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1. The Edmonton Oilers have earned greater respect for the second time, largely due to the pride they’ve shown in their defensive play.
2. With Connor McDavid leading the charge, the team looks even faster than they were during last year’s playoffs.
3. NHL analyst Vic Moren, joining Neil Smith for a wrap-up, stated: “These two teams are the best in the NHL by a wide margin. Carolina and Dallas have demonstrated their excellence.”
4. Reflecting on the Rangers’ coaching history, when Chris Drury replaced Gerard Gallant, all of Gallant’s successors were lined up in Hartford — including Chris Noblauch.
5. Moren continued: “The DNA of their team is good, but there isn’t a definitive championship-winning player. Dallas often faces personnel challenges that affect their performance.”
6. Moren also mentioned his focus: “Rematches from 1984 and 2009 show me that motivation to win is stronger than defending the title. Chris Noblauch has proven to be an excellent coach.”
7. According to the Hockey News Yearbook, Dallas is favored to win the Stanley Cup, and now GM Jim Nir must decide whether to retain coach Pete DeBoer, who represents a tough, gritty style.
8. Islanders coach Lane Lambert has earned praise and is getting another opportunity—this time with Seattle, which is a great but challenging role.
9. Jess Rubenstein commented that while Mike Sullivan could be a good coach for the Rangers, his main issue is working under a GM prone to repeatedly signing poor contracts.
10. The Islanders’ new leadership is optimistic having kept key players Patrick Roy and Kyle Palmieri.
11. Bringing Jonathan Tooth back to the roster was a smart, responsible move by Chris Drury, solidifying the third-line center position.
12. Goalie Jake Oettinger was treated unfairly.
13. Oilers GM Stan Bowman’s quiet decision to retain Corey Perry was one of the shrewdest moves in the playoffs.
14. Tom Gulitti of NHL.com regards the Panthers as a team with championship-caliber experience.
15. Blue-collar blue shirt columnist Sean McCaffrey surprised many by suggesting the Panthers could attempt to sign Matt Lempe through an offer sheet.
16. The outcome of this Stanley Cup final will reveal if age is starting to affect Sergei Bobrovsky or if he can continue performing at a high level.
Fan Take: This insight into team dynamics and coaching shifts highlights the intense competition and strategic moves shaping the NHL today. For hockey fans, understanding these developments offers a glimpse into the sport’s future and which teams may rise to dominance or face challenges ahead.