I still picture Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time. A coach in the NHL since 1995, Maurice finally hoisted Lord Stanley in 2024, grabbing it mid-interview and letting out one of the longest, most satisfying exhales in sports.
Those moments — Ray Bourque finally getting the Cup in 2001, Lanny McDonald retiring a champion in 1989 — are why every spring fans rally behind an OGWAC, an old guy without a Cup. Kyle Okposo’s 2024 breakthrough after 18 seasons was a recent reminder of how meaningful that first championship can be.
Here are the OGWACs I’m rooting for as we head into the 2026 playoffs.
Brent Burns — D, Colorado Avalanche
At 40-plus, Burns is one of the elder statesmen still going strong. He’s been to a Final with the Sharks and had solid playoff runs with Carolina, but he’s never been a champion. Playing on a stacked Avalanche roster gives him one of the clearest routes to finally getting his name on the Cup.
Nick Foligno and Marcus Foligno — Forwards, Minnesota Wild
What a narrative it would be: Nick, 38, a longtime leader and former captain in Columbus and Chicago, and his brother Marcus, 34, now suiting up together in Minnesota. Both bring leadership and grit, and the Wild look like a legitimate threat. The image of the Foligno brothers celebrating a first Cup would be unforgettable.
Jamie Benn — Forward, Dallas Stars
Benn has been the emotional center of the Stars for years. At 36 he took a one-year deal specifically to chase a championship. As captain and a leader in big moments — he guided Dallas to the 2020 Final and other deep runs — few would argue if Benn finally skated to the commissioner first.
Ryan Reaves — Forward, San Jose Sharks
Reaves, 39, is beloved for his willingness to stand up for teammates and his veteran presence. He already has memorable playoff highlights, including the Western Conference-clinching goal for Vegas in 2018. San Jose’s young core and fan-friendly style make Reaves a sentimental favorite if the Sharks push through the postseason.
Mats Zuccarello — Forward, Minnesota Wild
Zuccarello was the first Norwegian to play in a Stanley Cup Final with the Rangers in 2014. Now in Minnesota, he’s part of a roster that has real Cup aspirations. Fans from his Rangers days and many neutral observers would be thrilled to see him finally lift the trophy.
Honorable mentions
These aren’t OGWAC-eligible but are compelling storylines to watch:
– Corey Perry, 40, who won a Cup with Anaheim in 2007 but has been on the losing side of Finals since.
– Connor McDavid, 29, who still carries an “always a bridesmaid” trope despite his dominance and the sky-high expectations in Edmonton.
Biggest games of the week
Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus sits a point back in the East wild-card race and faces a brutal slate: Carolina, the New York Rangers, the Seattle Kraken, then the New York Islanders on the road. A strong week here could change their seeding outlook and build momentum for a late push.
San Jose Sharks
San Jose has climbed into the second West wild-card spot and could set up a compelling first-round meeting with Colorado. Their next three games — at Edmonton, then home against Buffalo and Philadelphia — will be a tough test against likely playoff clubs and teams scrambling for points.
Hart Trophy watch
Connor McDavid leads the league with 111 points, Nathan MacKinnon sits at 109 and has been red-hot in March, and Nikita Kucherov is at 106. Those three remain the front-runners for MVP talk if the season ended today. I’m also curious how voters treat younger impact players like Macklin Celebrini and Matthew Schaefer when weighing value versus raw numbers.
What I loved this weekend
Buffalo and Toronto moved in opposite directions — Buffalo gaining steam while the Maple Leafs confront roster questions. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff even joked about wanting Leafs fans to sell tickets to Sabres fans, a playful moment that captured how the two clubs’ fortunes have diverged.
Social post of the weekend
Team USA’s X account previewing the Paralympic sled hockey gold-medal game against Canada dubbed it the “Seated Rivalry.” It was a clever, timely piece of promotion that drew a smile.
Stick taps
Kudos to the under-10 C2-2 Kirkwood Stars from the Kirkwood Youth Hockey Organization near St. Louis, winners of the 2026 Blue Note Cup. No. 56 Adeline McKenna, daughter of former NHL goalie Mike McKenna who coaches the team, helped spark a run that began in the Learn to Play program and ended with three straight wins and a title. Great development work and a proud moment for the community.
Every playoff season brings feel-good OGWAC stories. Whether it’s a veteran finally getting his name etched on the Cup, brothers sharing the moment, or a longtime captain skating up to hand the trophy to the commissioner, those images are a big reason we tune in to the NHL postseason.
