The Lightning enter the new NHL season still celebrating their second straight Stanley Cup. Tampa Bay will go for a third this season, but plenty of teams are eager to steal the Bolts’ thunder. The Avalanche in particular seem ready to claim the mantle of the top team despite three consecutive second-round postseason exits.
The newest franchise will make its debut Tuesday as the regular season gets underway. The Kraken will take on the Golden Knights, whose early success they will look to emulate, but Seattle could have a tougher time making a deep playoff run in its inaugural season.