Someone from from this thread asked me to comment, and I will try to do so occasionally.
I do want to say that I have dropped off PP as a 'poster' because I felt the 'tone' and 'civility' were not conducive to adult conversations, it reminds me of the political debates. This thread is the exception...
Secondarily, I was recently promoted and sent to a new (secret) location which had two effects: First I do not have time to comment, and secondly I lost my access to Canadian TV. Watching less hockey made me less knowledgeable (current season at a minimum) and therefore less likely to chime in.
Having said that, I will add these comments:
Vegas - The NHL will never give a sweetheart expansion deal like that again, but it is great
PR. Want a new team to succeed? Make them good. And Vegas is very good, great drafting, great coaching (yea, Florida, you got that one wrong), and great goaltending. I can see them in the final.
Winnipeg - The new NHL team, big, fast and dominating. No one can play a game that Winnipeg can't push back against. Byfuglien tends to make the opposition keep their head up. Or stay away from the puck. I want to see them play Vegas.
Boston - Their big line is good enough to take them to the final, provided Rask can match their play, most nights he does not. I would like to see Cassidy match lines rather think he can roll over whoever is on the ice, but they do have a solid lineup, just not solid enough to roll four without thinking about who Tampa has on the ice.
Tampa - Stamkos and Kucherov get going or the Lightning go home. I don't see their bit players carrying them to four wins.
Pittsburgh - No goalie right now, no Malkin. Round 3 is very unlikely. The power play is anemic without Malkin, makes no sense, but I saw it with my own eyes.
Lastly, there are two NHL seasons; the regular pretty boy season where good players like Nylander and Matthews can be the stars. Then there's the playoffs where great players step up. Too many good players in Toronto, not enough great players.