Welcome to the third edition of NHL Life, my look at hockey across the pond.
Well in October last year we started with 31, now we are down to just two combatants for the biggest prize in world hockey. And this season will see a new name engraved on "Lord Stanley" for the first time ever. The Champions of the East; the Washington Capitals; take on the best from the West; the Vegas Golden Knights.
Will Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin finally get his hands on the big prize after 14 seasons with the Capitals? Or will the Cinderella story for the Golden Knights be capped with the ultimate fairy tale ending? One thing is for sure, it promises to be a cracking series of games which I'll be honest: could go all the way with seven games being needed to separate the teams and find the 2018 Champions.
Let's look at the teams involved then:
Washington Capitals: After numerous failed attempts, the Caps have finally made the Stanley Cup Final for only the second time in their 42 season history. That first time in 1998 was not the best of Finals if you are a Capitals fan as they were swept 4-0 by the Detroit Red Wings. Since then, they have tried numerous times to repeat this feat but for some reason or other - always fell short. They have dispatched the Columbus Blue Jackets, current Stanley Cup holders the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning to get this far.
Key Player: Alexander Ovechkin, who else but? The Russian is clearly the jewel in the Capitals crown and can win a game on his own.
Vegas Golden Knights: The Cinderella team who have punched their ticket and made the big ball at the end of a remarkable season. Jokingly called by media and players alike as the "Golden Misfits" because as a first season expansion team, their roster comprises of players declared "unprotected" by the other 30 sides when the expansion draft was released. The Golden Knights have on their current roster, players who know how to win and also be winners of the Stanley Cup itself. They have seen off the Los Angeles Kings, San Josè Sharks and the Winnipeg Jets to make the Finals.
Key Player: Marc-André Fleury, a former NHL number 1 draft pick hoping to pick up a third Stanley Cup ring after being unwanted by the Penguins.
So who do I think will win? As I said at the start, I would not be surprised if this goes to the full length of seven. Both sides are as good on the road as they are at home. However, I'm thinking that fairy tales do come true once in a lifetime, and the Golden Knights will be the ones celebrating. Sorry Ovi, but you'll have to try again another year.
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