Within just six seasons since joining the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights triumphed in clinching the Stanley Cup, setting a record for the quickest ascension to glory. Although a favorable expansion draft facilitated this, the true test was on-ice synergy among the players — a triumph only their cohesive effort could achieve. There's a buzz in Canada suggesting a repeat might be on the horizon.
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Despite their impressive score of 111 points last season, the VGK was unmatched in the west. And as current champions, they've kicked off this season with an undeniable vigor and determination, hinting at their aspirations to build a lasting legacy in the league.
The zeal and ambition spearhead at the top with Captain Mark Stone, who assumed his role seamlessly. This team isn’t about a singular star but operates as a finely tuned collective, sharing the spoils of goals and points alike. Rivals in the NHL should take note, as Vegas has proven formidable in this season's opening chapters.
While injury battles loomed, the Avalanche rose to dominate the Central division, defending their 2021/22 crown. It wasn't the ideal outcome they aimed for but minus their captain, Gabriel Landeskog, for the probable season, they've entered another fight handicapped.
Despite their captain’s absence, the team has bonded well, kicking off the season strongly. Cale Makar is racking up unprecedented D-man points, while Nathan MacKinnon's initial season efforts flicker between blistering and lukewarm.
For Edmonton, goals are top menu items, starring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl as one of the NHL's most intimidating duos. Though their staggering stats haven't propelled the Oilers any closer to a Stanley trophy, the persistent issues surrounding the team remain as they grapple with a sluggish season start.
Protecting the net has been challenging for Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell this season, though it's not entirely on them. Alarmingly, even amateurish defences might distribute the rush opportunities they've conceded. Oilers must fast-track accountability on defense, or they’ll bid farewell to another year.
Last season's 108 points were a thrilling comeback, a tally only surpassing their 2015-16's 109-point record over 16 prior seasons. A key factor in this resurgence was Jake Ottinger, improving his save percentage annually, appearing nearly unbeatable early this season while the team still seeks offensive rhythm.
Young emerging talent Jason Robertson might not always get the acknowledgment he deserves, despite ranking high amongst peers. This season isn’t his speediest start, but Wyatt Johnson is stepping up powerfully for a team looking like true contenders.
Since claiming victory in the 2013-14 Stanley Cup, the Kings barely ventured past the playoffs opening round, achieving this feat just four times in nine seasons. It's astonishing, considering their division success dates back to 1990-91 — a feat threatened by the competitive Golden Knights.
Offensively, the Kings are a force of nature, though their defensive acrobatics coordinated by duo Talbot and Copley may test the nerve of hopeful bettors. Excitement is a guarantee, but the argument for more rounded rivals lingers.
Ending last season poorly, the Wild only grasped third in the Central. Their strength lies down the left flank, fortified by Kaprizov, Zuccarello, Foligno, and newcomer Maroon securing the rink’s side.
Issues arise when their lead duo hasn’t sufficiently supported the backend, reflected in goalies' unimpressive save stats. Marc-Andre Fleury turning 39 this month doesn’t favor dreams of another cup lift.
Similar to Vegas’s initial strides, the Kraken structured a formidable team thanks to flexible expansion draft regulations. Yet, injuries clipped their wings early with setbacks for energizer Tanev and goal-scorer Burakovsky.
Matthew Beniers, last year’s Calder awardee, has so far disappointed after a stellar rookie performance, sparking concern. Without significant progress, the Kraken risks fading out this season.
Rick Bowness returns to Winnipeg for another season (with history dating back to the 1988-89 Jets franchise). His roster brimming with first-round draft potential holds promise if consistency is attained.
Balanced offensive outcomes and striving goalie Conor Hellebuyck, third in last year’s Vezina voting, set the Jets on the cusp of postseason action as he regains his form.
Under Darryl Sutter, Flames career started promising but fizzled out, now replaced by Ryan Huska from the Flames’ assistant pool since 2018. Unfortunately for Huska, a standout start hasn’t materialized, epitomized at the recent deflating Heritage Classic against the Oilers.
Firmly entrenched near the league's bottom on offense and defense, Huska faces hurricane headwinds. Florida import Huberdeau made a noisy entry but mirrored none of his Panthers' performances. Top-tier talent is scarce, and Sutter’s historical blame won’t suffice.
Nashville rejoices in Barry Trotz’s return as GM, reigniting team spirits. The city cherishes their foundational coach's return, with a roster shaped into a cohesive unit.
Seasoned players Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist are poised to mentor youthful prospects like Evangelista and Parssinen, fostering a balanced squad, not destined for Stanley, yet undeniably robust.
Once contenders, the Canucks’ past eight seasons mostly evaded playoff joy but rejuvenation awaits under Rick Tocchet.
Brock Boeser, a formerly bright rookie, delivered consistent yet unspectacular performances, but optimism grows this season. Hughes strengthens defense, while Pettersson aims to replicate last season’s impressive triple digits. Playoffs loom if pace persists.
Only a few seasons back since the Blues embraced the Stanley Cup, nevertheless last year’s missed playoffs now usher turmoil. Their goal-scoring struggles persist early on, although defenses hold up remarkably.
Extra effort is needed from stars like Kyrou and Thomas, vitally avoiding another abrupt season conclusion. Binnington’s performed solidly thus far but sustaining that is critical for competition.
The Coyotes, a perplexity on ice, teased playoffs just once out of the past 11 endeavors but actually excel against formidable foes. Despite missing a 30-win target for three seasons, topping several West standings rivals last season inspired hope.
This time around, the Coyotes surpass expectations, primarily driven by their youthful stars hitting prime years in their mid-20s. Durzi proves a valuable asset from the Kings, yet maintaining Schmaltz’s fitness throughout the season is crucial.
Missing playoffs in four consecutive seasons contrasts the prior Western Conference finals flirtation. An alarmingly poor start doesn’t help, independent of supporter Logan Couture’s absence.
Contrary to their record, gameplay hasn't been entirely woeful — both Kahkonen and Blackwood displayed decent showings amid losses. Improvement might occur but their long-term prospects appear grim.
Taking the bottom spot in Central division sailing straight into Bedard lottery with a top draft spree. While Bedard’s generational talent kindles hope, excessive pressure on this 18-year-old is premature.
Veterans Perry and Foligno's addition aims to smooth Bedard's NHL transition. While Chicago’s currently far from championship readiness, fostering growth and exposure in his first 82 games will be valuable.
A mere 58 points last season marked a low for the league. This time around, speed and intensity stood out early, with a prolific attack yet maintaining some defensive discipline missing before.
NHL’s Western Conference: Is the next Stanley Cup champion lurking here?
The crown rests with the Vegas Golden Knights as reigning Stanley Cup victors. Can they pull off back-to-back victories or is another Western contender poised to claim the prize?
On November 8, 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Trevor Moore, the center for the Los Angeles Kings, was seen gearing up before their game against the Vegas Golden Knights. This image is credited to Stephen R. Sylvanie of USA Today.
In just their sixth NHL season, the Vegas Golden Knights celebrated a Stanley Cup triumph, swifter than any team in history. While a favorable expansion draft aided their ascent, the team had to gel on the rink to truly earn it. Numerous eyes are focused north of the border, scrutinizing their chances of repeating this feat.
