Puck drop for the Stanley Cup Finals is Tuesday night and as an Anaheim Ducks fan without a horse in the race anymore, who should you root for? Let's take a look at both teams left standing and try to parse out the best option.
Vegas Golden Knights
Why you should
Shea Theodore and William Karlsson. Both are former Ducks and have thrived during this postseason run for the Golden Knights.
Shea Theodore was originally drafted by the Ducks in 2013 and notched 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists) in 53 regular season games and in 20 playoff games, he registered 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists). However, Theodore was eventually lost in the expansion draft to Vegas, as Ducks management incorrectly decided to protect the wrong assets and Vegas acquired the young, but unproven blue liner. In Vegas, Theodore reached his true potential and has served as either the number two or the de facto number one defenseman for the team. In his nine-year run with the Golden Knights, Theodore has 385 points (83 goals, 302 assists) in 581 games. Theodore also has 76 points (19 goals, 57 assists) in 121 playoff games with the Golden Knights and won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
"Wild Bill" William Karlsson was originally drafted by the Ducks in 2011, but only recorded 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 18 games with the Ducks. In another moment of poor asset management, the Ducks shipped Karlsson off to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a trade involving James Wisniewski, as the main center piece. The Golden Knights selected Karlsson in the expansion draft from Columbus and much like Theodore, Karlsson has thrived in the desert. In 569 games, Karlsson has registered 403 points (165 goals, 238 assists) and won the Stanley Cup with Theodore in 2023.
Why you shouldn't
They're the Golden Knights; one of the most cutthroat organizations in the entire NHL. Plus, they ousted the Ducks in this year's playoffs. As bittersweet as it is seeing Theodore logging the minutes of a number one defenseman and Karlsson locking down the number two center role on a Stanley Cup contender, they have already won a Stanley Cup. Plus, Vegas is a division rival, and it would be on par with rooting for the Los Angeles Kings or the San Jose Sharks.
Carolina Hurricanes
Why you should
Frederik Andersen. Once the other half of a dynamic goaltending duo with John Gibson, that won the Jennings Trophy in 2016 for the Ducks with a .919 save percentage. With Gibson being tabbed as the heir apparent, Andersen was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, for picks that eventually became Sam Steel and Maxime Comtois. After a rough five season stretch in Toronto with the Maple Leafs, Andersen has been the main backstop for the Hurricanes since 2021. While not the most athletic of goal tenders, Andersen is positionally sound and has posted a .931 save percentage during this postseason run for the Hurricanes, which has been the best of his tenure in Carolina. Plus, Andersen has never won a Stanley Cup, though coming up agonizingly short with the Ducks.
Why you shouldn't
They're on the East Coast and the Ducks lost both games against the Hurricanes this regular season, surrendering 9 goals against, while only scoring 3 themselves. However, the Hurricanes are not a division rival and there has not been any postseason history between the two teams. While their style of play is not for everyone, the Hurricanes are the enthesis of a high shot volume team and low event hockey. While effective, the Hurricanes are boring and not conducive to an exciting playstyle.
Final thoughts
The Hurricanes steamrolled their way to the Stanley Cup Finals, losing only one game in the process. The Golden Knights may have had a few hiccups on their path to the Finals but ultimately swept the Avalanche to earn their spot. As hockey fans, let's hope for a long series and may the best team win (as long as it's not the Golden Knights).
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