The puck drops tonight in Toronto, Calgary, Chicago, and Los Angeles on a 98th NHL season that features 3-on-3 overtime, the New York Islanders in Brooklyn, and a Winter Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins at Gillette Stadium.

Fans see new rules, new uniform tweaks, and new players on old teams tonight. Come spring, they may see the familiar in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Postseason

Chris says:

Eastern Conference Finals

Tampa Bay Lightning defeat the Washington Capitals

 

Western Conference Finals

Anaheim Ducks defeat the Chicago Blackhawks

 

Stanley Cup matchup

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Anaheim Ducks

 

Stanley Cup Winner

Tampa Bay Lightning

 

Mary says:

Eastern Conference Finals

Tampa Bay Lightning defeat the New York Rangers

 

Western Conference Finals

Chicago Blackhawks defeat the Anaheim Ducks

 

Stanley Cup matchup

Chicago Blackhawks defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning

 

Stanley Cup Winner

Chicago Blackhawks. It’s déjà vu. It’s hard not to pick these four. It’s hard not to pick the Blackhawks with Toews at front and center, Coach Q behind the bend, and Crawford or Darling in the net.