by Scott Rickenbach
Tuesday, Dec 12, 2023Boston - There was a point early this season where I had my doubts about the Bruins. Of course repeating last season's historic season success was never the expectation. However, Boston did struggle a bit early this season. But they are coming on strong and will be a force to be reckoned with again this season. Their goaltending has been among the best in the league this season. That wins games and they still have enough offense to get the job done most nights as well.
Florida - The Panthers used to be known for offense but this season it is their goaltending that is leading the way. Come playoff time that will be a key for them as well if they can maintain. I like what Florida is doing now and they will enjoy more success this season as a result of improved play in their own end of the ice instead of just being all about the offense.
Toronto - My concern with the Maple Leafs is the same it has been for years for Toronto. They just need to have consistent goaltending. If they get it this team can go far. Who is the answer in goal though! That is the question. In terms of firepower and skill on offense, the Leafs have it!
Detroit - The Red Wings have been building up for this and the rebuild is paying dividends. This team is for real now and will be a team to continue to watch for hot streaks and ride them before the marketplace catches up on how solid this team is. The Red Wings are one of the highest scoring teams in the league early this season.
Tampa Bay - The Lightning have hung around even with missing Vasilevskiy for much of the early season. That says a lot about how solid this Tampa Bay club is. Keep an eye on them to make a push back up the standings as goaltending play keys some strong winning runs too. The Lightning have one of the best power plays in the league early this season.
Montreal - The Canadiens again are just not quite there yet. Playing in high pressure Montreal just adds to the intense scrutiny this team deals with and that makes it tough to navigate a successful campaign especially when playing in a tough division. The Has have more home losses than anyone else in the division. Keep an eye on spots to fade them on home ice. It is a pressure cooker there for Montreal.
Buffalo - The Sabres have been in rebuild mode for awhile. But unlike the Red Wings, they are just not quite there yet. Buffalo has a goal differential early this season that is tracking as the 2nd worst in. The division. I think things will get worse before they get better in Buffalo. Be patient with this rebuild.
Ottawa - Early this season Ottawa has been about a .500 club but playing in a tough division is why they are dead last. However there is another concern about the Senators. They have played a very home-heavy schedule so far. Only 6 true road games in their first 22 games. This is going to catch up with them as the season goes on. I will be looking for spots to fade the Sens as the season goes on as they are bit over-valued based on home dominated schedule.
Florida - The Panthers used to be known for offense but this season it is their goaltending that is leading the way. Come playoff time that will be a key for them as well if they can maintain. I like what Florida is doing now and they will enjoy more success this season as a result of improved play in their own end of the ice instead of just being all about the offense.
Toronto - My concern with the Maple Leafs is the same it has been for years for Toronto. They just need to have consistent goaltending. If they get it this team can go far. Who is the answer in goal though! That is the question. In terms of firepower and skill on offense, the Leafs have it!
Detroit - The Red Wings have been building up for this and the rebuild is paying dividends. This team is for real now and will be a team to continue to watch for hot streaks and ride them before the marketplace catches up on how solid this team is. The Red Wings are one of the highest scoring teams in the league early this season.
Tampa Bay - The Lightning have hung around even with missing Vasilevskiy for much of the early season. That says a lot about how solid this Tampa Bay club is. Keep an eye on them to make a push back up the standings as goaltending play keys some strong winning runs too. The Lightning have one of the best power plays in the league early this season.
Montreal - The Canadiens again are just not quite there yet. Playing in high pressure Montreal just adds to the intense scrutiny this team deals with and that makes it tough to navigate a successful campaign especially when playing in a tough division. The Has have more home losses than anyone else in the division. Keep an eye on spots to fade them on home ice. It is a pressure cooker there for Montreal.
Buffalo - The Sabres have been in rebuild mode for awhile. But unlike the Red Wings, they are just not quite there yet. Buffalo has a goal differential early this season that is tracking as the 2nd worst in. The division. I think things will get worse before they get better in Buffalo. Be patient with this rebuild.
Ottawa - Early this season Ottawa has been about a .500 club but playing in a tough division is why they are dead last. However there is another concern about the Senators. They have played a very home-heavy schedule so far. Only 6 true road games in their first 22 games. This is going to catch up with them as the season goes on. I will be looking for spots to fade the Sens as the season goes on as they are bit over-valued based on home dominated schedule.
