Staff Predictions for the Chicago Blackhawks 2021-22 season

Who will win the Stanley Cup?

Jeremy Riback: New York Islanders. Picking a Stanley Cup winner is super tough, but the Islanders seem poised to finally make the Cup final and win for the first time since 1983. They have been a game shy of making the Finals the last two seasons, and pretty much have the same roster going into this season. I think Barry Trotz leads this team to a Cup win and his second in as many years.

Justin Klawans: While some might pick Tampa Bay to win once again, three-peats are nearly impossible, so I think that the Colorado Avalanche are going to win the Stanley Cup. They are a stacked team from top to bottom and have the tools necessary to make it to the top.

Matt Kamholz:  Colorado Avalanche Despite everything said about Tampa, Colorado is ridiculous. Nathan MacKinnon, Gabe Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar, heck even Devon Toews is an incredible player that doesn’t get mentioned enough. That team is loaded and they’re going to break through sooner rather than later. I think this year is their year. Also, if Keumper can stay healthy that’s going to be huge for them.

Jimmy Lynch: I do like the Islanders pick above, but I have to go with the Tampa Bay Lightning to win their third cup in a row. The Lightning are the champions until someone beats them, and it is hard to imagine they are not the favorite in any matchup they have this season.