**2013–14 Season Preview: New Divisions, Old Rivalries, and Stanley Cup Dreams**
The 2013–14 season promised a fresh start with a major realignment shaking up the league’s structure. The NHL shifted to a four-division format—Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific—aiming to intensify regional rivalries and balance travel demands.
Here’s what fans were buzzing about heading into the season:
Key Storylines
- **Can the Blackhawks Repeat?** Fresh off their 2013 Stanley Cup win, Chicago looked poised to defend their title, led by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
- **Realignment Impact:** Teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets moved to the Eastern Conference, altering playoff dynamics and rekindling rivalries.
- **Goaltending Questions:** Pittsburgh’s Marc-André Fleury faced pressure to rebound after a shaky postseason, while Boston’s Tuukka Rask was emerging as a top-tier netminder.
Players to Watch
- **Sidney Crosby (PIT):** Healthy and hungry, Crosby was expected to dominate—and he did, leading the league with 104 points.
- **Alex Ovechkin (WSH):** The Capitals’ captain remained a scoring machine, netting 51 goals to top the charts.
- **Nathan MacKinnon (COL):** The rookie phenom made waves and eventually captured the Calder Trophy.
Predictions & Contenders
- **Stanley Cup Favorites:** Experts had their eyes on the Blackhawks, Penguins, and Kings. Ultimately, the Los Angeles Kings would hoist the Cup after a dramatic playoff run.
- **Award Watch:** Crosby was a frontrunner for the Hart Trophy, and he delivered. Rask claimed the Vezina, and MacKinnon dazzled as the league’s top rookie.
With new rivalries brewing and stars shining bright, the 2013–14 season was set to be a thrilling ride from October to June.