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The Vancouver Canucks will be all smiles come June when they win their first Stanley Cup, writes NHL Expert Kevin Dupont.

Truth is, of the all the clubs I named at the start here, any of them could win the Cup this season. As promised, the salary cap system, instituted after the 2004-'05 lockout, has brought about great parity.

That's not to say any of the 30 clubs could win it. Hardly. Phoenix is about a half stride from oblivion. Given their financial standing, oblivion might be a better place for them. It just seems there are a lot of teams each season with a realistic chance of going all the way. It's an imperfect parity, but parity nonetheless.

But all in all, I like the Canucks best, even with what is a perennially torturous travel schedule, one made all the worse this season when they have to vacate their rink for over a month to make way for the Five Rings. They've got a strong coach, outstanding goaltender, an impressive defensive corps and the makings of a steady, though not prolific, offense.

Done. Canucks edge Penguins in Game 7 of the finals. And old friend Snepsts buys a round for the entire province.

Q: How do you think John Tavares will do in his first year with the Islanders?
— Bruce Cole from Abbotsford, British Columbia
A: Tavares is the real deal, Bruce, and overall I think he is looking at a long and successful career.

That said, I also think he is looking at a long freshman season in Uniondale. The Islanders improved over the summer, in part by taking Tavares No. 1 in the June draft, but they need more than the hope and promise of a sensational rookie. Remember, as great as Mario Lemieux was as a rookie (100 points in 1984-'85), he was saddled with a weak Penguins roster and it took until 1991 for the Pens to win their first Cup.

I'll pencil Tavares in for 55-70 points this season. Not a sensational start, but impressive, especially given how much the roster has to improve for the Isles to be considered serious players in the East.

Q: Worst team in the league this season? I think the Predators are in for a big fall.
— Kevin S. from Janesville, Wis.
A: Frankly, Kev, I don't see a big fall in store for the Preds. They finished 10th, a postseason DNQ, in the West last season. I figure they'll slot in the 8-12 range this season. Due to fiscal woes, they barely touched their roster over the summer.

As for the worst, well, I think Phoenix or Colorado will take the honors this time around. The Coyotes, as of this writing, aren't even sure where they will be based this season — be it in Arizona or Southern Ontario. The Avs have way too much AHL talent on their roster, as well as a rookie coach (Joe Sacco) and rookie GM (Greg Sherman). That may not be a manuscript for disaster, but it's a pretty good first chapter.

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Mark J. Terrill / AP

Wily Coyotes still alive

Shane Doan scored two goals, Mike Smith made 36 saves in his third playoff shutout, and the Phoenix Coyotes emphatically avoided playoff elimination with a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Sunday.

NBC Sports

Highlights: Smith's shutout sparks Coyotes

  Shane Doan scored twice, and Mike Smith notched a shutout as the Phoenix Coyotes staved off elimination with a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.

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