As the NHL season begins, fans are filled with hope for their teams, but reality sets in as teams are categorized into Stanley Cup contender tiers. The tiers range from 'Stanley Cup or bust' to 'Try again in 3-5 years,' reflecting the varying levels of championship potential.

Teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs are under pressure to succeed now, while others like the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks are in the midst of rebuilding. The analysis highlights the complexities of each team's situation as they strive for glory.