10 reasons Carolina Hurricanes can win Stanley Cup in 2017-18

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 20: A general view of the Stanley Cup trophy is seen being displayed at the Park Theater Retail Store at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino on June 20, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 20: A general view of the Stanley Cup trophy is seen being displayed at the Park Theater Retail Store at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino on June 20, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY – NOVEMBER 18: Hurricanes teammates congratulate Carolina Hurricanes Right Wing Justin Williams (14) after he scores goal during the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres NHL game on November 18, 2017, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY. (Photo by John Crouch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – NOVEMBER 18: Hurricanes teammates congratulate Carolina Hurricanes Right Wing Justin Williams (14) after he scores goal during the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres NHL game on November 18, 2017, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY. (Photo by John Crouch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

1. Canes don’t have target on their backs

Not having any pressure on their shoulders or expectations should be something that the Canes are used to. Yet, the Penguins and Capitals are slipping up to start the season since both those teams get opponent’s best effort always.

Every time the Canes have made a good playoff run, whether they actually make it to the Stanley Cup Finals or get eliminated before that, expectations have been low. But, the franchise has not experienced a playoff drought like this yet.

With ownership continually changing and the head coaches and front office personnel rolling in and out, something has to give. Carolina should find some stability soon with how good this team can be.

Next: 3 bold predictions for the Carolina Hurricanes in December

The Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, and New York Islanders lead the Metro right now. And, few expected that to happen, possibly outside of just the Jackets. No one should be surprised if the Canes get into the top three by the start of 2018.

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