Everyone wants to end things the same way.
Each of the NHL's 32 teams entered the 2021-22 season hoping to wrap things up with a Stanley Cup hoist and a championship banner raise. But soon enough, the handshake lines will be cleared and those same 32 teams will be busily preparing to get things going again for the 2022-23 season.
Step No. 1: Win the offseason.
The teams that succeeded this time will endeavor to keep things going for another 82-game run. Meanwhile, those that struggled will explore options via trades, free-agent signings and perhaps even leadership changes that'll reconfigure the mix to an elite level.