NHL

Stanley Cup Playoff Preview: New Champion Awaits

The NHL will crown a new champion this year with the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers missing the playoffs.
Stanley Cup Playoff Preview: New Champion Awaits
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon carries the puck against the Anaheim Ducks in Anaheim, Calif., on April 9, 2023. Ashley Landis/AP Photo
Matthew Davis
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It looked like the Florida Panthers could build a dynasty after back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, but this year’s NHL postseason will deliver a new champion.

The Panthers didn’t make the playoffs, and the Buffalo Sabres ended a 14-year playoff drought. That’s just part of how much this season’s playoff field differs from a year ago.

Matthew Davis
Matthew Davis
Author
Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.