Here's Why Stars Are Sexy Pick By THN.com's Writers To Win This Season's Stanley Cup

The Hockey News is unveiling the results of its writers and editors' poll this week, and to the surprise of few, the Dallas Stars are the sexy pick to not only be the NHL's best regular-season team, but also, to win this year's Stanley Cup.

In the first part of the poll, THN.com revealed that, out of 56 respondents to the poll, 23 picked the Stars to emerge as Cup champions this season. The Edmonton Oilers finished second in that category, with 17 votes. And another seven voters chose Dallas to be a Cup finalist.

That's not the only achievement the Stars are capable of. Regarding the question of which team will win the Presidents' Trophy as the top regular-season team, Dallas finished first with 26 votes -- exactly double the amount of votes garnered by the second-place team, the Oilers. Of course, Dallas and Edmonton squared off in the Western Conference final last spring, with the Oilers winning that series in six games -- the second straight season they lost the conference final in six games.

The writers' poll has a slew of Stars players in this year's predictions -- including the frontrunners to win the Norris Trophy, Vezina Trophy, and the Conn Smythe Trophy -- but you'll have to be patient until additional stories reveal that information. 

For now, though, it's clear Dallas is the popular pick to win it all -- for this writer, in particular -- and for good reason. The Stars' depth, balance and experience all are at elite levels, and they're best-prepared for a playoff run that will take them at least to the Western final yet again this season. On paper, Dallas has what it takes to outlast all opponents and emerge with the second Cup in franchise history.

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