The Bronx Bombers have added one of the game’s biggest home run threats to an already potent line-up. Reigning National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton was almost certain he would be traded after signing a record breaking contract that saw him earning $325 million dollars over 13 years. Who better to take on the high payed slugger than the richest team in baseball, the New York Yankees. The Yanks lineup is already piled with young talent including American League Rookie of the Year Aaron Judge who is fresh off setting a rookie record of 52 home runs. With the addition of Stanton’s power (MLB 59 home runs in 2017), the Yankees look like the team to beat for 2018.
In the NHL the Toronto Maple Leafs are on a three game win streak and are closing in on the powerhouse Tampa Bay Lighting atop the NHL Standings. Winnipeg was on their way to the top but have cooled down after some hot offensive outings and have now lost their last three games. The Jets are still one of the top Canadian teams in the league and definitely have what it takes to make it past the first round of playoffs. The Calgary Flames have won their last two and currently sit 7th in the Western Conference. The Flames will be on the bubble for playoff contention but assuming Mike Smith can stay healthy they should be able to take a deep run to the playoffs. The Vancouver Canucks are also going to be a playoff bubble team and are surprising fans with their play. Most people thought it was time for a rebuild and that is certainly in the near future, but for the 2018 season they may have a shot at playoffs. The Montreal Canadians are becoming very streaky and their playoff hopes ride on the back of goaltender Carey Price. If he plays like he can, Montreal will be a playoff contender. As for the Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers, the playoffs are a long shot. They are both very good teams that just aren’t clicking at the moment and no one can figure out what is wrong with them. These teams have the right pieces to be playoff contenders, they just have to figure out how to put them together.
