We're down to the elite, the no doubt contenders. Here's how I rank the top 8.
8. Chicago Blackhawks: It's been an impressive run of regular season success, and the Hawks have the pieces to continue that with M Tkachuk, Gaudreau, Monahan, Atkinson, Schultz and Spurgeon. Will the finally break through in the playoffs and raise the Cup?
7. Buffalo Sabres: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That approach has gone well for every Buffalo GM so far. And the top of the lineup definitely isn't broke with O'Reilly, Toffolli, Benn, Carlson and Ekman-Larsson always pushing this team into contention.
6. Pittsburgh Penguins: They won the Cup recently, they won their division this last season, and they remain a threat to win it all. The depth is very good, and Crosby, Granlund and Jones remain elite players.
5. Vegas Golden Knights: Greg has a nice collection of star players with a crazy top six (Marchand, Panarin, Pasternak, Zibanejad, Point, Guentzel), Heiskanen leading the backend, and Vasi in nets. No doubt a contender.
4. Anaheim Ducks: Right now they're on top of the world, and they could be the first team to go back to back. The pieces are all still in place.
3. New Jersey Devils: Solid top to bottom already, and somehow they added solid middle six forwards in FA. Somehow they also have Vancouver's first pick. If Zach continues to trade for lotto picks every year we'll probably see him win the Cup AND draft first overall one of these seasons.
2. Calgary Flames: That roster is still so stacked. So much talent from top to bottom. It'd be shocking to see them miss the playoffs. Can they go on another run? Maybe win it all this time?
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: Chris built the team that won the first 2 President's trophy and he's never looked back. He hasn't won the Cup yet, but he's been a contender every season. One look at his roster leaves no doubt that he is one of the biggest threats again.