Cup Pressure Power Rankings Heading Into the 2023-24 Season

Another season is upon us. Who do you think has the most pressure on them to win a Cup?
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[@LSA30]

As much pressure as the other teams may have to win a Cup this season, the chasm between #2 and #1 is enormous.

[@jefflarson1652]

I'd say the chasm is after the top 4. 5 and 8 won recently. Dallas and Florida are in football markets where the Cowboys and Dolphins are priorities. The Rangers (1 Cup in 83 years) are not far behind the Leafs. Carolina has been right there for several years and can't maintain that level forever. Edmonton has two of the top players in the game and fall under the Canadian drought.

[@scottiepaterson192]

@@jefflarson1652 as an oilers fan who lives in the GTA, i have to say i think the pressure on oilers right now is just as high as it is on toronto. edmonton is a close 2nd to toronto at least, i disagree wholehartedly about carolina being number 2 on this list.

[@scottiepaterson192]

i mean i cant disagree with it being number 2 because it's *his* list but i would personally put oilers at number 2 and call it 1b

[@LSA30]

@@scottiepaterson192 Yeah, I’d put the Oilers at 2 as well. But even then they have been on decent playoff runs recently, and while the pressure is high it doesn’t not quite carry the weight of a 56-year drought like with Toronto.

[@digitaldude22]

Oilers at 2 I thought was a given at the start. The Canes actually have a cup in recent memory. Oilers haven't won since 1990 and the Leafs since 1967. Add to that the ridiculous pressure of huge soon to be expiring contracts for both teams. I don't think the Hurricanes are even close that amount of pressure to win. Both from the fans and the players themselves.

[@Wayf4rer]

Florida is in a very similar position this year to Tampa after they lost the finals to Chicago in 2015. Miracle run with a rag tag group with some absolutely legendary moments. I wouldn't say the pressure is on them to win in the next 1-2 years, but rather that run boosted the team's popularity a ton, and it put quite a bit of pressure from the fanbase on the team to keep performing to that level.

[@awwwshucks443]

Very well said.

[@bodhithomas5684]

I know the lightning weren’t favored to win that year but weren’t we like 3rd in the league? We had Bishop (elite goalie who fell to injuries), Prime Johnson, Palat, Kucherov, Stamkos, Killorn, Filppula (when he was good), Callahan, Hedman, and Stralman. I agree that the panthers don’t have much immediate pressure tho

[@StoutPrince5057]

as well as montreals run to they all are very much similar

[@weatheredtome]

​@StoutPrince5057 it's nothing like Monteal TBH

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

Honestly I dont think Florida fans should expect a cup, they should be happy if they win a round or two and get better not just go on a hot streak. Theres a difference

[@drac16]

I'm a Leafs fan and I felt better having lost in the second round. If we had lost in the first round again, it would've been much more painful.

[@TheBillaro]

we were humiliated by FLA and our vote didn't show up. pathetic.

[@OMGuap]

@@TheBillaro The Panthers had the momentum and adrenaline from making a 3-1 comeback against the best regular season team in NHL history, in OT of game 7. If that wasn't enough, they had fuel from every leafs fan that was in the square when the leafs won chanting "WE WANT FLORIDA". If that wasn't enough, it's the leafs and every team loves beating the leafs, especially when it's spoiling something for them.

[@willfeider2743]

​​@@OMGuapwhile this is true that the Panthers had alot of momentum, it is also true that the Leafs were lucky to get out of the first round this year. The team, imo, did not earn the second round so much as Samsonov outclassed Vasy. Good on the Leafs for multiple comeback wins though. Vasy was not the same goalie this year as he was last year.

[@wainber1]

That said, as much as, 12:47 into the video, The Hockey Guy hasn't gotten into the Oilers or Leafs, I see both teams as having the most pressure to win the Stanley Cup at least among Canadian teams.

[@Gum_Cuzzler]

Meh. I mean, yeah it’s good to finally get out of the first round I guess, but it was hardly a dominant performance against Tampa. We were a coin flip away from getting bumped first round again

[@canesfan1526]

I think that’s totally fair. Feels like even if the canes get to the ECF and win a game or two it’s not much improvement. They need to show they can get to the finals and really shut down the conversation on if this thing can really work. I feel like even with the way they battled through injury and how tight they played the ECF, they still get dragged for the system they play and the way their lineup is built.

[@penguinsfan251]

The pressure on Pittsburgh to win another Cup is higher than where you have them situated. I am not arguing that the Pens should be a Cup favorite, but expectations are higher going into this season than in the past several years.

[@jefflarson1652]

I would think the pressure would just be to get into the playoffs after folding up the tent with 2 games to go last season.

[@bustywaifus]

Especially with adding Karlsson.

[@garypardyphotography]

I was looking for this exact comment. The realistic cup window for Pittsburgh may have closed, but they're treating this season like a "win now" moment. They want one more.

[@stranahandled660]

💯 this! They need to be top 5 in terms of pressure. At least top row. A first or second round exit is basically the minimum for them this year. Imho

[@penguinsfan251]

@@stranahandled660 A failure to make the playoffs is a failure of a season. So is a first or second round exit. I do not think Dubas is done. I think he still pursues Tatar as a FA and tries to deal for Hellebucyk.

[@saiyansatan]

As an Avs fan and a huge Erik Johnson supporter, I love seeing Buffalo gaining ranks. I am imagining EJ taking Dahlin under his wing and teaching him how to be more fundamentally sound on defense.

[@Zedbie]

While Toronto Media will always put ungodly pressure on the Leafs to win it all, I can't help but feel the Canes are getting so close it hurts. I'm worried one more conference final or sooner exit and they'll make a horrific decision out of desperation and frustration. Anyways can't believe the Knights are going to win Back to Back to Back Cups.

[@therealdarrell282]

Another championship celebration on the Las Vegas Strip.

[@gsipp00]

Love the Old School Jersey.... obviously North Stars strong competitor of Chicago growing up along with Detroit and StLouis....generates a lot of emotions and memories.

[@nathanfaas1293]

I feel like a tier list would be better for this cause you can make arguments all across the board to move teams up or down

[@dustyb58]

Shannon don't do tier lists

[@CurriedBat]

@@dustyb58 Just power rankings. This isn't Pokemon.

[@nicholasdelaney9992]

No, it was just so sad how we (Toronto) performed in the second round. It felt like a choke.. once again :( Thanks THG love your channel!

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

They outplayed Florida though, how is that a choke? Bob just decided to turn into prime Roy for 2 rounds

[@CoolsBreeze]

By that logic then the Canes choked even worse against the Panthers.

[@joshbrown811]

​@@RIPJimmyA7X yeah by every metric but goaltending the leafs and hurricanes played better than Florida

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

@joshbrown811 the sad thing was too, Woll wasn't bad and Freddie for the Canes was fantastic and it still wasn't enough.

[@JeffKing310]

@@RIPJimmyA7XAgreed - Bob turned into peak Hasek for about 12 games - unreal run

[@michaelbarton6548]

I grew up as a Flyers fan in the late 60s and 70s and was a big fan of the Nort Stars Crest as well.

[@capacitatedflux]

I'd place the Oilers above even Toronto for this year, simply because Toronto just bought 4 more years of Matthews. If he didn't sign that extension, Toronto would definitely be #1, but now that they've got him locked up past this season, the urgency isn't the same. Oilers, on the other hand, are about to run into a wall of "we gotta pay McDavid/Drai" like you said. Their window for their current "cheap" contracts is down to, what, 2 years? Plus, Vegas just showed them up in their own division by winning a cup with Eichel. Canes are way in the distance for me (and I'd actually place the Rangers over them) past the first 2. The Canes have won in a year starting in 2, and were just in the conference finals. The Rangers got bounced in embarrassing fashion in the first round after loading up, and haven't won in what will be 30 years. Easily the #3 spot.

[@bajjanitor]

Yeah, I think Edmonton is by far and away under the most pressure to win. They are so locked up to this core with Hyman, Kane, Nugent-Hopkins and Nurse all with big contracts, with full no movement clauses, until they are all 34+. With Connor Brown looking to be eating up basically the whole cap increase of next year with his $3.225M performance bonus, they are incredibly constrained to make an additions. And in 2 years something has to give with Draisatl and Bouchard's contracts running out, which probably will cost Edmonton $10M combined. This is the team Edmonton has to do it with. If they won't be performing well then Draisatl might not extend in 2 years and then who knows what happens with McDavid in 3 years. And even if they both sign, it will be very hard to build a better team than what they have right now around them. So 2 prime years to win the Cup, then it will be looking dire real quick. Compared to Toronto that I think have until the end of Matthews contract to win, 5 years. And they have a lot of flexibility to change the team up if they struggle this year, with a ton of expiring contracts in the next 1-2 years.

[@johncox7169]

I understand what you are saying, but I just don't see any way Toronto ever gives up the #1 spot without winning a cup. It has just become such a meme about them failing that they all have to be under so much pressure to succeed. And while the win in the first round last year helped, the complete implosion in the second round just brought all that pressure back. (I do think that the Oilers have more pressure than the 'Canes though, and I put them solidly in #2.)

[@TheMetzor]

@@johncox7169 I don't disagree with you on what the pressure is in its form but I do disagree with you on why it should rank higher then others. Toronto's pressure stems from 3 things that are all interconnected with the major one at its center. 1. First there location in terms of country I think puts pressure on any Canadian team so its nor really exclusive. 2. They are in a prominent market and get more coverage than other teams that play there. 3. The biggest is the fans themselves are the pressure and I think this isn’t necessary true for the organization as a whole. After getting rid of Dubois its clear that they will have growing pains that will need to be overcome. Fans generally will give a gm more leeway especially if they make moves even if they don't work out. Matthews and Marner are younger then Mcdavid and Driasitl and with Matthews commiting back its clear that there is a possibility to keep the core. Unlike the oilers the leafs actually made a step forward winning a first round shows growth where as not making it back to previous level shows digression. Mcdavid in particular chancing Gretzky will need a cup title if he wants any shot at being the goat. Winning a title for the team that drafter you lookss better than going to a premade team.

[@dylanpage1900]

Completely agree 1000% Edm #1 Toronto #2 NYR #3 Canes #4

[@Neon002121]

On the other hand, long as it's been, the Oilers have won the Cup five times since 1967 and been to the SCF twice more. The Leafs no cups and finals appearances in that time. Until that particular record is broken, they've gotta be number 1 on my list.

[@Rhysing]

MN fans probably collectively think we're currently in the bottom row for this year and next. The cap issues do actually play largely into our expectations as these are the worst 2 years of it and coming out of that expectations will skyrocket to top 10 when we have 20m-30m free'd from those cap loss disappearing in combination with salary cap going up.

[@DantesTyphoon]

In addition most of MNs talent is young and in the next few years they have some really exciting names coming out of development or who will have some experience including Wallstadt, Faber, Beckman, Addison, Ohgren, and Rossi (even though some people groan at that one). Having an up and coming promising roster ending at the same time the cap issues expire can't be a coincidence and I gotta think in 3-4 years the expectations are going to be sky high. I just completely agree and I don't know anyone who has actual cup expectations right now in MN. In fact if we did dump our prospects to make a cup run I think people would be pissed

[@BonemBoy122]

as a fellow minnesota fan, agreed. we're not good enough to get out of the first round. we don't have the money to make the team good enough to get out of the first round. let the kids play this year, sit some veterans in favor of getting the new guys some ice time. i am all in favor of sitting players like foligno, goligoski, merrill (hell, even zuccarello) if it means rossi, faber, walker, etc. can have more minutes. IMO the writing is on the wall for the vets, they're here until their contracts are up. let the young guys fail, let them learn, let them adjust to the pace of the NHL so that when the dead cap comes off the books and the time comes to add some big name UFAs, we have a deep and confident team capable of getting over the hump. i would genuinely rather miss the playoffs this season than another first round exit. my only worry with this sentiment is that it feels like we're just wasting kaprizov's time here. dude is a stud and wants to win, and i can't blame him if he gets pissed at the lack of success and wants to go somewhere else when it comes time for him to resign. serious props to bill guerin, though, for making us competitive AT ALL with this much dead cap space. but he can only do so much with one hand tied behind his back.

[@JeffKing310]

I get the thought process about loading up with all the cap space but who are they going to sign ? No huge names on the next couple of years and then it’s hard to imagine McDavid, Draisaitl, Marner or whoever signing there … Feels like a bigger chance of wasting Kiprozov then some sort of rocket to the top.

[@Bdoggydog]

Such a great list, and great job not just making it look like a power ranking. As a Devs fan, I like ur take and think that makes the team so dangerous this year, especially if they add Hellebuyck

[@davidwilliams9489]

Hellebuyck is coming to LA.

[@avenault6339]

As a Canes fan totally agree with the ranking. Canes should have a lot of pressure to win and there’s really no more time for excuses. This team is built to win in the postseason and Waddell and Rod seem convinced if everyone is healthy they have enough goal scoring……we will see. I don’t think any reasonable Canes fan could stomach hearing Rod saying something similar to “we ddnt really get swept” this time next year.

[@dimitu_]

I'd switch Canes with Oilers on top and Bolts with Penguins further on. IMHO of course

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

I dont think the Avs have nearly as much pressure to win a cup, but they have to win atleast a round this year preferrably 2

[@thoward98]

12:40 To be fair, Ovi doesn’t seem to be advancing in age.

[@chrismdb5686]

He's secretly a Russian cyborg sent by the KGB to break the goal record and cannot stop until that mission is complete

[@benoitrobitaille5235]

#1 Toronto by far, lots of 1 year deals, huge contracts and lots of heads to chop off if not winning. #2 Edmonton, not winning with the 2 best players on the planet is a unique kind of pressure #3 Pittsburgh, they are on a 3 or 4 years win now rampage. #4 Dallas, they have a stacked offense, good goalie and decent defense, but lots of nearly retired. #5 Tampa, every year they aren’t going far in the off season is a down season with that core.

[@Worldsportstalk24]

As a Leafs fan, to answer your question: No, losing in the first round would have been worse. That being said, we all know what the real goal is and losing in the second round was a massive let down. What did suck is that Leaf haters seemed to be even more toxic than usual after the Florida loss, which is saying something.

[@csolivais1979]

That was because of the whole "We want Florida!" chant. That got everyone's attention, and even people who normally would not have joined the dog pile did so, and with glee.

[@Worldsportstalk24]

@@csolivais1979 which was such a stupid narrative considering the crowd literally chanted “we want Boston” as well. People just didn’t care because they take more joy in seeing the Leafs fail than their own teams success

[@Northerngirl15]

@@csolivais1979 there was a video circulating with about 15-20 drunk boys chanting we want Florida and ya’ll jumped on it like it was gospel, the internet really has turned people into brain dead zombies with no objectivity

[@jfayiii]

@@Northerngirl15 yes, the ill will engendered by the Maple Leaf fan base is due to 15-20 drunk boys

[@Neon002121]

I'm pretty apathetic but I think it's a little silly to blame the leaf haters. Every team that flames out contrary to expectations gets teased. Anti-Boston fans fired plenty of flak this year, believe me, after their loss. Anti-Tampa fans were all to eager to pile on after their first round choke. It comes with the expectations.

[@markroberts9577]

Great video!

[@zZzPoPTaRTzZz]

As a Minnesota Fan my current Cup expectation is at zero. We’re in cap hell, to me it absolutely impacts the pressure. We have north of 14m in dead cap right now and look at our roster. Yeah on a macro sense the pressure is there but this year and next are dev years for the young guys to take the next step. In my opinion. The pressure goes from zero to the maximum once Parise and Suter contracts fall off. 100%.

[@jacobdill4499]

I get your take on that. With all that dead cap, having such a competitive team is more of a bonus than an expectation.

[@cpnstbn1266]

I’m a leafs fan but I would say Edmonton has the most pressure. All the generational greats won cups in their prime ( Lemieux, Gretzky, Crosby) now there’s sort of an expectation mcdavid will do it too.

[@zigfield723]

Exactly. Shannon is pandering again to leaf fans for his channel. The Oilers have FAR more pressure and having a one of the best players to ever play(already) is the biggest reason.

[@Neon002121]

I don't think it's fair to say pandering, but you have the greatest talent of the generation on the one side... versus... well... the drought. I think it's reasonable that the drought edges it slightly.

[@blackenedmagic888]

@@zigfield723 Sorry, but no. As another person has said, you have the whole 1967 thing. On top of that, you have the much-maligned "Core-Four", the team with arguably the largest fanbase in the NHL, and the team which gets more media scrutiny (both locally and nationally) than any other hockey team in Canada, let alone North America. Oilers ain't even close to that.

[@Rob-uc8zr]

Love these

[@MotterPotter]

A bit of a tangent, but the one thing I see a lot of is how Montreal doesn't have any gamebreakers in their farm, which is arguable imo (Hutson defines a gamebreaker) but that aside, what is Caufield? What is Dach progressing towards? I think that duo with Newhook in 2-3 years time will be the top line with Suzuki centering a shutdown line that can produce alongside Slaf and Roy. This isn't yesteryear where Plek and Cammy were the top offense options and the farm system in place allows the Habs to trade a top 4 prospect or two for forwards, and teams will always trade a top 6 for a top 4, Jordan Harris for example right now would be a great start in a package for Laffy. As for Rienbacher, if both he and Matvei hit their ceilings(A franchise right shot dman vs a franchise winger) with what Montreal currently has, then both teams win imo. Analysts and fans are saying Rienbacher is a top 4 guy at most, Scouts, former players, coaches.. are calling the kid a stud. Meanwhile, Matvei's "diva" issues could be nullified with great teammates, remember, he's a 17-18 year old kid who's been the best and told so at every step of his hockey career so far, if Montreal went with him, alongside Guhle, Suzuki, Caufield, etc... maybe even Coach Markov, that wouldn't have been an issue as he'd mature. Personally, I was surprised Hughes didn't take Leonard but that must mean they have full confidence in Slaf turning into a top power forward.

[@deanm375]

Fun video. Great insight!

[@scottpressnail543]

Only ones I would switch are Carolina and Edmonton.

[@sirekumasutra7022]

As A Leafs fan no it did not feel worse losing in the 2nd round. I still think Toronto was the better team but Florida was better prepared and you could tell. I was so happy they finally made it to the 2nd round.

[@TheGrayDawn]

Just chiming in as a Knights fan, I'll be content just making it to playoffs. :)

[@brodysimpson466]

I feel like Toronto is #3, Carolina & Edmonton have shown far better progression in the playoffs more consistently then the leafs 1 series win in 19 years

[@johncox7169]

I don't think you understand this list... This isn't a power ranking. Toronto being #1 doesn't mean they are better than Carolina or Edmonton. It just means their fans are the most fed up with them losing and expect more out of them. This list is saying that Toronto fans won't be happy with anything less than a Cup win.

[@brodysimpson466]

@@johncox7169 oh I understand, it’s about cup pressure, how can a team with 1 series win in 19 years have more pressure then teams who’ve been consistently better in the playoffs, especially a team like Edmonton who have dri & mcdavid to lose

[@johncox7169]

@@brodysimpson466 Because the other teams have been better... Being good = less pressure. Being bad when you have the biggest fanbase in the league = a ton of pressure. But I do agree that the Oilers have the second most pressure, because of having the 2 best forwards in the league but having 0 finals appearances with them.

[@DrDookieonYourDoorstep]

Penguins have to be higher. They have no future and their core is very old. If they don’t win again in the next 2 years, they are going to be miserable for decades.

[@kurtwpg]

I agree with this. Their backup plan is to be terrible for a long time.

[@Vojtas35]

@@kurtwpg Thats not their backup plan, because they will not really have a choice. It is their plan, period.

[@kristo2037]

That's actually a great list...BUT There is no but

[@siimtokke3461]

I'd put: 1. Toronto- obvious reasons. Matthews signs a big contract, Tavares and Marner are on big contracts, and Nylander is looking for one. Basically, it's now or never for this group. 2. Pens- missing playoffs this year and now adding Erik Karlsson is a clear sign they are going for the Cup. Plus none of their core is getting any younger and they have less time to do it than the Canes or Oilers. 3. Oilers- I'd say they have this and next year before things get bad. The Pens are playing with fire and hoping none of their core gets injured or it's over. 4. Canes- They have been really good for a few years now, so the pressure is rising. But they are still young so they have more time. 5. Panthers- having had this run in the playoffs, it feels like winning a cup is just a small step away. It feels like a small tweak here and there and they should be winning. And now you can have NYR, DAL, TBL, and COL.

[@ilovecokeslurpees]

I think this year we will see the 2006 rematch with Edmonton and Carolina. And I think it will be an epic series.

[@EFO841]

Sorokin Shesterkin Playoff Series 👏👏👏👏

[@FGHY8]

Toronto and Edmonton are much higher pressure if scoring by the management/coach's jobs. Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh are higher if you score by the whole team knowing the window is rapidly closing, their pressure eases only because some fans might already be thinking it has closed. I think Edmonton has the greatest pressure over Toronto because even though they're at the cap limit, it seems like Toronto could move a top player and still field a great team, like maybe they just need 1 more clutch defenseman. Of course, the guy I'd want to move, Tavares, also probably nets the worst return. Edmonton seems like they're in a worse spot because moving McDavid or Draisaitl doesn't sound like a good idea in theory, let alone in reality and the fan reaction. Mortgaging the teams future for their short window before free agency is also very risky. They seem like a good candidate to pay way too much for Hellebuyck as a rental.

[@Hockeyhobo89]

As a Toronto fan, yes the second round loss wasn’t great but this is the first season I’m going into genuinely happy in a long time.

[@roryb.bellows4026]

Asking as an outsider, what changed?

[@Pikabo0]

⁠@@roryb.bellows4026that weight is off their shoulders. Still very disappointed we didn’t get to play the bruins one final time before Bergeron and Krejci retired, I really think they matched up well against Boston all season and would have had a real chance. Then you’ve potentially got Freddy in the final against the team that beat them in their last ECF appearance, and you’ve got Kessel and your polar opposite in terms of success with Vegas. Oh well, we’ll always have that one (really three) magical night in Tampa. Was downtown at the square for game 6, celebrations were on par with Kawhi’s buzzer beater and when they made the NBA finals. Bring on the best year yet!

[@platapus112]

​@@roryb.bellows4026they got worse lol

[@Hockeyhobo89]

@@roryb.bellows4026 just winning a round. It’s a super low bar. Even being eliminated didn’t hurt as much as previous years.

[@highgroundgaming9161]

@@platapus112this current Leaf’s team is better than the pre-deadline 2023 opening day one, and better than the 2022 one. They’ll likely add at the deadline and get better.

[@austinsroche]

As a Toronto fan, losing in the 2nd round wasnt NEARLY as bad as losing in the first round again. The leafs proved they could win a round, with Tavares, Rielly, Knies, Schenn, O'Reilly, and Acciari providing good play for them in the critical games. Samsonov was good when it mattered, and Nylander and Brodie were steady as always. It hurts to see Schenn leave, O'Reilly and Acciari as well, but some added depth scoring with Bertuzzi and Domi is well-received, as well as a full year for McCabe and Knies. Maybe Liljegren takes a step forward as well. I expect bare minimum a round win this year, and my expectations are set at conference finals. Depth scoring needs to occur and Matthews and Marner need to mature in critical games (I think Matthews will)

[@RandomGuyCDN]

you got 4-1'd in the 2nd round thats basically as bad as losing in the first. Hope to see the lafs get clapped again in the playoffs because their 10mil players will be as invisible as John Cena

[@austinsroche]

@@RandomGuyCDN pretty boring bait tbh

[@JustaComment93]

Leafs Oilers and Rangers were my top 3 going into this season. Nice 👍

[@maxfish4270]

Carolina at 4 makes more sense to me. Aho and Svech have long-term deals. KK and Jarvis are developing. Kochetkov looks to be a promising goalie. There's a few more great seasons of chances ahead most likely. The decades long history of Oilers futility and the Rangers being in the New York market push them ahead of the Hurricanes imo.

[@SkyFellowship]

OMFG the Stanley Cup Final being played in Mullet Arena would piss off so many people Shame by the time they get a decent team they may not even be in Arizona

[@csolivais1979]

Feels like it might be the American version of Quebec City. Though I have 0% belief that Roy would have been traded to Quebec if they had not moved.

[@TheJuberline]

As a Canes fan, I'd love to see us win the cup this year. We do have have a really good team and as long as we can figure out the power play, it could be a reality. That said, I honestly really fancy New Jersey's chances. They showed last year that they are ready and its a given that they'll be even better this year.

[@KamekoTsuruga]

i dont think the canes have it in them to win tbh. great team but i just dont think they can do it.

[@htrspsupra2102]

Agreed, If they can improve on the PP they will go all the way this year. Go Canes

[@Wild4Hockey]

New to hockey but asking if coaching in Minnesota is good or not. When Kaprizov was injured, a whole different team with Boldy scoring in bunches emerged. Don’t know enough about hockey yet to recognize coaching skills. Thank you.

[@erikdproductions]

I dont think the Karlsson trade will deserve much scrutiny. Pittsburgh has made it clear they are willing to kick their rebuild down the road in favor of staying competitive while they still have Sid/Malkin/Letang and the Karlsson trade is certainly the right move for that goal.

[@chrissimmons9743]

11:16 As an AZ Cardinals fan, I can attest to the idea that there are fans who think their team is gonna win the championship even when there's as little chance of that happening as you can get without being officially eliminated. There were people during this NFL offseason making posts in the "NFC ELITE WEST" Group on Facebook saying in all caps that the Cardinals are gonna win the Super Bowl and the comments are pretty much always Seahawks, 49ers, Rams, and even other Cardinals fans basically saying that that's a stupid take (which it is), with the Cardinals fans often telling the OP not to embarrass themselves and their fanbase, while everyone else is insulting them sports fan style.

[@hockey582004]

Detroit is right about where I expect in the rebuild, this year and next year are the pushes to make us playoff competitors. Trust in the Yzerplan.

[@Granitetron]

Pittsburgh should easily be top 5 their window is closing at they just traded for a 10 million dollar or so defenceman to boot

[@markhardgrove7389]

I think you got it 100% right about NJ, I don't really expect them to win it all this year but continue to improve.

[@erikmacaluso]

SIXTY SEVEN SURE WAS A LONG TIME AGO 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mahockey3]

I know you said the Oilers (like the Rangers) took a step back this past season compared to the previous season, but as an Oilers fan, it didn't actually *feel* like a step back. Last season still had the air of progress being made compared to the season prior.

[@jameskollinger5488]

Pittsburgh's expectations may be dropping, but the pressure has never been higher. Any season now could be Crosby's last chance.

[@mickhoddy]

Totally agree with the top 3. In that order! But the LA Kings are in that top row IMO. The organization wants a cup with Kopitar wearing the “C” . Period. Window is basically this year or the next.

[@youstayclassysd10]

I'd say the next three is the window as that's how long we have him signed for

[@mickhoddy]

@@youstayclassysd10 well yeah . But it is NOW. He eventually has to regress as a player. It is NOW. This year or the next.

[@paladin677]

Agreed. Todd Mclellan's job is on the line for sure. Kings fans have been patient, mostly, during the rebuild. They're done being patient.

[@hockey_all_star5895]

Losing in any round sucks but losing in the second was way better than the first, plus we lost to a Stanley cup finalist and despite losing in 5 each game was close, with 2 overtimes and mostly 1 goal games

[@Rubensitoc]

YOU are a tradition - ANY season

[@JeikobuNippon]

I would think there’s more pressure on teams with a closing Cup window. To me that puts Pittsburgh way up there. Them adding Karlsson puts that extra onus on them to try to get at least one more Cup in the Crosby era.

[@frequentsee3815]

I think the Red Wings rebuild is going fine considering they haven't had a *Top-3 Draft Pick since 1990* (3rd Overall; Keith Primeau)

[@michaelcharlton1519]

I don't thinnk Tampa should be in the top 10 considering they have 2 cups in the past 5 years. They have next to no pressure to win their group is playing for extra points at this point.

[@humankirk9196]

I would have every single Canadian team in the top row having the highest pressure to win. Even Montreal. Toronto still the highest.

[@jfayiii]

Yes - think about that. It's a psychosis, en masse.

[@Jalreal]

Oilers Leafs Rangers Canes and Stars, in that order. To me the Avs have had enough success multiple times in many fans' lives, since they became the Avs in the 1990s. I feel like the pressure to repeat is much less than the pressure to get over a hump before "time runs out," as is the case with Edmonton.

[@flyingtiger1603]

Personally I would have the Oilers above Carolina because of McDavid and Draisaitl and as for their goaltending I’m not sure why they don’t try to make a trade for Hellebuyck if he’s available. If it were me I would trade Campbell and throw in a prospect or a pick or two or whatever but having a tandem of Hellebuyck as your starter and Skinner as backup would make a lot of sense to me both for the playoffs and Skinner might be able to learn from Hellebuyck as well.

[@KyleMacSkill]

I agree I'm assuming the Jets are asking way too high of a price or are themselves hoping to make a big push for the cup I don't see any other reasons they haven't traded Scheifele Ehlers and Hellebuyck

[@flyingtiger1603]

@@KyleMacSkill Honestly if the Jets think they can make a run for the cup in my opinion they’re dreaming. The Jets were easily the worst team to make the playoffs last season and they showed it when they were swept by Vegas without much pushback at all. Not only that but they haven’t really gotten any better in the offseason either. They did get Vilardi, Kupari and Iafallo for Dubois but none of those players are really difference makers and they also lost Wheeler so in my opinion they’re nowhere near. They might make the playoffs again this season but they’ll be out in the first round again no question.

[@KyleMacSkill]

@@flyingtiger1603 for sure I just don't see any other reason why they haven't moved on those players.. Odd decision making by the management group

[@sophiejune4515]

As a Devils fan, I think 9 is a good spot. I think there's a realistic amount of pressure for a cup. It's takes several runs for most teams to get one and I think most fans understand that. My expectation is for everyone to play better. Now that the inexperienced guys have some experience and some of the nerves should fade, I'd like to see them play better and more confident.

[@judistzoinkiski3395]

Give the same energy to buffalo next season if they make it since we just overhyping and thinking theres pressure to win a cup YIKES. But you ppl go MIA cant keep the same energy

[@ADB358]

The Devils finished top 3 in the East. They made a 50+ point jump from the season prior. They also won a series. All while ranking top 5 in prospect pools. The “energy” they receive is warranted.

[@andrewgreen815]

I agree whole heartedly re: Wpg Jets. Your assessment mirrored mine except I would have the Jets at 21 for pressure. We shall see if they are buyers at the trade deadline, or sellers and go in for a huge retool for '24-'25.

[@TheNighthawke502]

I might argue that while TOR faces the most pressure, it's not necessarily for the Cup itself as much as it is for a good play-off run on its own. Right now they kind of need to prove to their fans that they can even make such a run first, and dispel any lingering doubts that this past year was just a one-off season.

[@unholylillim]

Love the Northstars uniform today.

[@ryanquinn4815]

Pittsburgh ought to be in the top 5 in my opinion. Rapidly closing window and a mortgaged future, with that roster?

[@celluloidtherapy5003]

New Jersey, number 9, this season, but will be number ONE next year. This is because the pressure to REPEAT, will be pretty high….

[@christophercolby2202]

love this review each year

[@dr3putt62]

Oooooh North Stars Jersey🎉

[@Nicovertime]

NJD fan is comfortable because our window is enormously large and will be until the rapture 🎉

[@nyern]

Imagine if the Cup gets awarded in Mullett Arena this season 😂

[@marzix427]

I'd say the top 3 would be Oilers, Leafs, Penguins. All pretty obvious reasons why. I'm looking 2 (or 3?) years ahead to McDavid becoming a FA and signing with the Hawks if he doesn't get one the next couple years.

[@people3865]

I was beyond elated that my Leafs won a round. I was a minor last time they did, now I have 3 children. Then they failed me like that. Number one is probably correct lol

[@JustaComment93]

LEAFS OILERS RANGERS BRUINS KINGS DEVILS KNIGHTS STARS LIGHTNING CAROLINA Islanders/Kraken wildcards MY TOP 10 going into the new season.

[@philtorrez4198]

That jersey is such a beauty

[@williamsakalaucks6335]

Nashville @ 23 is a fair placement. Personally, I have limited expectations for them this season. Playoffs would be nice, the Admirals provided some good experience for a lot of the prospects in the Calder Cup playoffs last season.

[@chadgrov]

good god that jersey is amazing

[@chasecampbell9085]

Having beat Tampa and seeing boston and Colorado lose it felt like all windows opened for Toronto. Losing in that 2nd round definitely hurt more then losing in the first. Yeah losing year after year in the first was dreadful but at the end of the season it’s about the cup the further you watch your favourite team go unless they cap it off with the Cup then it hurts more!

[@ryanwien]

I agree with everything except Pittsburgh. I think they are absolutely a top 4 pressure team. The way I think an about this question is which teams is it “SC or bust”? With the addition of Karlsson, extending the vets, and mortgaging the future, they are 100% all in. I’d put them #4 ahead of NYR.

[@ngrosskurth]

18:50 devil's advocate. In 2 years every team will be in a better cap space.

[@KiwiAvs]

I don't think there is too much pressure on the Avs this year to win it all. Maybe to win some rounds come playoff time, but hard to see them as front runners. Recent cup win with this core, then significant injuries and now significant roster change up front + no Landy means it really is a lottery in terms of whether they finish around 5th or closer to 15th or further back this year 🌊

[@superflyer28]

I think the pens should be a lot higher on this list. This could be the last dance for a lot of that aging core

[@happytrails151]

Imo Oilers #1. We have Draisaitl up to be re signed next summer

[@GregAllenF1]

As a Rangers fan, the pressure is amped up with NJ knocking on the door again.

[@ancientkeyboardwarrior]

Spot on as a devils fan

[@dennybarlau8065]

I believe the Wild, are headed for a very slow start evason won't play the kids And you should see a new head coach By the All-Star break

[@kylestoddart]

Good jersey decision Shannon. The Minnesota North Stars have literally no pressure winning a Stanley Cup this season. Ha!

[@spartanworrior4519]

Whilst I agree the oilers are under a lot of pressure, I do believe it’s misplaced. I think people are overestimating how good this team is. They really don’t seem to be set up like a team that wins cups. They’ve not been set up like any of the recent cup winners. Also, I think 2022 made them seem better than they were. The reality was the Kings weren’t really good enough to take them 7, they underperformed in that series. The flames just crapped the bed yet still won a game and made some close. When they finally met a strong team, they go swept. This isn’t to say they can’t win a cup, just that they should probably be considered as a team that has an outside chance at it, not a key contender

[@CuratedPile]

Since this is all about pressure and not actual potential or expectation to win it all, the Canadian teams need to automatically get boosted to the top third. The overall pressure for a Canadian team to win is massive. Apart from that, your list is reasonable.

[@TheBillaro]

apart from that glaring mistake which requires a complete redo😂

[@CuratedPile]

@@TheBillaro I missed the mistake, is that where he said he didn't buy into the Toronto center of the universe hatred? :-)

[@TheBillaro]

@@CuratedPile you pointed it out in your comment

[@modernhockeycards]

Penguins should be fun to watch this year. Top 5 showtime cities right now I’m going Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, New York and Toronto.

[@dang7716]

That north stars jersey is so sick

[@j.t.miller1641]

Edmonton and Carolina have arguably higher expectations. Edmonton made it to the conference final 2 years ago then took a step back this year losing in the 2nd round. They have McDavid and Draisaitl and need to take advantage of that. Carolina has consistently made it deep into the playoffs the last couple years and finish in the top 3 for the regular season and the team has good depth. Now Toronto on the other hand. Yes they have some elite forward, but their playoff history the last decade has been nothing but upsetting losses mostly in game 7. Yes they cracked into the 2nd round finally but then they didn't show up, again! Their defense got worse this year and you can argue their forwards got a bit better. Them getting knocked out in the conference finals would actually be a step up in my eyes and I could see the fan base not minding that either

[@tjolsonmcse]

I think it's TOR in #1 every year until they made a run.

[@dleatherman4539]

We need some Hockey Guy Vancouver 17 merch.

[@drivethru6155]

Been choosing the Canes to win for a couple years now, I can see it

[@ginnyweatherbee7941]

Perfect spot for Buffalo, and I agree, I think we want them just to be there. We want those young guns to show what they’ve got, we know they’ve got potential

[@chuckmo14]

I feel like this turned into a reverse power rankings. Personally I would have Vegas at 32 as the team with the least pressure and I would have the Coyotes a lot higher since winning the Stanley Cup would be massive towards staying in Arizona. I would also put Pittsburgh top 5

[@joeya8721]

Minnesota over LA? Not much expectation in MN with the cap crunch but LA, selling off so many prospects to get under the cap and to sign PLD and Gavrikov, to win now? Pressure is on. Not saying they're gonna now succeed in the playoffs but the pressure to succeed is on, now.

[@user-iz3gv5vo6b]

I think that the pressure for the Oilers is just as much as for the Leafs. They've got McDavid and Draisaitl so expectations are higher than with Matthews and Marner. Nugent Hopkins got 104 points, yet hasn't shown that he can perform in the playoffs. On the back end Nurse and Ekholm are paid more than Rielly and Brodie. In particular, there's a lot of talk about how Nurse is overpaid. Lastly, in the past 2 playoffs, the Oilers lost to the eventual Champs, so although there might be more Media in and around Toronto, the expectation of players and fans is just as high for the Oilers. IMO, the team with the least pressure going into this season, is CHI. They clearly just started a rebuild with the departure of both Kane and Toews, and their fans should be excited by just getting Bedard. They drafted 2 in the First Round, 3 in the Second and 2 in the Third this past draft, and still have 4 x First Rounds and 5 x Second Rounds in the next 2 drafts! The Blackhawks have no pressure until 2026 at the earliest.

[@milktrain5567]

If the Devils have a good start to the season, they will rocket to the top 3 of this list in an instant.

[@ocramred]

Rematch from 2006 : Canes vs. Oilers in the Stanley Cup. Carolina for the win.