We're just about halfway through the NHL season and some of the top teams are already establishing themselves as contenders for the Stanley Cup. Let's take a look at the top-five teams that are the biggest contenders for the Cup.
1. Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago had a slow start to the season but picked up the pace very quickly and now lead the Central division, which is arguably the best division in hockey. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are again having great seasons and that's going to have to continue if they are to compete for their second Stanley Cup in three years.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
Despite all of the injuries to the Penguins this season, they have managed to have the best record in the Eastern Conference. Marc-Andre Fleury is also having the best season of his career as he is at the top or close to the top in many goaltending categories. Evgeni Malkin is also on a tear in the NHL as he is putting up MVP caliber numbers so far this season as Sidney Crosby tries to work his way back after he got the mumps. When the Penguins get healthy again, they're going to be a dangerous team come playoff time.
3. Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa's lineup is just scary good. Steven Stamkos is back after that awful leg injury last season and seems to be playing some great hockey for the Lightning. Ben Bishop hasn't been as good as he was last year when he was a Vezina trophy candidate but he's been good enough this year to help put the Lightning atop the Atlantic division with the Montreal Canadians.
Tyler Johnson is also having a career year as he leads the team in points with 37 after coming off a hat trick against the Penguins on Tuesday night. This team is very capable of going far into the playoffs and competing with any team in the league.
4. Anaheim Ducks
This has been the best team in the NHL this season and it comes as no shock to me. When you have Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Ryan Kesler on a team, it's bound to be good. Getzlaf has been as good as he was last season for the Ducks as he once again leads the team in points so far this season. Keep an eye on the Ducks this season as they have just been on fire.
5. Nashville Predators
Nashville was thought to be a mediocre team this season but they've been anything but that. They have been one of the best teams in the NHL this season thanks to Pekka Rinne's outstanding goaltending that has him as the favorite to win the Vezina trophy. Peter Laviolette has also been a great coach for the Predators this season as well. Rookie sensation Filip Forsberg has been unbelievable this season as he leads the team in mostly every big offensive category including points where he has 32. If they make the playoffs this season, they can be a major darkhorse for the Stanley Cup.