The chances of a surprise team jumping up and becoming a contender would seem to be greater in a shortened NHL season with a very limited training camp than in so-called "normal" years.
However, that may not be the case.
During the 1994-95 strike season, the New Jersey Devils won the Stanley Cup after losing the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games the year before. They defeated the Detroit Red Wings in four straight games, and the Wings were no flukes either. They had won the Central Division title the year before.
Interestingly, 15 of the 16 teams that made the postseason in 1994-95 also made it the season before. That could mean that it is actually less likely for a team to rise to contender status.
Here's a look at six teams that have a shot at moving up the ladder to either Stanley Cup or playoff contender.
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Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Steve Silverman
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