The 2013 NHL playoffs are underway, and everyone in the hockey world is now trying to figure out which teams in the league are serious Stanley Cup contenders.
While the first round is far from over for most series, there is already a clear upper echelon of teams that have separated themselves from the rest of the pack.
All of the following teams proved during the lockout-shortened regular season and the first few games of the postseason that they are the top contenders for a championship.
1. Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a team built for playoff hockey.
With one of the deepest defensive units in the league—Duncan Keith, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Brent Seabrook to name a few—the already streaky offense of the Minnesota Wild is having an even tougher time solving the riddle of goalie Corey Crawford.
Not only were the Blackhawks the best defensive team in the NHL during the regular season, but Chicago has also carried the stingy play into the playoffs and is making Minnesota earn every one of its shots.
As good as ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by donald wood
2013 Stanley Cup Predictions: Power Ranking Top Contending Teams
May 7th, 2013 by donald wood Leave a reply »
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