From CBS Sports · · 1m 50s
Avalanche Panthers Stanley Cup Aspirations
Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers aim for Stanley Cup after playoff struggles.
In brief
Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers aim for Stanley Cup after playoff struggles. Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers enter 2026-27 NHL season with Stanley Cup aspirations after recent playoff disappointments. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
2026-27 NHL season starts
As the 2026-27 NHL season begins, it's not hard to spot the teams with the highest expectations.
Avalanche's Stanley Cup history
The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022, but have faced playoff disappointment since.
Avalanche's current pressure
The pressure is mounting for the Avs to win at least one more title with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar at the top of their game.
Panthers' new strength
Florida Panthers acquired Brady Tkachuk from Ottawa Senators over summer, making them a Stanley Cup favorite.
Panthers' blue line
Aleksander Barkov recovered from torn ACL, and the Panthers have a deep blue line for Stanley Cup contention.
Avalanche's contract
Cale Makar's $163.2 million contract extension kicks in next season, adding pressure to the Avalanche.
Hurricanes' goaltending
Carolina Hurricanes have goaltending questions with Pyotr Kochetkov and Brando Bussi.
Hurricanes' defense
Alexander Nikishin remains unsigned and on the trade block for the Hurricanes.
Stars' playoff history
Dallas Stars have three straight Western Conference final appearances from 2023-25 but faced first-round exit last season.
Golden Knights' challenges
Vegas Golden Knights face father time and goaltending issues for playoff runs.
Lightning's playoff struggles
Tampa Bay Lightning have squandered great regular seasons with poor first-round showings in four straight seasons.
Wild's potential
Minnesota Wild could benefit from Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy with a full year of experience.
Mammoth's growth
Utah Mammoth has Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther on the cusp of superstardom.
The takeaway
Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers enter 2026-27 NHL season with Stanley Cup aspirations after recent playoff disappointments.
