Where do teams stand in the NHL?
The NHL season is in full swing and after one month we are getting an idea of what the landscape will look like as we head deep into winter.
NHL Lines & Matchup Insight
The cream is already starting to rise to the top in the NHL. Montreal bounced back from a pair of unflattering outings and still holds top spot, the Stars look like they are for real and the Blues are once again one of the top Regular Season teams in the game.
So where does your favorite team sit after one month of Regular Season hockey? Let’s take a look.
1. Montreal Canadiens (11-2-0) Two Weeks Ago: 1
The Habs dropped to games on the road last week – no big deal. There is nothing to panic about Canadiens fans – unless Price’s injury is more than we think. Montreal is still the best team in the NHL (+26 goal differential) and has bounced back with two straight wins (without Price).
2. Dallas Stars (9-3-0) Two Weeks Ago: 4
Dallas has the second best record in the NHL after the first month – the offense and the defense seem to be doing their part. The Stars have built themselves quite a lineup –an ugly loss in Toronto on Monday night doesn’t have me deterred. Seguin, Benn and Patrick Sharp are a handful indeed and made Dallas the early season surprise.
3. St. Louis Blues (8-2-1) Two Weeks Ago: 2
The Blues enter the week on a three game win streak and the third best record in the NHL. The Blues will be a top 5 club all season – Ken Hitchcock has this team built to do so.
4. Washington Capitals (8-2-0) Two Weeks Ago: 12
The Caps are 8-2 on the season – Braden Holtby has a 1.90 goals against average so far this season and the offense is doing its part. The Caps are looking good – with Ovy, anything is possible.
5. Los Angeles Kings (7-3-0) Two Weeks Ago: 21
The Kings entered Monday night’s game in Chicago on a seven game win streak after inexplicably starting the season 0-3. Los Angeles looks more like the contender we thought they’d be.
6. New York Rangers (7-2-2) Two Weeks Ago: 6
Not too much to not like about how the Rangers are playing – two straight wins – ho hum and a league low 21 goals against. The Rangers look like a powerhouse again folks – like it or not.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins (7-4-0) Two Weeks Ago: 19
Don’t look now but the Penguins have caught fire. Four wins in a row has the creeping up the standings – finally. Phil Kessel playing with Evgeni Malkin has made all the difference – Kessel wasn’t a fit for Crosby at all.
8. Nashville Predators (7-2-2) Two Weeks Ago: 5
The Preds got just one of a possible four points in California this past weekend but are still 7-2-2 on the season. James Neal, Seth Jones and She Weber are a terrific core and Pekka Rinne has played well so far.
9. Minnesota Wild (7-2-2) Two Weeks Ago: 7
The Wild lost in OT Saturday against a very good St. Louis team – they now have at least a point in nine of their first 11 games. They have everything going and are a worthy top 10.
10. New York Islanders (6-3-3) Two Weeks Ago: 8
The Isles round out the top 10 – they have been just OK but were forced to play without John Tavares twice last week. Jaroslav Halak has a 1.78 goals against so far – superb.
11. Winnipeg Jets (7-4-1) Two Weeks Ago: 9
The Jets are another team that has looked just OK lately. They still have the eighth best record in the NHL but are coming off an ugly loss to the Habs at home. This team has been just average at home so far – that won’t last.
12. Boston Bruins (6-3-1) Two Weeks Ago: 20
Started the season 0-3 but have gone 6-0-1 since. Things have really calmed down in Boston which is a good thing for this team. Boston is a better than average team-any way you slice it – worthy of the last spot on the dirty dozen.
14. Vancouver Canucks (5-2-4) Two Weeks Ago: 11
15. Chicago Blackhawks (6-5-0) Two Weeks Ago: 16
16. Ottawa Senators (5-4-2) Two Weeks Ago: 14
17. Detroit Red Wings (5-5-1) Two Weeks Ago: 13
18. New Jersey Devils (6-4-1) Two Weeks Ago:
19. Florida Panthers (5-4-2) Two Weeks Ago: 15
20. Arizona Coyotes (5-5-1) Two Weeks Ago: 17
21. Philadelphia Flyers (4-4-2) Two Weeks Ago: 18
22. San Jose Sharks (6-5-0) Two Weeks Ago: 3
23. Carolina Hurricanes (5-7-0) Two Weeks Ago: 28
24. Buffalo Sabres (5-7-0) Two Weeks Ago: 26
25. Edmonton Oilers (4-8-0) Two Weeks Ago: 23
26. Calgary Flames (3-8-1) Two Weeks Ago: 29
27. Toronto Maple Leafs (1-7-2) Two Weeks Ago: 24
28. Colorado Avalanche (3-7-1) Two Weeks Ago: 22
29. Anaheim Ducks (2-7-2) Two Weeks Ago: 25
30. Columbus Blue Jackets (2-10-0) Two Weeks Ago: 30
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