Courtesy of Sports Book Wire/USA Today
The 2023-2024 NHL season has been incredible. The rankings have changed quite frequently and teams who have not been in the spotlight for a while have stepped up in huge ways. New talent has come in and brought refreshing energy to the league. Veteran players have shown that their experience is instrumental to success. We are now at that bittersweet point in the season. The regular season is coming to a close, the big events of the season have passed, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs are in sight. It is a fun way to reminisce by creating a playlist, and these following NHL teams have created quite the soundtrack as an ode to a memorable season.
Courtesy of the New Jersey Devils
Starting off, the New Jersey Devils are “Howl” by The Gaslight Anthem. This song represents the spirit of New Jersey, and is a perfect match for the Devils who are one of the most spirited teams in the league. Their attitude and outlook has kept them motivated through a season that has been full of ups and downs. Like the unnamed girl who the singer is singing to, the Devils have undergone change this season. They remember their terrific run from last season fondly, but are ready to face the present. The Devils have learned from their circumstances, and though there may be doubts about the future, they are ready to “wake it up” and “shake it out” as the rest of the season progresses.
Courtesy of the Boston Bruins
Next are the Boston Bruins, who are “...Ready For It?” by Taylor Swift. The Bruins have had a long history of success and are not slowing down this season. Last year they were the Presidents Trophy winners and they set an NHL record for the most wins in a regular season. However, their incredible run came to a close in the first round of the playoffs. This year, they are currently ranked second in the Atlantic Division and third in the league. They are hungry to get back on top and are ready to “let the games begin” as they strive to show their dominance. The Bruins only have one question: is the league “Ready For It?”
Courtesy of the Toronto Maple Leafs
Moving along with another Taylor Swift song, the Toronto Maple Leafs would be “Suburban Legends.” Toronto is a city that has hockey flowing through its veins and a rich hockey culture. The Maple Leafs are one of the most historic teams in the league, being one of the original six teams. The Leafs are known for playing the game with class which has intrigued fans for generations. Their roster has generational talents such as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. The Leafs did not come into this season to “make friends,” instead they were “born to be… legends.”
Courtesy of the Vancouver Canucks
Then we have the Vancouver Canucks who would be “The Night Is Still Young” by Nicki Minaj. The Canucks have had an incredible breakout this season. They went from being one of the lowest ranked teams in the league last year, to leading the Pacific division and the Western Conference. They are currently second in the league. Under the new leadership of their young captain Quinn Hughes, the Canucks are ready to “make sure the stars are what [they] aim for.” They are living in the moment and soaking up every success. The night is still young for the Canucks, as this season has shown that they have so much potential.
Courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning
Next, the Tampa Bay Lightning are “The Business” by Tiësto. The Lightning have definitely had a roller coaster season. Though they have changed spots in the rankings frequently, they have remained in the top 16 in the league. However, they are still a strong team that has great synergy. The players know how to unite and follow through with their plans to play a solid game. Though it can seem like they have had “a million nights” where it seems like their chances of making it to the playoffs are unpredictable, they always know how to “get down to business” when it matters. The Lightning always know how to pull it together to make it to the next level, even when others do not think that they can.
Courtesy of The Florida Panthers
Next, the Florida Panthers are “Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons. The Panthers have had an incredible past year. Last season, they came into the playoffs as a wildcard team, where no one thought they would make it past the first round. However, they made it all the way to the finals. They were a “symbol to remind [the league] that there’s more to see.” The Panthers have carried that momentum into the regular season. They currently lead the Atlantic Division, the Eastern Conference, and the entire league. They have worked hard to build their team into the successful unit it is today. “Take [them] to the top, [they are] ready for whatever it takes.”
Courtesy of the Colorado Avalanche
Going back out west, the Colorado Avalanche are “Training Season” by Dua Lipa. The Avalanche have had a solid season. They are currently first in the Central Division and tied for second in the Western Conference. Their team looks very different than it did back when they won the Stanley Cup in 2022, however they have not let the changes stop their momentum. After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year, the Avalanche have been working to get back in the running this year. They are ready to show the league that “training season’s over” and that they are ready to “take control” of the playoffs.
Courtesy of the Vegas Golden Knights
Next, regarding the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights are “Cooler Than Me” by Mike Posner. The Vegas Golden Knights have also had a solid season. They are currently ranked fourth in the extremely competitive Pacific Division, which means as of right now, they are projected to make it back to the playoffs as a wild card. However, just because they are in one of the wild card spots does not mean that the Golden Knights want anyone to sleep on them yet. They do not want any of the other teams to look down on them or think that they have “used up all of [their] tricks.” Instead, the Golden Knights have brought a cool and imperious attitude to the game, as if to say “You think you are cooler than me? Think again!”
Courtesy of the New York Rangers
Last, but not least, the New York Rangers are “Confident (Rock Version)” by Demi Lovato. The New York Rangers are always ready to bring their A-game every time they hit the ice. They currently lead the Metropolitan Division, are third in the Eastern Conference, and are fourth in the entire league. Even if the Rangers are placed up against tough competition, they do not shy away or “fake it.” It seems that tougher competition only builds their momentum. This season, they have their veteran franchise players such as Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox leading the way; while new talent like Matt Rempe has stolen the show. This is their game, and other teams “better come to come to play.” There is nothing wring with being confident.
This NHL season has definitely been a wild ride. As the regular season comes to a close, fans need to get ready to buckle up, because as this season has shown, hockey is a very fast-paced sport. However the rankings may change as the NHL moves into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, fans can bring these songs along for the ride as the beginning of a hockey playlist.
Edited by Giana Robertaccio
Graphics Created by Giana Robertaccio
Social Media Content Created by Caroline McGuinness
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