The 2017–18 NHL season begins this week, and with it comes a slew of new players, new front offices, and even a new team. And while familiar powerhouses like the Penguins and Blackhawks will once again be favored, the league’s hierarchy is changing. The Nashville Predators will be looking to defend their Western Conference crown, the youthful Oilers and Maple Leafs seem poised for deep playoff runs, and the new Vegas Golden Knights are ready to challenge any and all opponents (well, at least on Twitter). This could be a season that launches a new dynasty—that, or Pittsburgh could be the first NHL three-peat winner since the ’80s Islanders. We hope for the former, as we break it all down in our “Changing of the Guard” NHL Preview week.
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October 6, 2017
There’s No Hiding From John Tortorella (Or His Letters)
The young Blue Jackets know it, and on the heels of last season’s breakthrough and subsequent postseason collapse, they’re embracing their infamous coach’s unconventional motivational tactics
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October 4, 2017
The Winnipeg Jets Are a Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery Inside an Enigma
Are the Jets primed for a playoff run or another premature offseason? For Blake Wheeler, Patrik Laine and Co., the window of opportunity won’t stay open forever.
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October 3, 2017
Leon Draisaitl Is the Perfect Complement to Connor McDavid—and That’s Why He’s So Important to the Oilers
Whether he plays on McDavid’s wing or centers a line of his own, Edmonton hopes that the German can be the Messier to their new Gretzky
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October 2, 2017
Seven NHL Teams Poised for a Breakout Year
From teams that could make a Cup final to those that just need to be less embarrassing, we picked NHL teams that could make a leap this year