Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals officially announced

All due respect to the Montreal Canadiens and the run that they went on last season. Most of us in Leafs Nation were bitter, given the fact that the entirety of the fanbase thought "that should have been us" - and to an extent, some folks are probably feeling that way this year as well. But, as good of a run as the Habs enjoyed last season, they definitely lacked that star power that really lends to the overall atmosphere of a big time SCF matchup.

Well, this year, we have potentially the mother of all 2022 SCF matchups. Can you recall a Stanley Cup Finals in the last several years that boasts this many legit superstar players? Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen.. we are in for an absolute treat as hockey fans.

In terms of when it all kicks off, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals will take place on Wednesday at Ball Arena in Denver with the puck scheduled to drop shortly after 8:00pm ET.

All that said, there are still some significant injuries impacting both lineups, as Nazem Kadri and Sam Girard are currently out for the Avs, while Brayden Point remains sidelined for the Bolts, though he is working his way towards an eventual return.

Sure, it would be next level exciting to be watching the Leafs play the Avs in the Finals, but if we weren't going to get that, then this is a nice alternative. On one hand, we could witness a modern day dynasty if the Lightning can three-peat. For reference, no team has won 3 consecutive Stanley Cups since the New York Islanders won 4 straight in 1980, '81, '82, '83.

On the other hand, we could witness something that is long overdue, with the Avs finally winning a Cup, which would be their first since 2001. The Avs are not only perennial contenders, but they've also been among the Stanley Cup favourites for several seasons now coming into the postseason, but having been ousted several times early and suffering a series of devastating upset losses.

This series does truly have that "best on best" feeling to it. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if this series goes 7 games. Can't wait for Wednesday!