While most people are still focused on placing their NFL predictions and the weekly matchups, like the Patriots Saints betting, the NHL has quietly moved past the quarter point of the season and we are quickly separating the contenders and the pretenders.

While the Chicago Blackhawks are emerging as the team to beat in the Western Conference, especially since the Detroit Red Wings have fallen off so much, the Pittsburgh Penguins are still present in the East as the best team.

Repeating as champions is more difficult in the NHL than any other sport as the rigors of going through such a long season two years in a row is very arduous. But the Penguins are better equipped than most squads.

For starters, the Prenguins have one – if not the two – best players in the NHL in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Both are among the best at their position and both are young. Last year, this tandem carried the Penguins and they are capable of doing the same once again.

Beyond that, the Penguins do have a very young roster with many players that are experienced enough to contribute but are still young in the league. A lot of young players like Crosby and Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury are getting better with each game.

While the Washington Capitals, a Northbet Favorite, will likely again be their rivals in the East, don’t be surprised to see the Penguins hoisting the Cup at the end of the season once again.