Craigs Corner: 'Twas the Night Before Hockey

'Twas the night before hockey and all through the rink, Not a fan was stirring, into their seats they could not sink. The Habs hope their goalie wins games more than twice, He’s a Vezina winner and his name is Carey Price. The Penguins have Crosby, and Malkin there too, Is there anything that those two cannot do?   The Islanders are slick with Barzal up front, With his dazzling skill they are deep in the hunt. The Panthers are ready and tying up their skate lace, Fans should not worry, Bobrovsky’s on the case. The Rangers may need to be given a pardon, What will they do without a packed Madison Square Garden?   The Hurricanes are set with a brand new Storm Surge, But winning is more important their fans will urge. And then there’s the Leafs who have grabbed our nation’s heart, Or is this another year of them falling apart? Columbus has Torts with his kicking and screaming, Can they knock off the Leafs or are we all just dreaming?   Onto the West where the Oilers are a beast, With Draisaitl and McDavid surely they will feast. The Blackhawks are older and wiser yet too, Keith, Kane, and Toews could make Chicago’s dreams come true. The Predators have had so much playoff success, But they’ve yet to win the big one in hockey’s greatest test.   Arizona is looking to build around Taylor Hall, Is he going to leave and will the Coyotes fall? Vancouver has Pettersson, a young and silky Swede, If you need to score a goal what more do you need? Minnesota is hoping to at least win a series, They haven’t done so in a whole five years…ies.   In Calgary they’re hoping Gaudreau will lead the way, Will they lift the Cup on that special October day? Last is the Jets as we end this playoff poem, Scheifele, Connor, Laine, let’s bring the Cup home!   Cheers!