Around the League

I know it’s been a while since I have posted a blog, and today I have decided to run through all of the teams and talk about them, in my own opinion.

Starting with the Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

New York Rangers: I am absolutely surprised by this team. They lost a lot of their good players in the off season, and they are still pulling out the Ws. They are on a 5 win streak, and even though I don’t care much for the rangers, I hope they keep it going.

Pittsburgh Penguins: No surprise on the past Stanley cup winners. Not much to say, but I hope they won’t repeat last year. They need to lose.

Philadelphia Flyers: Has the flyers finally found what they were looking for last year? Starting out at 3-1-1 with 7 points and holding a third spot in the Atlantic Division, they are moving forward. I will continue to support the Flyers, only because Brian Boucher is there.

New Jersey Devils: A little surprised by this, but I won’t be surprised if they pick it up after some more games.

New York Islanders: I am not surprised by this team being at the bottom again. I don’t see Tavares producing that much, only 2 goals and 3 assists with a +1 rating. What happened to the guy that was all talk this off season? I would have expected a bit more, but then again it is early. NYI’s record is 0-1-3.

Northeast Division

Ottawa Senators: It’s nice to see Ottawa producing wins even with the lost of big time scorer Danny Heatley. Their record is 3-2 so far this season.

Buffalo Sabres : Two wins and one overtime lost. Will Buffalo be able to continue this sort of streak? I hope so; I want to see them continue to dominate.

Boston Bruins: They had a chance last year, they blew it. Now they are down a great scorer, and they are doing even worse. Can they turn it around? I honestly don’t think so, they will stay a mediocre team this year. Prove me wrong.

Montreal Canadiens: Not surprised at all by this. I expected the same showing we got from them last year, this year.

Toronto Maple Leafs: This is one of the teams that have surprised me the most. I honestly expected a showing of Toronto being on top of the Northeast, and riding strong. They had great structure in the off season, good scorers. Toronto scored Jonas Gustavsson over the off season, and he played in two losing games, but showed strong. I hope he comes back soon, or this team won’t survive.

Southeast Division:

Tampa Bay Lightning: I am happy to see them continue to dominate, showing a strong fight against any team they go against, even if they lose.

Washington Capitals: The newly dubbed biggest whining fan base and it rings true for the team. Six games, 2-2-2. What’s up Caps? I would have expected a better showing from Ovie.

Atlanta Thrashers: Three games, two wins and one loss. Honestly, I can’t wait to see them play again soon; they are on fire and will continue to be I think all season long, unless some major injuries come.

Carolina Hurricanes: I see these guys still struggling with their record of 2-3; I hope they can turn it around. They had long playoff runs last year, and they need to show everyone they are still contenders.

Florida Panthers: To simply put, it’s the Florida Panthers. Record is 1-4. Sorry Imber.

Western Conference

Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks: I would gladly write some good things about the Hawks, but they only seem to be posers to me after the off season and all of the hype that was after them. They lost in the playoffs, and they are talked more about than Detroit? Record 3-1-1, I am sure they will continue this.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Doing good, and I hope they continue their strong showing this season. 3-1 is their record.

St Louis Blues: Surprised to see them above Detroit so far, and I hope they continue to stay on top of them. Keep it going Blues.

Detroit Red Wings: I hate them. I hope they lose to put it simply. They are 2-2 and nearly at the bottom of the division. I hope THAT continues.

Nashville Predators: Also 2-2 with the Wings and Blues, I hope they will be able to bully Detroit around.

Northwest Division

Calgary Flames: No surprise here, good scorers and Krip is still in goal doing his great thing. I hope they will continue their strong showing. Record is 4-1-1

Colorado Avalanche: Very surprised by this, with their first game beating San Jose. I hope that Colorado will keep fighting like they are doing, and I see a playoff run. Record is 3-1-1

Edmonton Oilers: Great to see this team keeping a strong showing in this division. The Bulin Wall is a great addition to the team and they are showing a 3-1-1 record.

Vancouver Canucks: Very surprised here. I would have expected more from them, they showed great promise in the off season and pre season, and now they are riding a 2-3 record.

Minnesota Wild: I still hope this team will be able to pull themselves out of the hole that was made with their record, 1-3. I will always root for the Wild, being the, in my opinion, biggest underdog in all of the NHL.

Pacific Division

Los Angeles Kings: I like seeing big underdog teams from last year pulling off great wins, but my team is San Jose, and look at these guys. Hah. Anyways, I honestly think they kings will continue like this for a while, but I do not think they will be able to continue it all season. Surprise me, LA.

San Jose Sharks: So far, so good. I like what I see with the Sharks and their strong lines. All of their lines are producing great shots and goals. They were beaten by a couple of seemingly underdog teams, Colorado and LA just to name a few, but they pulled off great victories over Minnesota and Anaheim. With their Thornton and Heater lines, and some greater showing by Nabby, they will be contenders for the President’s Trophy and some more playoff runs, maybe without the first round exit please?

Phoenix Coyotes: I like to see this team pulling off wins, even their SO win last night over the Sharks. They were a major losing team last year, and nearly got bought out of Phoenix, and now they are showing their strong force against everyone in the NHL. Will this be able to fix their debt problems? Heck no, Phoenix is a horrible city for any sports, but I will continue to hope so.

Dallas Stars: Nothing surprising or new from this team, with a record of 1-0-3.

Anaheim Ducks: A tad surprising for the Ducks, but not that much. I am sure they will repeat like last year, minus the deep playoff runs.

Please join us at The NHL Arena and join in discussions about all of these teams on the boards. If you feel you need to comment on this, please feel free to comment on the blog, I will happily respond.