Stanley Cup Playoffs: New Champs, Old Rivals

0:00It's April 17th, NHL News today starts now, AI powered and game ready. I'm Cory with the story. The Stanley Cup playoffs kick off Saturday with a wide open field and no defending champs. The Florida Panthers missed out after repeating last year, so expect a new winner. Tepebe Lightning could keep the cup in Florida. They're facing Montreal first round after back-to-back titles in 2020 and 20. 21. Six teams new to the playoffs from last season marked the second highest turnover ever. Buffalo Sabers in their 13-year drought as Atlantic division winners. Pittsburgh Penguins return after three years out, while Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks and Utah Mammoth joined them. Utah's first. Ever. New coaches are everywhere, seven in total, the most since 2003. John Torturella turned Vegas gold in nights around late, grabbing Pacific division top spot. Canada's 32-year cup drought weighs heavy with hopefuls like Edmonton Oilers,

1:02who reached finals last two years, plus Montreal and Ottawa. Buffalo fans erupt after a mid-season slump turned into a 39-win surge. Sydney Crosby, Evgeny Malkin and Chris Lattang chase a fourth cup together in their 20th season as Penguins trio. Conor McDavid's Oilers Eye, third straight final shot against Anaheim, while Utah hosts Vegas in their playoff debut. Colorado Avalanche, president's trophy holders after dominating 143 straight days and number one, open versus Los Angeles. With fresh faces and old vets hungry, this row to June promises chaos and glory, stay locked in for the drops.