As the Stanley Cup Playoffs approach, many teams are filled with fresh hope, embracing the idea that just making it in means anything can happen.
While such optimism might seem naive, history suggests there`s some truth to it.
Since the NHL`s divisional realignment in 2013, the first round has featured exciting matchups. However, as expected, the lower-seeded teams have generally struggled.
Since 2013, lower seeds have a 36-60 record against higher seeds, and the past three seasons have been particularly tough for underdogs, who have only managed a 7-19 record.
So, while a first-round upset isn`t highly probable, it`s definitely within the realm of possibility.
With that in mind, let`s examine the first-round matchups involving each wild-card team and division winner to pinpoint which teams are most likely to create some early playoff excitement.
All playoff odds are provided by MoneyPuck.
Will the Presidents` Trophy curse impact the Jets?
The Winnipeg Jets are coming off their best season ever and are the first Canadian team to win the Presidents` Trophy since the Vancouver Canucks in 2011-12.
But the Canucks` experience serves as a cautionary tale.
Winning the Presidents` Trophy is a great achievement, but it also comes with a warning.
Since the trophy`s inception in 1985-86, eight winners have been eliminated in the first round, and the same number have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. The last team to top the league standings and win the Stanley Cup was the Chicago Blackhawks in 2012-13.
Home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs is a significant benefit for Winnipeg, but the team aims to overcome past postseason disappointments.
After being knocked out in the first round for two consecutive years, the Jets face a challenging path to the Cup—though no team has an easy road.
Unfortunately for the Jets, their reward for finishing first overall is a series against the St. Louis Blues, the hottest team in the NHL.
Since the NHL returned from the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the Blues have earned more wins than any other team, going 19-4-3 in their final 26 games. A 12-game winning streak was crucial in securing the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Tristan Blackwood