Sports – The Mirror

Soccer Team Looking Forward to Much-Needed Break

May 7, 2025 by Jace Donawa

Photo provided.

As spring break is underway, it can be said that everybody in the school is relieved for this lengthy off-period. With the sports teams almost all ending their seasons, the break acts as a rest period after a long campaign. For the soccer team, though, the season is not yet over. After a long run of intense games, including trips to Costa Rica and Las Vegas, there are still two more events to close out the year for both the U-19s and U-17s. With good competition still to come in the spring, the break is much needed for both teams to finish it out.

“I think after a long string of demanding games, we are all relieved for the break to be here. For me, the best part of the break is that some of us can spend time with our families, with the break being 2 ½ weeks,” said Leo Doyle ’25. As the soccer team is the most diverse in the school, student-athletes come from all over the world. “Being so far from home, I’m grateful that our break is long enough that I can go all the way back to Kenya and be with my family for a little,” said Mohammed Ahmed ’26. For the boys, family time is very important, which again makes the break fitting.

The whole program is looking forward to enjoying their break and then finishing off what has been a good season. With one of the events being a one-day home tournament on April 27^th, both teams can’t wait to return and play in front of a home crowd for the first time since October.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Pickleball Tournament Aims to Build Community

May 7, 2025 by Li Feng

Photo: playpickleball.com

Following the successful TEQBALL tournament, Ryan Farr ’25 is working on bringing an exciting competition to Northwood: a pickleball tournament. As part of his Peak Pathway project, Ryan is organizing an event free for all students and faculty to enter, and it is designed to enhance camaraderie across the community.

With the warm weather approaching and spring settling in, the tournament hopes to get people outside to enjoy the fresh air while engaging in friendly competition. “This is all about bringing people together,” Ryan said. “We saw how TEQBALL brought the soccer team together, and I wanted to expand on that idea where the whole community can participate.”

A new addition to this tournament, introduced by Ryan, will be a concession stand selling snacks such as Skittles, M&M’s, Sour Patch Kids, and drinks like Coke, Sprite, and Arnold Palmers. In addition, a prize for the tournament winner will be determined soon, making it a fun way to reward participants. The competition structure will be randomized, with matchups determined through an online random generator. Ryan will use tape to outline the playing area instead of chalk to ensure better court visibility. He will continue with the TEQBALL Instagram account, changing the username, profile picture, and content to promote the pickleball tournament and build on his followers.

This tournament will be open to the entire Northwood community, and signups are already underway. With high anticipation for this event, Ryan hopes to bring Northwood together in a new and engaging way.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports

As Year Concludes, Senior Soccer Players Reflect

May 7, 2025 by Jace Donawa

The U19 squad following the championship win at home on April 27, 2025. Photo: Ms. Martina Moodey.

With the school year ending soon, the soccer season is coming to a close after a 9-month run. As the seniors prepare for their commencement, it is fitting that in the same period, they will say goodbye to their fellow teammates and coaches. This is the time where seniors can finally look back on all the memories that they had in their time here at Northwood, which often turns into an emotional and proud task. As the U19 team was formed of mostly seniors this year, the impact that they all will leave is a huge one for the future of the school and the Soccer program as a whole.

“As time keeps passing and we get closer to graduation, I am realizing more how grateful I am for my experience here at Northwood, both on and off the field. I believe that I am now well prepared for the next step in my life, and I’m very excited,” said Lohkoah Paye ’25.

“As I sit here thinking back on my three years here at Northwood, I can’t help but think about all the friendships I’ve made that will last a lifetime. It’s sad to know this is my last few weeks here with all of my boys, but a smart man once said, ‘All good things come to an end,’” added Vittorio Renda ’25.

“I can remember my first day stepping on campus to now being two weeks away from graduation. My three years at Northwood have been nothing short of a rollercoaster, but the people I’ve met along the way have helped me get through the tough times, and because of that, I am forever grateful to be a Husky,” said Machai Davis ’25.

“Thinking back on when I first came here as a sophomore, it’s crazy to think how fast time has slipped by. It’s amazing how my friends and I have matured so much as people, leaders, students, and athletes. I’ll never forget this location because it’s where I made some of my best friendships that’ll last forever. It’s truly a one of one,” added Leo Doyle ’25.

Filed Under: People, Sports

Four Women Commit to Ski at Division I Colleges

May 7, 2025 by Sydney Kuder

In the past month, 4 FIS skiers have committed to ski D1 in college. These skiers include Cara Dempsey ‘25, Arielle Haccoun-Chaquette ‘25, Sydney Kuder ‘25, and Julianne Brochu ‘25. Having 4 D1 commits, this year has the most commits in recent Northwood ski team history. This success is a tribute to the hard work of these four athletes, but also to the director of skiing, Thomas Beisemeyer, for raising the bar for the level of success on the team during his time as director. This is Beisemeyer’s last year as Director of Skiing at Northwood, and in his four years, he has created a team that strives for excellence.

Cara Dempsey ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Cara Dempsey ‘25, is committed to skiing at Boston College next year. “From the minute I stepped onto campus, I knew BC was my top choice. I’m grateful for the opportunity to ski at Boston College. Tommy has been very supportive of me in my college process, but he’s also supported me in the four years he’s worked at Northwood. He has pushed me to achieve my goals, and now I have made my dream to ski in college come true.”

Arielle Haccoun-Choquette ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Arielle Haccoun-Chaquette ‘25, is committed to ski at St. Lawrence University. “I knew I wanted to ski in college and SLU seemed like the best fit for me. The coach offered me a spot around February this year, and I committed in early April. I’m excited for this opportunity, and I already know some of the upperclassmen on the team, who are great girls.”

Sydney Kuder ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael

Sydney Kuder ‘25 is committed to ski at Bates College. “Bates was never really on my radar until the last second. For most of my senior year, I wanted to ski at Williams College. By March, I was 95% committed to ski at St. Lawrence University, but I decided to talk to Bates since I had gotten in regular decision. I loved the school after visiting, and when the coach offered me a spot on the team, I accepted it. Although Bates was never my top choice in the beginning, I’m happy with my college process outcome and am super excited for next year!”

Julianne Brochu ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael

Julianne Brochu ‘25 is committed to ski at Saint Michael’s College. “Sophomore year I visited Saint Mike’s with my brother since he was visiting. He wasn’t that interested, but I really liked it. I visited the school again during my junior year and talked to the coach. The coach was really interested in me and offered me a spot on the ski team in December of this year. I really appreciate this opportunity to ski on a great team but also go to college right after high school.”

Filed Under: People, Sports

Champions at Last: Liverpool tastes Victory Again

May 7, 2025 by Noah Moodey

Photo: Getty Images.

This past Sunday, a new yet familiar champion of the English Premier League (England’s Top Division of Soccer) was crowned. The Reds of Liverpool FC claimed their record 20^th title emphatically with a 5-1 victory at home versus Tottenham Hotspur FC. With a twelve-point gap between Liverpool and second-place Arsenal, the Reds fans sat on the edge of their seats awaiting Sunday’s arrival.

When the final matchday arrived, the tension in Merseyside (the region of England where Liverpool is located) was palpable. Citizens of the city lined the streets with red flares going off in every direction as they prepared, hopefully, for a day of celebration. However, when the match kicked off, Tottenham immediately soured the Reds’ special day as a goal from Dominic Solanke put Liverpool’s opponents up one just 12 minutes in. That being said, it didn’t take long for a response. Over the next 30 minutes, the team roared back with a trio of goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis McAllister, and Cody Gakpo, leading the Reds into halftime with momentum in their favor. After the break, Liverpool came out with the same fire as the title was now within grasping distance. Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold finished the job with two more clinical finishes, effectively burying Tottenham and claiming the title. The final whistle soon blew, and the Merseyside erupted. Throngs of people rushed both the field and the streets in celebration, and across the scouse countryside, a massive wave of relief swept.

Coming into this season, Liverpool fans were distraught. Despite the team’s strong 3^rd place finish in last year’s Premier League, morale coming into the season was at an all-time low. The club was parting ways with its world-famous coach, Jurgen Klopp. Klopp had brought Liverpool back to its glory days during his ten-year tenure as head coach; he had brought the city heroes, trophies, and most importantly of all, something to get behind, and with his loss, the city was unsure how it would ever recover. Enter Arne Slot, the Dutch Manager who joined Liverpool without a hitch and immediately became a fan favorite. Despite a lot of pressure due to everything riding on the season, Slot remained calm and composed and led Liverpool to their most significant margin of victory in the Premier League in decades. The relief felt through Merseyside was immense; all year, the citizens had been wondering if they could trust Slot to get the job done as Klopp had so many times, and with the final whistle versus Tottenham, it felt as though all those worries went out the window. The Liverpudlians almost took a step back as they added Slot to the ranks of Coaches whom they adored. With that title, Liverpool draws level with rivals Manchester United with a record-breaking 20 English first division titles.

Despite all the pressure they faced and with a new manager at the helm, Liverpool were able to shock the world and bring pride to the city of Liverpool once again, solidifying themselves as one of the best teams in history in the process.

Filed Under: Sports

Springtime Means Golf at Northwood

May 7, 2025 by Yosef Spear

Northwood students at the driving range. Photo: Lea Lambert ’24.

The golf co-curricular activity has been a major success this year. Kids have been flooding the course every day. The range has been packed, and there are lots of young, talented golfers out there. There are also a lot of beginners this year. So far, the weather has been great for golf, and it is only getting warmer. The Lake Placid Club is happy to see the course filled with Northwood kids each afternoon. It is great exercise and time outdoors.

“I feel like the vibes on the course this season have been great. Every time my friends and I go out, we end up finding some other groups from Northwood and playing with them. Everyone is so nice, and it is fun to teach the newcomers. I feel like golf brings everyone together,” junior Luke Smith said.

Victor Ghanimé ’27 joined the golf co-co this spring. Victor joined because there is a golf course next to his home. He says it is very beautiful and ranks it as his third-best golf course he has played. He also plays with other new people so he can teach them. Additionally, he thinks it is a great hobby because of the outdoor time you get and because driving the golf cart is fun.

Justin MacLeod ‘26 mentions a great point. “There are three major sports at this school, and golf brings everyone from each sport,” MacLeod said. He says golf is a fantastic way to relax and blow off steam after a rough school day or finals week.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

From the First Round to Fifth: The Shedeur Sanders Free Fall

May 7, 2025 by Gavin Kruger

In the months leading up to the draft, Shedeur Sanders was in the conversation of being worthy of the first overall pick. In the weeks leading up to the draft, murmurs of a pompous, know-it-all attitude came to light; his projection was then a late first-round pick. In the days leading up to the draft, word on the street was that Shedeur purposely “tanked” interviews with teams he disliked, making him unpopular in some general manager circles. Despite all this, his talent and confidence remained, and he was still seen as a first-round pick by virtually every analyst and fan, but it appears the league had other plans.

Jackson Dart, QB from Mississippi, celebrates his selection in the NFL draft.

DAY 1: With the first overall pick, the Tennessee Titans selected quarterback Cam Ward, which was no surprise. Sanders, who had a custom draft room built for his big moment, would have felt as if his time had come next, as the New York Giants traded back into the first round, meaning they were after a quarterback. It was a quarterback they drafted, but it was not Sanders; it was Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart. Shedeur had to end night one by thanking his loved ones for coming out to support him, and that tomorrow would bring better luck; Shedeur slipped out of the first round.

Nobody expected Tyler Shough, QB from Louisville, to be selected before Sanders.

DAY 2: The Saints are on the clock at pick 40, a QB-needy team, after falling far enough, many felt that this could be it. The New Orleans Saints selected Tyler Shough, Quarterback from Louisville. Another quarterback off the board. The second round then came to a close. The third round didn’t see a QB taken until pick 92, when the Seahawks selected Quarterback Jalen Milroe. At this point, virtually the entire NFL community was all thinking the same thing: When is Shedeur going to get picked? Well, at pick 94, it now seemed like it would finally happen; the Browns traded up, and they needed a QB – Surely this was it? But for the 4^th time, a quarterback not named Shedeur Sanders comes off the board; with the Browns selecting 5’11” Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel. This selection at the end of the third round canned the likelihood of Sanders being drafted in the third round; Day 2 comes and goes, with Shedeur still waiting.

Day 3: At this point, tons of people – including myself – are beginning to wonder if Sanders will even get drafted. At this point, teams drafting quarterbacks aren’t looking for starters, and teams aren’t looking for a backup QB with a personality and baggage as big as Shedeur carries around. Sanders was listed as the second QB to come off the board, and he would now be the 5^th of the board, and that’s the best-case scenario. Anyhow, the 4^th round comes and goes. The 5^th round comes, and things start to look a little dicey for Deion Sanders’ son. However, after all the shock and disbelief, “with the 144^th pick in the NFL draft, in the 5^th round, the Cleveland Browns select Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado.”

What must be said about Shedeur is that he handled the situation with the utmost professionalism. The embarrassment of expecting to be a first-round pick, and walking the stage in Green Bay, to not being selected until day 3 of the draft, he handled it all very well. On top of all the initial embarrassment, Sanders received a prank call from the Falcons’ defensive coordinator’s son, who is in college. The individual’s name is Jax Ulbrich, Ulbrich was able to get Sanders’ phone number from his dad’s iPad. The college kid pretended to be an NFL GM. Ulbrich pretended as if the Saints were going to pick Sanders and finished by saying, “You’re going to have to wait a little longer”, before hanging up. Ultimately, despite how the Quarterback may have approached interviews and despite his apparent “pompous” attitude, it doesn’t make the humiliation he received justifiable, and Shedeur deserves credit for handling the situation with class.

Filed Under: Sports

U19 Soccer Completes Season at Home with Championship

May 7, 2025 by Li Feng

The U19 squad following the championship win at home on April 27, 2025. Photo: Ms. Martina Moodey.

This past week, the Northwood soccer team wrapped up its season with a memorable finale. They played their last home game of the year in front of friends, family, and teachers. With more than half the squad set to move on after this year, the match was a special moment—one last opportunity to compete together on the familiar Northwood field.

The team’s season concluded on a high note at the ADK High Peaks Tournament, where Northwood was crowned champions after an excellent performance. The tournament featured six teams: Northwood Black Rock FC, FC Bolts Upper Valley, FC Hoosac, La Liga Academy Vermont, South Kent FC, and High Mowing Black Rock FC.

Despite an early kickoff at 9:00 a.m., Northwood secured a 1-0 victory in their opening match against FC Bolts. Acknowledging the slow start, the team outperformed La Liga Academy Vermont, who won FC Bolts 4:0. The two wins propelled them into the final, facing longtime rivals South Kent FC. In front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Northwood delivered a dominant performance, defeating South Kent 3–1 and clinching the tournament title. The championship win was a proper way to end a season filled with hard work, determination, and growth, which was significant for the players saying farewell to the Northwood pitch and the community.

Filed Under: Sports

College Hockey Playoff Delivers Drama

May 6, 2025 by Michael Peluso

When someone talks about a college tournament, with lots of upsets, the thoughts usually go straight to the Division One basketball tournament, known as March Madness, but this year’s college hockey tournament had no shortage of madness.

College hockey has a different format than basketball, due to being a smaller market with less teams. The college tournament starts with 16 teams, 6 of which won their conference and the other 10 determined by regular season play, giving bids to the best 10 teams remaining in the eyes of the selection committee.

The image here was the bracket at the start of the tournament. There are four regions where the games are played, each region having a one-seed. Boston College, Maine, Western Michigan, and Michigan State were this year’s one seeds. The tournament started with madness right away when Michigan state, the 2^nd ranked team nationally lost to Cornell, who barely snuck into the tournament this year. Another one seed fell shortly after, Maine got rolled by Penn State in a shocking game. Boston College was on the verge of also getting eliminated, they were tied 1-1 with a minute left but managed to pull it off and move on to the Elite Eight games. Mr. Steve Reed was in attendance for that game and mentioned how exciting it was to watch. The number one seeded BC did not make it out of their region though, as the national champs of the previous year, Denver knocked them off for back-to-back years. Penn State continued their impressive play and earned their first ever ticket to the final four. Boston University ended Cornells Cinderella run and Western continued to play strong and made it out as the only seed to survive their region.

The final four was set, these games happened two weeks after regional games and these were hosted in St. Louis. The first matchup was Denver vs Western Michigan which was a rematch of their conference championship when Western won in overtime. This time around it was quite similar, another overtime matchup that resulted in Western moving on with a 3-2 win over the previous national champs. The other semifinal matchup was Boston University vs Penn State. Two very high-powered offenses were ready to match up. Goaltending ended up being the story of this game though as Boston University was able to hold Penn State to one goal and win 3-1.

Boston University and Western Michigan were now set as the 2025 college hockey national championship. This game was back and forth for a large majority of the game. It was tight and physical but in the third period Western pulled away and won the game 6-2. This was Western’s first ever national championship win, and they are building a new rink on campus, both of which will be huge factors in recruiting and potentially forming a new dynasty in college hockey.

Filed Under: Sports

Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview

April 18, 2025 by Gus Garvey

The best time of the year is closing in on us: playoff hockey is back. 2 months of war for the right to hoist the 35-pound trophy of Lord Stanley. Let’s meet the 16 teams attempting to be the last standing this year.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Another year, another regular season where the Leafs enter the playoffs looking like a cup contender. Of course, the regular season has meant nothing to Leafs fans for so long that this outcome is all but a given for them, but there’s a different buzz surrounding Toronto this year. Under Craig Berube, they’ve gotten grittier and tougher. The superstars are performing as advertised, but they’ve had some significant contributions from their depth, more so than in years past, particularly on the back end. Their goaltending has been solid, and the only question they need to answer on that front is which reliable guy they roll with come playoff time; both Stolarz and Woll have adequately held the fort this year. There have been some scares throughout the year (they went 0-2 against the Sharks and have laid some eggs on the road), but the hope is that Toronto can once again get to the second round now that Boston is out of the picture. And hopefully win more than a game once they get there.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Bolts once again keeping pace with the elite in the East throughout the regular season? Yawn. I don’t think I need to lecture you about their talent, or their past ability to perform down the stretch, or their trademark overpayment for depth players at the trade deadline. While said acquisitions haven’t been the immediate jolts that the Lightning were hoping for, they seem to be finding their groove and are shaping up to make their presence felt when the rest of the Bolts are also at their best: April and May. However, I just can’t seem to shake the feeling that Tampa’s best years are behind them. Not that the window for them to win is closing, but more that it won’t open any further than now. Or Vasilevskiy will enable cheat codes again and carry this team to another cup final.

Florida Panthers

The cup defense is going well so far, despite the injuries at the end of the year causing them to sputter a little down the stretch. Tkachuk and Ekblad will be back midway through the first round- Tkachuk recovering from an injury, and Ekblad from a PED suspension. Once again, the success of this season for the Cats will be measured in the playoffs. Just lose and get it over with. I don’t want to see another cup final played in Florida for a little while.

Ottawa Senators

The contenders in the Atlantic Division can be divided into two groups: At the top, there are the expected juggernauts- Toronto and the Florida teams. For them, any and all success will be determined in April and May. Then, there are the Senators. They have finally broken out of their shell and have made the playoffs for the first time since the game seven that their fans have been trying to erase from their memories. Unlike those above them in the Atlantic, the Sens will be playing with house money this April and are riding on vibes and momentum. To me, Ottawa’s success this year has hinged on two factors: First, goaltending. While Ullmark has struggled at times this year, he is eons better than the clowns past Sens teams have had in goal and has done enough to keep them in games. Second, coaching. Travis Green took over a team that had done nothing but underachieve and has led them to their best season in nearly a decade. It’s been such a profound turnaround that he’s in the mix for the Jack Adams award, although he probably won’t get it. They have exceeded all expectations placed upon them this year, and those are the teams that are the most dangerous if they catch fire at the right time.

Washington Capitals

If you had told me at the beginning of the year that the Caps would not only make the playoffs but be tops in the Eastern Conference, I would’ve had your head examined. If you’re looking for the reason why coaches like Evason, St. Louis, and Green aren’t favorites for the Jack Adams award, look no further than these guys. Spencer Carbery’s Caps have re-embraced youth, revival, and the farm system and reinvigorated both the franchise and the fanbase. Pierre-Luc Dubois has finally found his groove. Guys like Andrew Mangiapane, Jacob Chychrun, and Connor McMichael have emerged as quality contributors throughout the year. Logan Thompson, cast off by Vegas, has performed at a level for Washington that will have him in the running for the Vezina this year. And I haven’t even mentioned Alex Ovechkin yet. They’re interesting going into the playoffs, but it’ll be telling to see how these guys do once the lights get brighter. Hopefully, these guys win a round or two instead of turning into a pumpkin once it really matters.

Carolina Hurricanes

Another year where the Canes dominate the regular season and are riding a heat wave entering the postseason. In other words, the sky is blue. The Rantanen fiasco is behind them, and Carolina seems to be rounding into past form at just the right time… but then again, we’ve said the same thing about every other Canes team over the past 5 years. You know, those regular-season juggernauts that have done nothing but sputter and choke when it really matters? Anything short of a trip back to the Conference Finals will be considered a dismal failure for these guys. Maybe they can actually win a game once they get there.

New Jersey Devils

I would have hope for these guys, but Jack Hughes is out for the year after his shoulder injury. There isn’t much to say about them other than that they’ll be stepping into the Islanders’ shoes this year: That is, being relegated to Carolina’s property in 5 or 6 games.

Montreal Canadiens

At the all-star break, I had a surprise team from the Atlantic making the playoffs as the #8 seed. Unfortunately, I chose poorly. The correct answer was these guys. In February, it looked like their strong midseason run of form had worn off, and they were done. Instead, they’ve turned it on again and stormed into a playoff spot led by some of the most exciting youth in the league. The likes of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Patrick Laine, and Lane Hutson have revived the Canadiens into a young, hungry team looking to turn some serious heads this postseason. The addition of Demidov only makes this group even more fun to watch. This isn’t to discount the efforts of Marty St. Louis, who will be up for the Jack Adams this year. Like Ottawa, they’re playing with house money this year… but unlike Ottawa, they are avoiding that murderer’s row of an Atlantic Division until at least the 3rd round, should they make it that far. They’re going to be interesting, that’s for sure. Whether it translates to any real noise is to be determined.

Winnipeg Jets

I had them missing the playoffs at the start of the year, and boy, was I proven wrong. This year’s iteration of the Whiteout is eerily similar to the 2018 squad that took the hockey world by storm. The Jets boast one of the most well-rounded teams in the league this year. Their offensive attack remains elite and also does enough to aid their defense. They have some of the best power-play numbers in the league, and Connor Hellebuyck… no explanation needed there. Their true test, unsurprisingly, will be in the playoffs, though. Jets fans don’t need to be reminded of their last few trips to the dance. Hopefully, they can win more than one game this time, especially with the monkey’s paw of the President’s trophy hanging over their heads. No pressure.

Dallas Stars

Spare me the details of the Stars’ outstanding regular season, the emergence of their scoring depth, or their prize-deadline acquisition. For the Stars, the regular season has meant so little that their fans could probably sleep through games. Although they’ve looked alarmingly bad down the stretch, particularly on the back end. Without Miro Heiskanen, their defense has transformed into hot garbage. In addition, they lost Robertson in the season finale, and he left the rink in a knee brace. They need them back, and they need them back now. I don’t know if they’ll stand a chance otherwise, especially considering their first-round opponent. This is their last shot at making noise before serious questions need to be asked about this core’s viability. If they come up short yet again, I’d ready the guillotine for Peter DeBoer.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avs have had another outstanding regular season. Despite some bumps early in the season, they’ve rebounded nicely with new acquisition Marty Necas finally blossoming into the ranks of the elite. The core contributors and expectations for the Avs this year need no explanation, but there is another storyline to follow closely this time around: Landeskog. After 2 years sidelined with injury, he has finally laced up again on a conditioning stint with Colorado’s AHL affiliate. There’s a chance he could suit up for some playoff hockey; his first meaningful action since their cup victory. The high of the cup win three years ago is wearing off fast. Better make some more noise this year.

Minnesota Wild

Oh, so they’re here again… yay. The Wild have improved on last year, going from horrifically bad to simply mid. In other words, Minnesota is imitating nearly every other playoff team they’ve had over the last 10 years and change. Once again, they have no expectations. Once again, they have some serious flaws. Once again, they will probably win 1 or 2 games to give their fans false hope, before twisting the knife with 2-3 straight losses to bow out to a superior opponent. Some things just never change. However, I will say this: You see that opponent you have in the first round? You’d get a lot of people on your side if you upset them. Just a thought.

Vegas Golden Knights

Can these guys just go away? No one outside of their toxic bandwagon fan base wants this team to succeed, and they’re rolling out a largely similar lineup to the last few years. They haven’t done any of their trademark LTIR tight-rope walking this year, but they’re still a serious threat nonetheless, even if they’re finally cap-friendly. They should just do the rest of us a favor and lose to a weak opponent in the first round for the plot. Vegas winning would be a detriment to every hockey fan in the country.

Los Angeles Kings

This is the year, LA. The rebuild has long since concluded and the grace period is over for the fans. Years of losing to Edmonton in increasingly humiliating fashion will do that. Speaking of which, guess who they drew in the first round… but with home ice reversed in LA’s favor this time around. If they come up short against their dreaded adversary yet again, expect heads to roll. They axed McLellan last year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they panicked and went after some of the suits if the Kings flop yet again.

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers are finally getting healthy at the right time and are looking to make it back to the Finals, this time with a much different result. Their frontline talent requires no explanation, and they are fielding a very similar team to last year. Their Achilles heel, once again, will be goaltending. Stuart Skinner will be the key to any and all success the Oilers experience in these playoffs. If he has a pulse like last year, this team is a Cup contender. If he falls apart like in seasons past, well… let’s not go there quite yet.

St. Louis Blues

This team reminds me a lot of their 2019 squad. A new coach stepping in to reinvigorate the team and the resurgence of Jordan Binnington, leading to a torrid hot streak to end the year. They’re even facing the Jets in the first round as an underdog, so there’s that parallel, too. There are a lot more comparisons to be drawn, and just like last time, they have zero expectations this time around as well. While they’re not that talented on paper, they have the momentum, structure, and goaltending to go far if they get some bounces and luck. Or if their first-round opponent lays an egg. They’re really interesting going into the playoffs.

Cup Final Predictions

These playoffs are wide open, so why not go with the matchup that everyone would love: Montreal vs. St. Louis? Two teams are riding incredible momentum with enough experience on their rosters and playing with house money. Just please, not Vegas versus a Florida team again. The traditional hockey markets have been starved as of late. It’s going to happen again, isn’t it?