BY MIKE RIFKIN Puck drop is officially upon us for the 2026-27 NHL season. Most teams have the expectation to win the Stanley Cup, but there can only be one winner. In this article I will talk about how the division played out last season, and with key moves how I expect it to playContinue reading “2026-27 PACIFIC DIVISION PREVIEW “
Tag Archives: Vegas Golden Knights
JETTING OUT
BY MIKE RIFKIN There’s been a low in Hockey world, with Training camp on the horizon. But Thursday things picked up when Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck formally requested a trade, something that had been brewing for a while. Hellebuyck, has won three Vezina Trophies ( most recently in 2024-25) and is one of the bestContinue reading “JETTING OUT”
A NEW PHENOMENON
BY MIKE RIFKIN Sunday was Father’s Day and for Keith Tkachuk he got the ultimate present. On Sunday it was announced that the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators agreed to a trade that would send Senators Captain Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers for draft capital including numbers nine and twenty five in the first roundContinue reading “A NEW PHENOMENON “
THREE REASONS : HOW THE HURRICANES WON THE CUP
BY MIKE RIFKIN The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to capture the franchise’s second Stanley Cup (the first in 2006). Here are the three main reasons they won the Cup in my opinion. Rod Brind’Amour : The coach is a big reason why the Canes won the Cup. People canContinue reading “THREE REASONS : HOW THE HURRICANES WON THE CUP”
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
BY MIKE RIFKIN The Carolina Hurricanes evened the Stanley Cup Final at two games apiece with their 5-3 win over the Golden Knights on Tuesday. This has been an excellent Stanley Cup Final where no lead has been safe and both teams have shown their depth. Brandon Bussi was fantastic in game four, after relievingContinue reading “LEADING BY EXAMPLE”
TEMPTING OFFERS
BY MIKE RIFKIN We’re down to the final four in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which means July 1st is right around the corner. One team that should be active during July first is the New York Rangers. The Rangers, who missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, were one of the biggest disappointments inContinue reading “TEMPTING OFFERS”
ROLL OF THE DICE
BY MIKE RIFKIN One thing about the Vegas Golden Knights since they’ve come into the NHL, they’re not afraid of the big move. On Sunday, they made another massive move, firing head coach Bruce Cassidy and replaced him with John Tortorella. Here’s the thing there are EIGHT games left in the season and the GoldenContinue reading “ROLL OF THE DICE”
NHL FREE AGENCY : WINNERS AND LOSERS (BY TEAM) BY MIKE RIFKIN
We are in the midst of NHL free agency. And while most of the top guys have signed, we will wait and see what happens on the trade market. But, while we wait here are my winners and losers so far. WINNERS: PANTHERS – How do the back to back champs get better? By retainingContinue reading “NHL FREE AGENCY : WINNERS AND LOSERS (BY TEAM) BY MIKE RIFKIN”
STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SECOND ROUND PREVIEW
BY MIKE RIFKIN It was an exciting first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs that had everything. Goals, physical play, and the dramatics of two epic game sevens. Now, we are one step closer to see who will hoist the Stanley Cup. ATLANTIC DIVISION : PANTHERS VS MAPLE LEAFS REG SEASON : PANTHERS WIN 3-1Continue reading “STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SECOND ROUND PREVIEW”
2024 Pacific Division Preview
By Mike Rifkin 2023 Standings Vancouver Canucks : 109 points Edmonton Oilers : 104 points LA Kings : 99 points Vegas Golden Knights : 98 points Calgary Flames 81 points Seattle Kraken :81 points Anaheim Ducks : 59 points San Jose Sharks : 41 points X FACTORS DUCKS : TREVOR ZEGRAS :. After posting backContinue reading “2024 Pacific Division Preview”