What Would be Considered a Successful Run for Teams in the 2024 Playoffs?

Yes, we would all hope for a Cup, but what round would be a considered a good result for the teams above or near the playoff line right now?
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @thehockeyguy
Join us on our discord to chat hockey, talk with others during the game, share pet pictures, and more.
/ discord
Order jerseys from Ben H Sports while saving 10% off the listed eBay prices by sending him an email regarding jerseys you spot in his listings. [e-mail] Just tell him Shannon sent you.
Support The Hockey Guy via Patreon / thehockeyguy
/ youtubehockeyguy
Instagram: thgshannon and thg_cats
Spoutible: spoutible.com/TheHockeyGuy
[e-mail]
Contact me via snail mail at:
The Hockey Guy
PO Box 15038 Seven Oaks PO
Abbotsford, BC
V2S 8P1
In the USA:
Shannon Skanes
1125 Fir Avenue
Suite 119
Blaine, WA 98230

[@rayz9772]

My expectation is that there will be one team that will win the Stanley Cup.

[@Deehvad]

What if ww3 starts? Didn't think of that eh, bucko?

[@creedencebakken2686]

What is there’s another pandemic 😂😂😂

[@tylercassidy5720]

Going into the 28th Overtime period of game 7, with all the players hospitalized or dead, we've decided to award this year's stanley cup to both teams. May God rest their souls.

[@masterdmo]

As a Florida fan it would be disappointing if they don’t win lord Stanley, but there wouldn’t be much panic considering how much Zito has done for the franchise. Relocation was a serious topic not too long ago so most of us are just grateful for the franchise turning things around.

[@wardorito]

There are dozens of us here!

[@alexei1195]

Caps fan here, I’m just happy to even be in the discussion honestly.

[@chrisbelos2834]

8th seed made the finals 3 times in the last 4 seasons. start dreaming alexei cuz Ovi is back !

[@alexei1195]

@@chrisbelos2834 if he gets a second cup on top of that scoring record, I think I’d simply die young & happy. Life’s complete at that point!

[@xlr0gd205]

@@chrisbelos2834 Dallas wasn't an 8 seed

[@Mayor_Of_Eureka17]

Hear hear!

[@Kcman1827]

Same

[@windwalker5765]

It's kinda funny, you talking about the Knights having pressure to repeat as Cup champs. My view is, it's hard enough to win the Stanley Cup even once; if a team does it, I'm not complaining about _anything_ for about five years.

[@Rockhound6165]

I've been waiting for 49 years for my Flyers to win another one and can you imagine being a Leafs fan?

[@OldRustySteele]

Blues fan since 1968 here. You’re right about that 5 year grace period. It was 51 seasons without a Stanley Cup, but after our Cup in 2019, I’m getting a little irritated that we are on the outside now. So yeah, the warmth and glow pretty much wears off in 5 years!

[@DarkLobster69]

As a Buffalo fan, you guys have Stanley cups?

[@Cheesy37.]

I feel like Edmonton NEEDS to make the final. There's a non 0% chance they lose Leon after next season. Can they afford him and keep the rest of the team competitive? Going to be tricky. That fan base won't accept another conf. finals loss.

[@mNag]

100% Oilers aren't gonna be happy with a WCF appearance. Minimum a cup final appearance.

[@Civility1]

you're bang on. We've been to a WCF and lost already, it's cup or bust for edmonton this year

[@BezJones]

@@Civility1 I wouldn't say cup or bust. It's finals or bust. If they make the finals I'm confident Drai and McDavid stay

[@Slipings]

Nope cup or bust. If they make finals and lose no one will be happy

[@BezJones]

@@Slipings I mean... no one is happy when their team loses in the SCF. That goes without saying. But making the finals would be an improvement on previous years and would be close enough for Drai and McDavid to believe they can win a cup here, and stay

[@mrutherford1106]

As a Canes fan I already knew exactly where we were going on the board

[@coltjohnson7123]

I see you on Twitter, Discord, yt everywhere I see you LOL. But true canes for this year is cup or bust. And if we make in to the 3rd round its gonna be another thirsty team in the Florida panthers

[@thatisjustwhatisaid]

This season is our best chance in a while for sure, but with this stacked young core we will be contenders every year in the near future. If we show a good effort in the cup finals and lose I would still consider the season a success.

[@maxfish4270]

@@thatisjustwhatisaid The season is absolutely a success. A few of my all-time favorite regular season wins have been over the last few months. Winning a few playoff series is bonus.

[@reversekilo2486]

You guys have it rough since the last cup win you have had nothing but 2nd and 3rd round exits. At least you are in the playoffs every year

[@bartphlegar8212]

Based on what I've seen over the years, Canes fans aren't a vindictive bunch at all. They aren't just happy to be in the playoffs - they are happy to HAVE A TEAM to begin with...So the question becomes, how long can you keep this squad of young sharpshooters and this chemistry together? Too many airhead mistakes keep knocking these guys down...If you can keep Freddy Andersen from firing passes straight up the slot, which get returned to sender right back into his 2 hole, you might have something special...

[@treker34]

After 2014 season - A rebuild - Good trades and draft picks - Ranger fans want a cup - Nothing less.

[@all0utmetal735]

Facts. Nothing else is acceptable.

[@diggsfather]

not to mention it’s been about 30 years since their last cup. just another reason they have to win it all or it’s a bust

[@oatmealtruck7811]

Yes. We. DOOOOO! 😤

[@kaz7690]

As a fan I kind of despise how high they got my hopes up. After last year's first round collapse, I expected this team to be a middling 2nd round exit at best, but now they have set their expectations on a Cup. Hurts to be an NY fan

[@Greenfrom3]

Interesting. They don't feel like a cup winner to me. Guess we will see

[@joew4656]

Five of the eight Eastern Conference playoff teams would need at least to make the conference final to avoid a disappointing season. And that doesn't even include red hot Tampa Bay. It seems most fans are going to be greatly disappointed.

[@mat5473]

I think that's a realistic way of looking at it! Most fans usually are disappointed.

[@HDreamer]

@@mat5473Has to be a true out of nowhere cinderella season for fans to be happy with just making the Playoffs and maaybe winning a round.

[@chrisbelos2834]

tbh Eastern teams have been bad this year. 4 teams out of NHL top 10 are from the East. just look at Toronto, miserable year. still 3rd in the Atlantic.

[@rherchenreder]

Given Boston’s cap constraints and their unanticipated defensive struggles, as a Boston fan I’d be satisfied with this season if they could win a first round series (which is by no means an easy task for them).

[@Bootseclectic]

@@chrisbelos2834those Leafs have a 24-6-2 record against the western conference this year

[@yogibearstie]

I think CANADA will be disappointed if the Cup doesn’t go North.

[@alexschannel8636]

As long as its not the Leafs

[@conyo1942]

bUt tHe pLaYeRs aRe cAnaDiaN!!

[@oilersridersbluejays]

Got a pretty good chance this year to be honest. I think Edmonton and Winnipeg have the best shot at it. I’m not sold on Vancouver or Toronto, but whatever happens happens.

[@itsmark1991]

You always appear in my feed as the playoff season approaches. I love it

[@29snowy]

really enjoyed this style of video

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

As a Rangers fan I will be disappointed if they lose before the Conference Finals. While they are technically good enough to go all the way there are A LOT of really good teams. My main concern is Florida. Colorado and Edmonton in the West are also a huge concern if they make it to the Finals.

[@danezammit]

I think that's fair. Conference final minimum for me as well.

[@mercywilliams2698]

Team of destiny..

[@robbrown4621]

No way. We want the up! This is our year... :) @@danezammit

[@Rockhound6165]

If you look at the Metro teams in general, with the exception of the Caps no one has won a Cup since 2006(I'm talking about teams in the playoff hunt). Rangers-1994, Canes-2006, Flyers-1975, Islanders-1983 and if you want to throw in the Devils who have an outside shot at getting in 2003. It ain't easy.

[@johnambrosio7357]

Florida fan here and an NHL fan since 1964. I believe Maurice is conserving the team not to get injured nor exhausted like what happened last season. So I'm expecting an explosive and very Cup hungry team in the plsyoffs

[@user-ji3il6ce2o]

Do you think that the term "Paper Dragon" accurately defines the Vancouver Canucks post All-Star break? On paper, their record looks fantastic until you realize they're 12-8-3 since February 1st, which is a steep decline from the strong first half of the season they had. Their offense has slowed down a ton, which is deeply concerning considering how much other Western Conference teams have elevated and ramped up their offensive production. Not only that, but when the opposing team plays a "shutdown" style of hockey, the Canucks struggle to work around it as evident by the three LA Kings games and the recent Washington Capitals game. Another deeply problematic thing is their power play, which is only 15.2% since the first week of February. That is worse than teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks, and the Buffalo Sabres. Their penalty kill is also average at best at 79.1%, ranking 18th in the league since the first week of February. Demko's analytical stats are so insane to the point where I question if he'll be able to maintain that level of performance during the playoffs where the intensity greatly increases. I know we expected them to be a WC team prior to the season beginning, but we all had changed our expectations after that dominating first half of the season the Canucks had.

[@chrisbelos2834]

THG is so aware of the lore, he can read the Canucks playoffs script already. round 2 is a minimum and they probl won't make it when they should. the choke is strong with them.

[@J.CashDro]

Usually evry Stanley Cup winner has gone thru some sort of adversity during the season.. my fear with the Canucks is they actually havent gone thru any for almost the whole year already

[@TheRotundRider]

They need to feel more adversity to really gel the core of the team. They need to feel and taste success and want more

[@vancitycanucks]

They will be fine. Stop panicking.

[@Peksisarvinen]

I've been saying for a while now that Jets and Canucks are the biggest bubbles in the league this season. They're not bad teams by any means, but if you look at their rosters, are those really rosters that should be as high up in the standings as they are?

[@ekim4363]

As a Detroit fan, happy to be in the playoffs. I never expected a playoff run this season, would be nice, but this season needed to be building from last season. Rebuilds are never guaranteed, ask Chicago Cubs fans about their 108 years of rebuilding.

[@kelseykjarsgaard5774]

Not in yet

[@TheEskimeaux]

Washington will snag the last wildcard spot

[@clydeblair9622]

No reason to be satisfied with mediocrity. That's the problem with Detroit fans.

[@dusty8789]

@@clydeblair9622 have you talked to detroit fans? lol half of us are ready to throw yzerman away because were not a contender yet and the other half recognize its not an overnight deal

[@clydeblair9622]

@@dusty8789 Yes, I understand. It's not easy for me to turn on the Plan, but it's becoming Hollandish.

[@marknelson4390]

In the words of #29, it's "cup or bust"

[@delilahknight6068]

It’s pretty sad that he can’t get as far as the Fernando Pisani Oilers. The playoffs are too much for EDM’s inconsistent team defense/goaltending and lack of depth. It’s nice that the Oilers can beat the Kings, can they beat anyone else?

[@Nico-lp6pn]

To be fair, they got bounced by the eventual cup champs in consecutive years and arguably gave Vegas the best run for their money. So to say they can only beat LA is a little unfair. Hoping they can prove the doubters wrong this year 🤞​ Pressure is definitely on@@delilahknight6068

[@oilersridersbluejays]

@delilahknight6068 inconsistent defence and goaltending? Umm, did you not watch the Oilers from about December to now?

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

As an Avs fan I'm still riding on the whole house money thing but anything less than conference finals would be a bummer. Carolina absolutely has to get the cup this year, especially with all their free agents due contracts in the off season.

[@Kanders190]

I'd agree. Winning a Cup just two years ago takes away the 'Cup or bust' mentality, but they are still one of the best teams on the league on paper and need to show that. Especially after a disappointing first round exit last year.

[@Juice-ig3jz]

Same Id honestly rather lose in the wcf than lose in the finals. I think if we get there we will win it all but you have to cash in with this core when you get there. Either way I won’t be too upset because we have this group for a more years to come and we just won one.

[@rainbowcoloredsoapdispenser]

Honestly as a stars fan, nothing but a trip to the finals would do it for me

[@zubiecup]

Yeah, nothing but a Cup win at this point. We've gone deep in the playoffs a few times over these last several seasons, so it just feels like it's time. In 2019, we lost in game 7 in OT to the eventual Cup winner; in 2020, we lost in the Finals; last year, we lost in the Conference Finals. I don't think any Dallas fans will be happy with anything less than a Cup win.

[@AllAboutAlbums]

I feel you are right-on with all your reasoning. Especially with the analysis of the Eastern Conference.

[@FalloutUrMum]

I'm a Hurricanes fan, already can guess where he has us. But for me, I'm ok with whatever. I'm happy with a team that's consistently good and fun to watch for the past 6 years. I prefer it over having a team that wins the cup and then disappears from relevancy

[@chrisbelos2834]

you mean the penguins choked again *winks

[@Regdarx11]

Damn I was wondering why the quality was so bad; turns out I got here in the first 5 minutes of uploading haha great video shannon!! Thank you!!

[@joshuaglandon2791]

I 100% agree. Before you got to Tampa I was already thinking that I’d be happy with a round 2.

[@manicmike333]

Any time they make it to a 2nd round, its all but guaranteed. The only time they lost a round 2 was to New Jersey in 2003. That was of course their 1st time winning a round ever.

[@Jay-gi6oh]

Happy with round 2? No way. They're not as deep as previous years but with the core they have its cup or bust.

[@YouTube_OriginalViewer]

@@Jay-gi6ohyeah I’m torn. One hand I don’t want to set expectations too high cause I could see ourselves being bounced early given how stacked other teams are (and much younger cores). But on the other it’s the age thing, each year that passes, we’ll continue to lose people. Maybe not this year, but definitely next year will be championship or bust - hopefully we can sign Stammer, retool with higher cap, and have a fully healthy sergy and vasy

[@maxfish4270]

Carolina out in the first round would be a sad event. If the Rangers can beat the Canes in the second round or the Panthers in the Conference Finals, that is absolutely disappointing, but the next few seasons still look promising. The Hurricanes will be a very different team a few seasons from now and this season might be their best chance, but the window isn't closing yet.

[@jayvardy]

The only way for the Maple Leafs to escape criticism is to win the Stanley Cup. They could go to game 7 triple OT in the finals and will still be criticized if they lose.

[@sirecarrot9124]

Honestly, I think that if they make it to the conferance finals but lose after playing with genuine effort, care and emotion it would be ok. Just having the core 4 give a shit about more then money would be good.

[@kelseykjarsgaard5774]

​@@sirecarrot9124lot of us be ok with it

[@jfayiii]

They’d still be unsatisfied - see Bosox fans of early 2000s. It took multiple rings to get them to STFU about how ‘horrible it was’.

[@JaimieB.DogJack]

Well not by me. Mostly because of dangle.... LFG AvS!

[@TheGatrGamr]

honestly even if they win the cup there will still be naysayers calling it a fluke etc

[@CoachBeck]

The teams are so close for the most part that an exit in the first round isn’t necessarily a failure. If you are a high seed and end up losing to Vegas or Tampa in the first round you just have to shake your head and move on. A lot of good teams and some experienced ones squeezing in makes it interesting

[@drock13]

As a Bolts fan , I feel like the expectation would be Conference Final, knowing Stammer is still unsigned, the win now mode, and the general spoiled nature of our base a R.1 or 2 exit would show us who true Bolts fans are and who only likes a winner.

[@ScarecrOmega]

If Jets knock off LA, Col, Dal, Vegas, or NSH I will be happy, anything after that is a bonus.

[@KreepCA]

Playing the way we know they can play, what's been called Winnipeg Jets hockey, would be amazing to watch. That said, if that's the way they played, there's no telling how far they could get. A consistent 60 minutes of that every game is what every team is looking for and the Jets are as likely as any team to go the distance.

[@SteveMcbrain]

Not if they keep playing they have been. 0-4

[@brianstewart2215]

As a realist flyers fan I would definitely just be happy to be there and get our young guys some playoff experience that being said we could be a dangerous team cause we have been playing playoff hockey all year grinding blocking shots dirty goals everything you need to win in the playoffs.

[@thatisjustwhatisaid]

As a Canes fan I don't think it's a cup or bust for us; if we make it to the cup finals and show a good effort there I'll consider the season a success. Our core is still young and their best years have just started. Yes, there are a lot of contracts ending this season but I trust our management with that, they have done a hell of a good job with that thus far. I'm confident we will be in the finals many times in the years to come and if we win the cup this year or next I'll be happy.

[@b363205]

Good post but how can you be confident about being the finals several times in the coming year? What tells you that is likely?

[@highenddesign6502]

In Rod We Trust

[@tylertaylor5778]

@@b363205as a canes fan, I think it’s best to say, we have the talent and potential to compete in the playoffs every year. The last six years has shown us how hard and often times, lucky, you have to be just to get to the conference finals. I think the Canes have a core that will keep them relevant for the foreseeable future and competitive in the playoffs.

[@icewyre]

As a Canucks fan... I TOTALLY CALLED THE 2018 CAPS CUP WIN BEFORE THE PLAYOFFS STARTED! that being said, I've had a horrible track record every other year lol

[@sunileddu5847]

This playoff series for the Leafs are going to be tough. if they can make it past the first round it'd be a considered a win

[@xXPyrophorusXx]

Will they even win a game? I'm hoping for a miss, just clear out the underachievers upstairs and behind the bench

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

Naw bro. If this team doesn't advance to a conference final you're going to see major shakeups. You have to beat good teams to win.

[@shawns5759]

Can’t wait to see another call with Gary, the last one was awesome, good job

[@j.t.joseph7623]

As a Dallas Stars fan I want them to win the Stanley Cup. Can you do a video about why you are a Stars fan?

[@DennieWilliamson]

Your so right about Carolina

[@maudlewis8536]

As a Canes fan, this is the best shot they’ll have to win a cup indefinitely. So many great value contracts that are expiring, several guys deserve a raise on that roster. This is the highest my expectations have been for them my entire tenure as a fan since 06

[@johncox7169]

As a non-Oilers fan, I think that not only do the Oilers need to make it to the Conference Finals, but they need to win at least one game once they get there. If they make it to the Conference Finals again and get swept again, there are going to be a LOT of unhappy Oilers fans.

[@preppen78]

Anything less than the SC Finals would be disappointing for the Oilers.

[@marklepischak5777]

Game 7 in the WCF is the minimum for happiness in Edmonton

[@TheRickRoller1]

We are likely to get the most entertaining playoffs in a long time.

[@evanberner]

30 years, seeing what happened last year, but also living through all of the bad years, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree that Panthers need a cup. It's kind of disheartening the way they've played recently, but I'm hoping that's just tweaking and seeing what works in order to get ready for April.

[@vooswing]

As a Vegas fan I’ll be happy with first round, we’re so beat up I don’t have high expectations, if everyone gets healthy I think we could make another run though. Hard to be critical of a team the year after they win it all, next year will have much more pressure than this year though, we aren’t getting any younger.

[@rickhammond2473]

I have 755.00 on Vegas to take the cup.

[@nicweircomedy]

That’s true for Nashville, we were supposed to be much worse this year considering the staff and roster changes. Proud of the boys and a competitive first round is a success for us this year.

[@TylerMorganShow]

Perfect timing

[@davidgraf8171]

@mathewdaley I remember very well we Mike gartner was my favorite ranger prior to his trade.

[@adammathieu1552]

Tampa fan here, I agree with the second round for the Bolts. I do see this core grabbing one more Cup in the next couple of years. For this year though, I'd be content with a second round given how up and down our season has been.

[@phillipfarrell1504]

Spot on for me as a Bolts fan. I’ll be sad/scared with round one exit, second round? Alright.

[@anthonywatson6070]

Bolts fan here, and your spot on Shannon. Winning a single round is all I want at this point, and anything else is just bonus

[@Fatazz]

While the Preds might be happy to be there, I'm not sure there would be much surprise if they get out of the first round. Caps and/or Flyers make it beyond round one, alarm bells go off, and the robot starts yelling, Danger Will Robinson.

[@alohastate8256]

As a VGK fan, I agree, we are spoiled. But a rebuild is inevitable and dread those years coming. With that said, the window is now and maybe next few years. To me, to paraphrase the Oilers "its cup or bust"

[@chrisbelos2834]

it's been cup or bust for them since they came in the league let's be honest here. their first season was really special. the cup last year cimented the cup or bust

[@crushdavis7048]

For Vegas, they also seem to get hurt so much as well. And with a lot of their better players being in their 30s, those injuries will start taking even bigger tolls as the age goes up. I think the Hertl trade really hammered home that these are the last few chances they have. I don't think a quick retool will be able to fix them when they do fall off.

[@Rockhound6165]

I'm glad the Flyers are even in the playoff conversation considering all that's happened this season not to mention they weren't supposed to be here in the first place but it's not looking good right now. Defense is beat up and goaltending, albeit Ersson is doing his level best, is inconsistent at best.

[@obey2dmax]

Preds will be a tough out in Round One, but they must have exhausted themselves to make the playoffs. It's very hard to sustain their impressive wins and recent success.

[@rickyrougs]

it should be cup or bust for panthers but feel like an ecf appearance would certainly be tolerable. losing in the first round or a bad second round loss would be worrying.

[@aaronreeve1414]

As a Vegas fan, with the way they’ve been playing lately, I’d be happy if they make it to the second round.

[@rickhammond2473]

They are going to shock everyone and win a 2nd straight Stanley Cup.This guy said in the past video that Vegas seems to be turning it around.I have been loading on on Vegas since December and now have 755.00 on Vegas to take the cup.

[@christhornycroft3686]

As a Canucks fan with somewhat realistic expectations, I'm just taking the games as they come. I never thought they were as good as they showed early in the year. The advanced states showed them overachieving and we've seen that losing a 3rd line guy kind of derailed things quite a bit and they weren't playing fantastic before that. I have no grand expectations of winning the Cup because at the beginning of the year, they weren't expected to make the playoffs. I've seen this show before in Vancouver. I'm taking it one game at a time. If they go far, fantastic, but would I be surprised if they'd knocked out in the 1st or 2nd round? Not at all. Call me a pessimist. I've watched this team for too long to expect that much and based on what I've seen here, if they play LA or Vegas, all bets are off.

[@nersharific813]

Making the playoffs would be nice!

[@raymondsupper]

I just want to see Harold Ballard's Curse kick back in with a first round exit

[@RRaquello]

As a Flames fan my expectation is that in the draft lotto they end up with the 14th or 15th or 16th pick (again).

[@josephlambert954]

Canes fan here, I think we need to win a cup to secure at least some of our RFA’s and extend Brind’amor’s coaching contract. Like you said we haven’t won an ECF game at all since our ‘06 cup win so it would be nice to see everything come together in that way, especially cause my favorite player is currently an RFA

[@jamesruscheinski8602]

strong performances in regular season by Edmonton, Colorado, Carolina

[@lukeadkins555]

Nashville fan. For those of us who aren't lamenting another missed opportunity to tank (a surprising portion!), we are absolutely just happy to be here. This *looked* like a tank on paper. Really proud of some of the older retreads for showing up this season. And hey, who knows? This is probably our most playoff-experienced roster ever, definitely our most Cup-experienced roster. Could be fun!

[@glmjr2199]

Coming from a capitals fan, I’d say the 2nd round makes a good run this year despite the unexpected season. Haven’t made it past round 1 since the cup win and winning a series would show they’re moving in a good direction with the overall vision for the rest of Ovi’s career

[@thefish560]

Carolina has to win one. They cant add another eastern team in this list of team they lost to : boston, boston, tampa, new york, florida. They gotta beat atlantic division teams when they face them.

[@peterroberts4415]

Knowing the off-season ahead, I 100% agree

[@maxfish4270]

@@peterroberts4415 It could be argued this season's team is better than before losing Trocheck or Nino or Dougie.

[@todddavis5433]

​@@maxfish4270Dougie wasn't a loss

[@scottmurrell7367]

I agree with Carolina being Cup or bust. They've been knocking on the door for 6 seasons and Waddell made the deadline moves indicative of going for it. Not sure what next season is going to look like because there are some key players going unrestricted. This is the year.

[@treycarmichael3605]

TWO MEN: Jamie Benn and Joe Pavelski. If these men don't get a cup this year they probably won't get one. Benn has finally started to play like the sour taste of suspension last year gives him a whole lot more to prove. Joe is playing a more physical game in addition to his steady leadership. Both men now have the linemates to bring the cup home ahead of a tricky offseason. I say no-one will be at all content with a conference final. Tonight We Ride!

[@angiebee2225]

As much hope as the young core brings, the window is closing for the old guys. Stars have made deep runs. It's time for them to win.

[@JarradBruessel32]

You have peter deboer as your head coach. You won't win a cup with him. Here is how deboer always goes. First season, he will take you on an inexplicable deep playoff run, usually conference finals if not cup finals. Then after that continue going backwards until you are out of the playoffs entirely. He has done it 3 times in a row already and started it again last season for the 4th time with a conference finals appearance for dallas last year. Expect a 2nd round exit this year if not 1st round. It's just typical peter deboer.

[@angiebee2225]

@@JarradBruessel32 There was nothing inexplicable about Dallas making it to the conference final.

[@JarradBruessel32]

@@angiebee2225 except it kind of was lol

[@angiebee2225]

@@JarradBruessel32 Beating two teams with lower seeds is something you consider inexplicable? Your opinion on this is definitely special.

[@TheRoad_MostTravelled]

For some time I had this impression that this guy was a pundant, and in fact -having seen this for the first time- I found him quite fair. Simply considerate

[@OWlsfordshire]

I see about 7 teams that I would totally expect to be capable of winning. Then another 6-7 that could maybe have a miracle run like Florida last year. I agree, it's impossible to predict. The Avs are looking pretty scary though for a team that has proven to be a major playoff threat. I think we get the Canes or Panthers in the East and the Avs or Vegas in the West.

[@thenextgreat8652]

As an Avs fan, they have a great shot at the cup this season. However, if they were to lose in the WCF’s or Finals, I’d consider it a modest success. I look at their success more as a five year window where it would be incredibly discouraging if they didn’t win at least one more cup during that span.

[@CovertOwl]

They gotta take advantage of Macks Hart level year and found money in Drouin. Especially if they somehow get Landy back you gotta win it or you are just leaving Cups on the table at that point

[@thenextgreat8652]

@@CovertOwl Fully understand your point. Mine really boils down to how insanely difficult it is to win a cup no matter how good the team is. So many things have to go right to win a cup.

[@CovertOwl]

@@thenextgreat8652Oh totally. But this is one of the few years where they have a real chance

[@dansnyder9102]

Stars in the Finals!!

[@JarradBruessel32]

Not happening with deboer as head coach. Go look at his coaching record. First year inexplicable deep playoff run followed up by middling futility until you are out of the playoffs then he goes on to the next team and does it all over again. Happened the first 3 teams that hired him and last year was the 4th time in a row he has gone on a deep run his first season as a team's head coach

[@johnny2003]

As a bolts fan I want to see getting into the 3rd round. But I’d be happy with one round win.

[@scevda]

One thing for the Colorado side of things. I think the placement is correct in a vacum. But due to the fact that the Avs are 3-0 if they reach the Cup final, the expectation would be to keep that undefeated at that stage.

[@snaggy13]

I would like to see an analysis of playoff run depth and goaltending stats/pay levels/strategies for workload management. The goalie is the only player who is on the ice for 100% (or close to it) of a game. Your best forward may get 40 to 50% of your ice time (maybe the rare exception.) As a Leafs fan (recovering, but I have a relapse every spring) this is a source of trauma for me.

[@joeb2151]

If the Flyers make the playoffs, and win a game or two, it would be awesome. With Carter Hart situation, all the injuries, where they were supposed to be anyway before both of those, Fedotov getting conscripted basically, this team should have been bottom row in the power rankings all year. Really proud of how hard they've played this year. If they can have an ok record through end of year, they have a good shot at staying in playoffs which is nuts.

[@jamesruscheinski8602]

looking to pick up by Los Angeles, New York Islanders, Toronto

[@TheChaosOfTheShadows]

My expectation for my Dallas Stars is a cup. I need that like I need air. They’ve been building to it for so long, and I want to see the rewards for that.

[@ethanburns4011]

This video needs to be redone after Pittsburghs historic comeback

[@connorw9363]

your welcome Nashville, Go stars cup finalist all the way

[@polloverkko]

Are panthers and canes really dissapointed with stanley cup final?

[@zac71418]

Flyers are accurate! They were expected to be a bottom 5 Team this year, being that it's the first year of a rebuild. I'll be excited to see some philly playoff hockey, but also understand that were playing with house money with the future I'm year one.

[@swarmX]

expectation for my cats throughout the year is cup or bust, but w/ their play lately....it's likely theyre out round 1

[@neeltheother2342]

I think you're too hard on them. I have them making the conference final again along with Carolina. I don't see Boston or Toronto beating y'all lol

[@swarmX]

@@neeltheother2342 have you seen the panthers play the past three weeks? they just lost to the islanders. thats three straight games where they drop leads. theyre getting bounced in the 1st

[@jaredmason194]

As a lightning fan i say conference final because they can do it but i agree second round is most likely. Just depends on who stays healthy enough, on both teams.

[@psychedalex5906]

Lightning fan, for me, it's the conference finals. That's been the standard for the last decade. This core has done it time and time again since 2014 and thats the precedent that has been set by the team in my eyes

[@wadeberg4912]

Kinda feel like the Oilers need to make it to the Finals. Conference Finals in 22 was okay but last year was very disappointing. We'll see if Skinner/Pickard are good enough to get them there. Not giving their defense a pass, I just think their goaltending needs to improve.

[@Hawkeydad94]

As a preds fan i can confirm i am just happy to be here lol

[@gabrielrockman]

My worry as a Capitals fan is that we're not confident in our ability to win with Kuemper in net, but we have games in hand, meaning that the 9 games in 15 days to finish the season is going to force us to use Kuemper at least twice (and even if we only use him twice, that's still a huge load on Lindgren). I don't want to see us overuse Lindgren trying to sneak into the playoffs, and then for an exhausted Lindgren to get absolutely lit up in the playoffs by a powerful Panthers, Canes, or Rangers team. If we're going to go into the playoffs in the next few seasons with Lindgren as our top goalie, then it's really important that he at least have a respectable showing in the playoffs this season.

[@trevoratkins2273]

As a Bruins fan, id be happy if we make it to the second round.

[@lier0]

I picked Preds to make playoffs. And how they are now playing, losing round 1 would be disappointment

[@aidanw9378]

I think these playoffs are going to be crazy. I'd say 11 teams are legitimate cup contenders, not just 'oh they could maybe do something' but real cup contenders. I don't know if Washington, Philadelphia, Tampa, Nashville or LA would be cup threats, but the others are definitely good enough to go the distance.

[@leftcoaster67]

Canucks fan. I'd be happy to win a round. And considering how bad they looked last year, making the playoffs is fantastic. I would love to see Vancouver win the whole thing. Just to see who'd be more surprised. Me or Shannon.

[@yotamaster93]

LFG STARS BABY

[@l.a.w.5738]

Oiler MUST makes finals, anything below is a disapointment

[@cameronbrown3587]

As a Bruins fan I thought we had an outside chance to even make the playoffs this year with all of the roster changes. So getting out of round one would be a huge win in my mind. I don’t feel there’s a lot of pressure on that team at the moment with Pastrnak and McAvoy locked up.

[@mcdaviddeservesbetter8]

Oilers: cup or bust Stars: cup or bust Panthers: cup or bust Avalanche: SCF Hurricanes: SCF Rangers: SCF Knights: WCF Jets: WCF Leafs: ECF Bruins: ECF Canucks: win a round Kings: win a round Lightning: win a round Predators: happy to be here Flyers: happy to be here Capitals: happy to be here

[@Forwarrd]

As a Colorado fan, I'm worried about Nashville putting Winnipeg into the wild card spot and facing the Avs in the first round. Lol

[@michaelangst6078]

Winnipeg is like a B team Vegas when they have everyone back. How they going to beat Vegas than?

[@paulwshannon]

As a Canes fan for me a stanley cup final appearance would feel like success. I thibjnwe still have a good enough young core and to make the finals is that first step. I think we have maybe 2 years left of our window.

[@markhodge7]

Habs fan here. Ulmark to Montreal for an inspired, Kent Hughs' big trade with lots of moving parts. Boston adds parts for a continued push for A Cup. Montreal gets their 1A with Monte and Primeau worth something to someone and maybe leaving a darned good backup. Montreal and Boston go way back. Interesting goalies in The Hab's pipeline. Boston is so close.

[@alexschannel8636]

Fellow Habs fan here. We are set in goal I would not mess with the Monty-Primeau tandem I think in 2-3 years (maybe as early as next year) they will be a top 5 goalie tandem in the league. What we really need is more help at Forward, especially in the middle 6.

[@LemonsGraphics]

Leafs fan here. Honestly considering we will probably play florida round 1, I will be seeing a round 2 appearance as a win. And we will be facing one of tampa or boston round 2 so, co f finals would be euphoric lmao

[@MrWWHBB]

Ranger fan, it’s cup or bust if the canes are imo 7:49

[@bubbax4892]

Wings fan here, no pressure on us to do well in the playoffs. But big pressure on us to make it. Considering we had a 9 loss streak when we were in a good position and how long it’s been for playoff hockey anything less will be disappointing.

[@IIMIKEYMOII]

Not a Leafs fan but I think based on salaries, how much attention their core gets, and how handcuffed they are to their current build, I think their expectations are to make it to Cup Finals. Maybe a hard fought Conference Finals will make people feel like the team has the skill and determination but if they get walked over, nobody is going to take the core seriously.

[@glenmcdonald375]

'walked on' would not bode well - BUT i think any significant progress would "b enough" to "hold off" the ire of the fanbase... they got their first round win, now AT MINIMUM they need their second round win - AND tho, to b at least competitive in the third round... Defence/ GT is still their Achilles heel - that wont b able to truly b addressed until the Tavares contract is off the books... BUT, that's not too far away now... (and im not knocking Tavares - he's great "for his age")

[@michaelyano6094]

Can't wait to see Toronto and Boston make it to the western conference finals!

[@mtbcyclist]

As a Canes fan conference finals are my expectations. Would be bummed if we got taken out before then but who we could face somebody like the Rangers in the first round and that will be one heck of a match up.

[@icryptiki5260]

I don't know how to feel as a Stars fan mainly because we are going to have a rough postseason if we wanna make it anywhere unlike last year when I was confident we could make a run to the final 4 teams.

[@icryptiki5260]

If our offense continues to produce and we get any type of goaltending from last year or the year before I think we will be fine but goaltending is a big question mark especially when our defense is inconsistent.

[@micksheppard1290]

I think being a Tampa fan we have been pretty spoiled the past 10 years or so and would expect nothing less than a Stanley cup final appearance given our team is fully capable of doing that. BUTTT! I think if we made it to the conference final that would be considered a successful season for the lightning.