improve and contribute more effectively to the team.
52-year-old Jaromir Jagr surprises by suiting up for Penguins practice before his iconic No. 68 is retired, while the Edmonton Oilers refuse to part with top prospect Philip Broberg in trade talks. The Florida Panthers stun with nine unanswered goals against Tampa Bay, and the NHL trade winds are howling in Calgary. Additionally, the Detroit Red Wings snap their losing streak, and the Flyers' top prospect writes a letter asking the IIHF to reconsider Russia's ban from IIHF events.
The Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins are set to face off in a game that highlights the NHL's unpredictability, with the Kings showcasing a balanced scoring approach and the Bruins struggling with inconsistency. Despite the Bruins' recent poor form, the prediction leans towards a potential turnaround for them in this game, with a focus on their defensive strength leading to a likely low-scoring affair.
The Washington Capitals suffered their sixth consecutive loss, falling 4-2 to the Florida Panthers and are now on the brink of being 10 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers dominated the Capitals at five-on-five, out-attempting, out-scoring, and out-chancing them by significant margins. Despite Darcy Kuemper's strong performance in goal, the Capitals struggled to keep up. Anthony Mantha and Alex Ovechkin contributed goals, but the team's overall performance was lackluster. With the trade deadline approaching, attention may shift to selling off assets, and the team's goal differential now ties them with the Montreal Canadiens for the fourth-worst in the NHL.
Patrick Roy's return to the NHL as the New York Islanders' head coach has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the move while others question the fit. Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon will serve as a captain at the NHL All-Star game, and Nikolai Kovalenko has made a return to the Torpedo lineup. The article also touches on trade deadline speculation and the struggles of the Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils.
The Pittsburgh Penguins received some playoff help from the Chicago Blackhawks, Marc-Andre Fleury's potential trade continues to generate chatter, the Vancouver Canucks extended Jim Rutherford's contract, and the Vegas flu is back in full force. Additionally, the NHL trade rumors involving Jake Guentzel and Juuse Saros are gaining traction, while the Montreal Canadiens' rebuild is showing signs of inconsistency.
