The Five Favourites for the Stanley Cup

Who are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup?        

Sometimes in the frenzy of the trading deadline one can forget the reason the NHL teams are all playing, which is to ultimately win the Stanley Cup. Only a few are serious contenders though.

With most of the season over and the trade deadline having passed, here are the five favorites for the Cup in 2009.

Detroit Red Wings 

The last time a Cup winner repeated was 1997-1998, when the Red Wings did so.

Nikolas Lidstrom was a key player on that team, and the Red Wings most important veteran today. Less exciting for the Red Wings is that Chris Osgood is once again their No. 1 goalie. 

That said, with Hossa now complementing Zetterberg and Datsyuk, the Red Wings remain the team to beat.

San Jose Sharks 

Will this be the year that Thornton steps up during the playoffs?

Thornton has the supporting cast in top goalie Valdimir Nabakov and a second line center who can balance the scoring in Patrick Marleau. The Sharks have a scorer in Devin Setogouchi and two top offensive defensemen in Dan Boyle and Rob Blake. 

Wild cards are Cheechoo's ability to shake off poor year and Claude Lemieux’s ability to surprise everyone and play effectively. 

They go in as No. 2.

New Jersey Devils

Brodeur is playing strong in stretch of the season, which is nothing new there. But he is rested and has something to prove, which could be that he still has it. This Hall of Fame clutch goalie is the anchor.

With Parise stepping up as a star, Elias coming back to top form, leadership all over the dressing room, and a defense first system that wins playoff games, the Devils are a top five favorite this year.

Calgary Flames 

Iginla needs to show he is no Joe Thornton, and step up from a season that has not been his best. 

That said, General Manager Sutter has done what he needs to to prepare this team for a run that could go all the way. Goaltending is a key strength with Kiprusoff in nets.

Iginla finds lots of support up front with Camalleri and Bertuzzi now complemented by Jokinen. Bourque and Phaneuf lead the defense, and there is lots of "sandpaper" in the lineup that will look good come April.

Boston Bruins

They would seem unlikely to go all the way, but who would have picked them to have commanding lead of the East by this time of year. 

Thomas is a veteran unlikely to wilt under the bright playoff lights, and Fernandez could step in and spell him if needed. Chara will step up for a strong playoffs. Up front they would seem weaker. 

Savard has never played strong in playoffs, and Kessel may well find less room to make plays. Recchi looked very good with a big "B" on his sweater though.

Team has to be feeling good about themselves going into the first round.