by Scott Rickenbach
Tuesday, Dec 12, 2023Vegas - The Golden Knights have really impressed again this season. They started hot but then they struggled and that could have set the wheels in motion for a slide back to mediocrity. But the way they bounced back and got hot again is a testament to how well coached and resilient this team is. They again look like one of the top teams in the league.
Vancouver - The Canucks, like the Knights and Kings, have one of the top goal differentials in the league. They are one of the highest scoring teams in the league and have a great power play plus have been getting solid goaltending. Look for spots to grab them because they still fly under the radar because of being in the same division as Vegas and people are still not use to this much success for Vancouver. It has been a few years.
Los Angeles - The Kings, like the Canucks, have been another surprise early this season. They are so strong in goal this season and just are not conceding much at all plus they are fantastic on the road. The strong goalie work and excellent play between the pipes means they are a threat to win this division. Another team to back particularly when on the road for top like value.
Edmonton - The Oilers are heating up after a rough start to the season. They certainly look like a threat for a big run now that they have righted the ship. They have such potency in the offensive zone plus one of the top power plays in the league. If they can just get their goaltending to settling into more consistency they certainly can make a pre-season run this spring. Long way to go but things looking better in Alberta for the Oilers.
Calgary - Speaking of Alberta, let's talk Flames. It took awhile for Calgary to adjust to their new coach but they are getting there now. Calgary has had some blowout losses this season so their goal differential is not good but they appear to be settling in better as the season has gone along. This team can be so strong especially when the goalie work is trending in the right direction. This is a very tough division though. But this is one of those teams that is on the edge in terms of post-season hopes eventually this season.
Seattle - Kraken are interesting team but in a very tough division. After some surprising stretches of success early in franchise existence, things are starting to settle in about how tough it is to compete in this league. They have allowed too many goals early this season to have one of the worst goal differentials in the league early this season.
Anaheim - The Ducks struggle more often than expected in terms of scoring goals. They have struggled more than I expected so far this season. There are no signs of a turnaround either. I will have to stay away from the Ducks or fade them in the right spots this season. Anaheim is just not right.
San Jose - The Sharks definitely have the record and stats of a very bad hockey team but they have shown some positive signs that they will be able to get things going. San Jose, at the time of this writing, has consistently been earning some points. Their offense has been good so often as they have really become stronger in the offensive zone as the season has gone on. But goaltending and overall defensive play is holding this team back. Until that changes they are mostly an "over" team for now but they are definitely getting some confidence going with better play of late. That means keeping an eye on them for upset spots as a sizable dog is certainly something to keep in mind as they seem to be turning the corner as of mid-November.
Vancouver - The Canucks, like the Knights and Kings, have one of the top goal differentials in the league. They are one of the highest scoring teams in the league and have a great power play plus have been getting solid goaltending. Look for spots to grab them because they still fly under the radar because of being in the same division as Vegas and people are still not use to this much success for Vancouver. It has been a few years.
Los Angeles - The Kings, like the Canucks, have been another surprise early this season. They are so strong in goal this season and just are not conceding much at all plus they are fantastic on the road. The strong goalie work and excellent play between the pipes means they are a threat to win this division. Another team to back particularly when on the road for top like value.
Edmonton - The Oilers are heating up after a rough start to the season. They certainly look like a threat for a big run now that they have righted the ship. They have such potency in the offensive zone plus one of the top power plays in the league. If they can just get their goaltending to settling into more consistency they certainly can make a pre-season run this spring. Long way to go but things looking better in Alberta for the Oilers.
Calgary - Speaking of Alberta, let's talk Flames. It took awhile for Calgary to adjust to their new coach but they are getting there now. Calgary has had some blowout losses this season so their goal differential is not good but they appear to be settling in better as the season has gone along. This team can be so strong especially when the goalie work is trending in the right direction. This is a very tough division though. But this is one of those teams that is on the edge in terms of post-season hopes eventually this season.
Seattle - Kraken are interesting team but in a very tough division. After some surprising stretches of success early in franchise existence, things are starting to settle in about how tough it is to compete in this league. They have allowed too many goals early this season to have one of the worst goal differentials in the league early this season.
Anaheim - The Ducks struggle more often than expected in terms of scoring goals. They have struggled more than I expected so far this season. There are no signs of a turnaround either. I will have to stay away from the Ducks or fade them in the right spots this season. Anaheim is just not right.
San Jose - The Sharks definitely have the record and stats of a very bad hockey team but they have shown some positive signs that they will be able to get things going. San Jose, at the time of this writing, has consistently been earning some points. Their offense has been good so often as they have really become stronger in the offensive zone as the season has gone on. But goaltending and overall defensive play is holding this team back. Until that changes they are mostly an "over" team for now but they are definitely getting some confidence going with better play of late. That means keeping an eye on them for upset spots as a sizable dog is certainly something to keep in mind as they seem to be turning the corner as of mid-November.
