The Stanley Cup will have a new home this year after the back-to-back champion Florida Panthers had their season derailed by injuries.
They’re not the only perennial contender to miss the playoffs, either, with the reigning Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs failing to qualify.
The Buffalo Sabres among the half dozen newcomers in the 16-team field. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers are back in the dance, too, and set for a cross-state rivalry series in the first round.
The Colorado Avalanche have been dominant since October and go in as the favorite after clinching the best regular-season record in the NHL. That has rarely been an indicator of who hoists the Cup at the end of four rounds.
“Every team in the playoffs can win,” Dallas Stars defenseman Tyler Myers said. “Every series is a tough series. That’s what’s so amazing about the NHL playoffs: It brings out the best in everybody, in every team, and it creates an unbelievable battle no matter who’s playing.”