Stanley Cup Final: X factors, goalie confidence, predictions

From 32 teams starting the 2022-23 NHL season, the Stanley Cup playoffs have whittled down from 16 to eight to four, and now just two remain.

The Stanley Cup Final begins Saturday, June 3, as the Vegas Golden Knights will host Game 1 against the Florida Panthers. Regardless of which team wins, it'll be the first-ever championship for a franchise.

To help get you up to speed before the opening puck drop, we're bringing you a mega-preview, breaking down each team in five different categories that will help determine whether it'll be Mark Stone or Aleksander Barkov hoisting the Cup this spring.

Note: Kristen Shilton broke down the Panthers, while Ryan S. Clark profiled the Golden Knights.

Illustrat…