A month ago, before the playoffs began, we asked our readers who they thought would represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. What we got was a resounding cheer in favor of the Nashville Predators, with the Presidents Trophy-winning club receiving almost 36% of the vote. The Predators were the easy pick a year after challenging the Pittsburgh Penguins in the finals, and playing near-perfection in the regular season.
The Predators were eliminated yesterday.
Now, the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights are the final two teams battling for a Stanley Cup appearance. They happened to finish second and third in the previous vote, though the Los Angeles Kings—Vegas’ first-round matchup—trailed close behind. It was clear that fans still didn’t have full confidence in the Golden Knights, a feeling that should be long gone at this point.
It will be the Jets or Golden Knights in the Cup final, and one only needs four victories to get there. The Jets, fresh off that game seven win against the Predators look as dialed in as possible as they traverse unfamiliar playoff territory. The team is loaded with young talent and can play several different styles of hockey.
Unfamiliar territory is the definition of the Golden Knights though, who continue to prove everyone wrong. Their incredibly fast style and lock-down goaltending has allowed just 17 goals through two series, and knocked off classic West powerhouses in Los Angeles and San Jose. They can’t be stopped right now, and have had almost a full week to prepare for the opener tomorrow.
So who will win? Has your vote changed? Leave a comment down below to explain your thoughts!
[Mobile users click here to vote!]