Let The Games Begin

Zoomer | October 7th, 2010
Leafs

Hockey players George Armstrong #10 (front left), Andy Bathgate #9 (front right), and other members of the victorious Toronto Maple Leafs drink from the Stanley Cup, the National Hockey League championship trophy, after defeating Detroit in game seven of the finals, Spring 1964. (Photo by Pictorial Parade/Getty Images)

With the puck set to drop on another hockey season, here are the Top-five questions on the minds of fans across the land:

1. Can the Chicago Blackhawks repeat as Stanley Cup Champions, despite the loss of several key players?
2. Does the Detroit Red Wings’ collection of golden oldies have enough gas left in the tank to eke out one last run at glory?

3. Will Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins rebound from last year’s early playoff exit to reclaim the Cup?
4. Is Washington’s powerful offence strong enough to overcome their severe shortcomings on defence and in net?
5. Can the San Jose Sharks finally put it all together and win the big prize?

One question nobody — outside of Toronto — is asking is whether the Leafs will make the playoffs. Only the most pathetically delusional of Leaf fans think this miracle might occur.

But the Leafs will likely have company in the cellar, especially among the other Canadian teams. Neither Montreal, Calgary nor Edmonton are expected to even make the playoffs, and Ottawa, although they may squeak in, are unlikely to last beyond the first round.

That leaves Vancouver as the only Canadian team with any hope of vying for the Stanley Cup. Besides the firepower of the Sedin Twins upfront, the Canucks are pinning their hopes on goaltender Roberto Luongo; if he can rediscover the form that has so mysteriously abandoned him the past two years, the Canucks may prove to be legitimate contenders.

So, fans in Vancouver, sit back, crack open a beer and enjoy the season. And for those who cheer for the other Canadian teams — umm, there’s always next year.