I could seriously see them losing to Tampa Bay in 7. Great Final. Difference Goalie

But big tough fast top 9 for Colorado; if they stay healthy look out

I’ll put Tampa Bay’s top nine up against anybody’s Especially with a completely healthy and rested kuch coming back for the playoffs

I'll take Colorado with the only question being Kadri at 2C; when he's on he is good but he can be streaky

They had enough to win a cup with Stamkos playing 2:47 the entire playoffs

True, but Colorado is improved and is coming into their own and should start this year being one of the more dominant teams in the league with a higher ceiling ahead of them.

On a separate note, I personally didn't think Dallas was the toughest matchup for the Bolts. Vegas would have been a more difficult matchup IMO.

Needless to say, the Bolts are going to destroy my Hawks opening night....it's going to be ugly

This years going to be brutal my friend...., Tampa Bay wasn’t losing last year. VGK still falls short had it been. That was a team on a mission they beat CBJ Boston in 5 and Islanders in 6 all big heavy teams

Yeah, Hawks are in total disarray with Dach out for the season and nobody knows what's going on with Toews....sounds like Covid long haul situation plus rebuilding on top of it. Will be fun to watch the kids/prospects play though.

I agree Vegas still falls short but would have been a better closer matchup IMO not that Dallas wasn't hard, Vegas would have been tougher though.

I'm betting Avs come out swinging this season if their goaltender can be a top 15 goalie (tough ask) they will be very hard to beat.

And that is a spot the lightning have no questions

People really need to get over the whole goalie thing. Colorado's tandem is just fine. Grubauer was out injured for the playoffs and Francouz played through injury. As long as they're fit and healthy the Avs can beat anybody.

Tough ask? There is the narrative that somehow got picked up that COL got crappy goal tending last year, team save percentage last year was 3rd in the NHL. Grubauer has a regular season save percentage in COL of .916 and a .924 in the playoffs. Now you want to question him staying healthy sure but I guess it is a testament to how good the Avs have become that this is the case but let’s at least try to have some facts in there.

It's a lot to assume Kuch will come back and be completely himself after surgery. Maybe he will but it's possible he won't. That being said, it's still a formidable lineup even without him.

This is the narrative that will just not go away, isn't it? People mistaking injury for poor play. That being said, I sure hope they can stay healthy!