NHL News: 5 Storylines & Questions to Watch for 2014 Hockey Season
Another exciting NHL hockey season has begun.
One-timers, kick saves, outdoor games and hip checks are all scheduled for hockey fans, and this 2014-15 NHL season has a lot of storylines for fans to follow.
Here are five big questions for this NHL season:
1. Will Martin Brodeur Play?
Martin Brodeur is one of the greatest goaltenders in hockey history. Winning three Stanley Cups with the new Jersey Devils, Brodeur made created a Hall of Fame legacy in Newark, New Jersey. Brodeur holds NHL records for career shutouts, wins and saves in the regular season and postseason. Brodeur is also the best stick handling goalie of all-time.
Unfortunately, he and Devils management haven't seen eye-to-eye and Brodeur remains a free agent. Only time will tell if another will pickup Brodeur this season.
2. Will Detroit Red Wings Keep Playoff Streak Alive?
The Detroit Red Wings make the playoffs, a lot.
The last time the Red Wings missed the postseason was the 1989-90 NHL season. The Red Wings' 23-year postseason streak is the longest active streak in professional "big four" sports. Great players such as Steve Yzerman, Sergei Fedorov, Chris Osgood and many other have kept this streak alive.
The longest postseason streak in NHL history is held by the Boston Bruins, who made the playoffs 29 straight years from 1967 to 1995. if the Red Wings make the playoffs this year, they will tie the Montreal Canadiens for the fourth longest streak ever.
3. Will Steven Stamkos Return to Dominate Form?
Steven Stamkos entered the NHL with huge expectations. He was drafted No. 1 overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008 and he has lived up to the challenge, Stamkos scored 51 goals in 2009, and had a tremendous 60-goal season in 2011. His 60 goals are a franchise record for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Over the last two seasons, Stamkos has battled multiple injuries, most notably a broken tibia. Fans love to see scoring, and Stamkos has proven to be one of the best in the game. We'll see if he can stay healthy this season.
4. Can the Los Angeles Kings Repeat?
The Los Angeles Lakers are still rebuilding in the NBA. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Los Angeles Dodgers have both been big disappointments in the Major League Baseball playoffs. That makes the Kings by far the best team in Los Angeles.
The Kings have won two of the last three Stanley Cup Championships against the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. Jeff Carter and team captain Anze Kopitar have played great for the Kings. Goaltender Jonathan Quick has been solid between the pipes, as well. But can the team win their second straight Stanley Cup and third in four years?
5. Will Alex Ovechkin Finally Deliver?
Alexander Ovechkin has been one of the best players since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Washington Capitals in 2004. The young Russian left winger is one of the best scorers in the game, but his postseason career just hasn't lived up to expectations.
Ovechkin has scored at least 50 goals in a season five seasons. Fans are still waiting to see if he can help bring a Stanley Cup trophy to the nation's capital.
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