The Toronto Maple Leafs' William Nylander, has a $92 million contract, the weight of the world on his shoulders and a surprising best friend : David Pastrnak, the superstar on his most hated rival, the Boston Bruins.
Filip Forsberg and Jack Eichel, are found in two of the most surprisingly hockey-mad cities in the NHL: Nashville and Vegas. Both of these warriors withstand great mental and emotional pain in order to achieve their goals.
Witnessing Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman step into stardom during the Stanley Cup Playoffs is a rare privilege. In contrast, his second-round opponent, Matthew Tkachuk, thrives as the hard-nosed leader of the Cup-favorite Florida Panthers.
Features three captains at different stages: Quinn Hughes in his first year in Vancouver, Gabriel Landeskog in what could be his last with Colorado, and Jacob Trouba in the middle, each showcasing unique leadership styles.
For Connor McDavid, the stakes of winning or losing the Stanley Cup are ultimate: in a press conference at the end of last season, Connor said it out of his own mouth: "Next year, it's Cup or Bust." And with those words, the stage was set.
As Connor McDavid "drags" the Panthers back to Alberta - Matthew Tkachuk and his family grapple with the thought of letting the Stanley Cup slip through his fingers for the second year in a row.
