by Scott Rickenbach
Tuesday, Dec 12, 2023Winnipeg - Solid goaltending and a team that wins on the road. This is the kind of team that can win a division. The right buttons appear to finally be getting pushed in Manitoba and the payoff is being seen in the results. This team has the chemistry in the lockerroom finally solved in my opinion and it is paying dividends.
Colorado - The Avalanche have had some struggles early this season and yet they have shown signs at times that they are close to snapping out of it. My concern with the Avs is their inconsistency early this season. They just do not have that same killer instinct of past recent teams. Can they get it back? This should be watched closely for the best values in going with or against the Avalanche in the coming months.
Dallas - The Stars are a very solid club that is winning a lot of road games early this season. My top choices in hockey that I like to back are the team's that can win on the road with consistency. Also, this Dallas team has been scoring better this season. They have not been as committed defensively though and that must progress for the Stars to reach a level similar to last season. They are well-coached so don't be surprised if that does indeed happen.
Nashville - This is a middle of the road club through and through. When the goaltending is hot ride them. When the goalie work is running cold fade them. This is a consistent pattern with the Predators. Keep an eye on goalie match-up especially if one goalie running hot and the other struggling in Nashville. The guy between he pipes matters a lot witht this Nashville club.
Arizona - They Coyote are a play on team at home and a team to fade on the road when the price is right. Arizona loves their small home venue but they struggle way from home. Also, they were getting strong goaltending and they road that a bit. But that is starting to fade at the time of the writing and the Coyotes will fade right along with that if that happens. I think this team will struggle a bit more as the season goes on but they are a scrappy bunch particularly at home.
St Louis - The Blues are better at home than on the road but overall this is not a great team and I do not trust them in terms of shaky goaltending at times. They are no longer the strong defensive-minded club we have seen in other recent seasons in St Louis.
Minnesota - This is one of those teams that is very inconsistent and it makes it tough to get a good feel for them. The goaltending has been a struggle frequently and this is an issue in Minnesota. The Wild are likely going to continue to struggle and riding their goalie streaks - when hot or cold - will be they way to go with the Wild.
Chicago - Well, at least they are starting to fix some internal problems but this team is still a mess. The Blackhawks have one of the biggest negative goal differentials in the league. They allow too many goals and also are one of the worst clubs in the league when it comes to generating offense. This will continue to be an issue in Chicago. The excitement of one of the top rookies in the game is great for sure and is a positive now for the future but this is currently a team to consider fading most nights when you have the right match-up and enough line value.
Colorado - The Avalanche have had some struggles early this season and yet they have shown signs at times that they are close to snapping out of it. My concern with the Avs is their inconsistency early this season. They just do not have that same killer instinct of past recent teams. Can they get it back? This should be watched closely for the best values in going with or against the Avalanche in the coming months.
Dallas - The Stars are a very solid club that is winning a lot of road games early this season. My top choices in hockey that I like to back are the team's that can win on the road with consistency. Also, this Dallas team has been scoring better this season. They have not been as committed defensively though and that must progress for the Stars to reach a level similar to last season. They are well-coached so don't be surprised if that does indeed happen.
Nashville - This is a middle of the road club through and through. When the goaltending is hot ride them. When the goalie work is running cold fade them. This is a consistent pattern with the Predators. Keep an eye on goalie match-up especially if one goalie running hot and the other struggling in Nashville. The guy between he pipes matters a lot witht this Nashville club.
Arizona - They Coyote are a play on team at home and a team to fade on the road when the price is right. Arizona loves their small home venue but they struggle way from home. Also, they were getting strong goaltending and they road that a bit. But that is starting to fade at the time of the writing and the Coyotes will fade right along with that if that happens. I think this team will struggle a bit more as the season goes on but they are a scrappy bunch particularly at home.
St Louis - The Blues are better at home than on the road but overall this is not a great team and I do not trust them in terms of shaky goaltending at times. They are no longer the strong defensive-minded club we have seen in other recent seasons in St Louis.
Minnesota - This is one of those teams that is very inconsistent and it makes it tough to get a good feel for them. The goaltending has been a struggle frequently and this is an issue in Minnesota. The Wild are likely going to continue to struggle and riding their goalie streaks - when hot or cold - will be they way to go with the Wild.
Chicago - Well, at least they are starting to fix some internal problems but this team is still a mess. The Blackhawks have one of the biggest negative goal differentials in the league. They allow too many goals and also are one of the worst clubs in the league when it comes to generating offense. This will continue to be an issue in Chicago. The excitement of one of the top rookies in the game is great for sure and is a positive now for the future but this is currently a team to consider fading most nights when you have the right match-up and enough line value.
