Stanley Cup History and Predictions
The playoffs have started, and in rinks around the country their is a noticeable change in atmosphere. This is what players put in all the work for, a shot at the coveted Stanley Cup. Intensity picks up and emotions boil over as the last stretch begins. Unfortunately, most people don't know the history behind the pinnacle of winning the cup, though.
The Stanley Cup, notably the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes in North America, was donated in 1892 by Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston and son of the Earl of Derby. He purchased the trophy for 10 Guineas ($50.00 at that time) to be presented to "the championship hockey club of the Dominion of Canada." The first team ever awarded the Stanley Cup was the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association in 1893.
The Montreal Canadiens have won a record 23 Stanley Cups since the formation of the NHL (they also won in 1916), with Toronto a distant second at 13. The Habs also hold the record for most consecutive championships with five, accomplished between the years 1956 and 1960.
Now that you've had some knowledge dropped on you it's time to get to the fun stuff (predictions).
I see the Western Conference coming down to the Redwings and Canucks. The Red wings will make it into the final series. For the Eastern Conference my prediction is the Capitals and the Sabres. The Caps will advance to play the Redwings in the final. This showdown will have plenty of star power between Ovechkin, Backstrom, Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom and many others. I think the Redwings will winn this series in 6 games and recapture the Stanley Cup.
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