The Holidays are almost upon us and with it the NHL Holiday break. There were a couple of flip flops in the standings in the Atlantic Division. Toronto and Florida flipped the #1 and #2 spots. Toronto is now on top of the division. Detroit and Buffalo flipped the # 6 and #7 spots with the Red Wings moving ahead of the Sabres. All the other teams stayed in the same slot as last week. Here is our weekly look at the Atlantic Division – The Atlantic Watch for the week that just ended December 15, 2024.
Atlantic Division Watch – Top Four Teams
Toronto Maple Leafs – Had three games this past week and won the first two. Lost last night against Detroit but still took over the #1 spot in the division. Primarily, because of the bad week the Panthers had. Both goalies are continuing their stellar play. Joseph Woll is technically the backup but is saving 91.8% of the shots he has faced. He’s also allowing only 2.24 goals against. Anthony Stolarz, the starter, is saving 92.7% of the shots he has seen and allowing 2.15 goals against. Goaltending like this is the mark of a solid Cup contender..
Florida Panthers – The Panthers went 1-2 this week. Last two games were the losses and they didn’t score a goal in either game. As a result, they dropped to 2nd place in the Atlantic. They are too good a team to have a long scoring drought but there may be some concern here.
Boston Bruins – The Bruins had a bad week. Going 1-2. Of some concern were the two losses by a combined score of 13 to 2. They did turn it around last night with a 5-1 win against Vancouver. They dropped again in scoring in the league to the 29th spot. Their goal differential is minus 19.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Great week for the Lightning as they went 3-1 on the west coast. Their only loss was 2-1 to Edmonton. Heading back home with their top line of Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and newcomer Jake Guentzel are the hottest line in the league. Area of concern are the nagging injuries every team faces. Their top defensive pairing missed the last game with J.J. Moser, being put on Injured Reserve. Victor Hedman should be day to day.
Atlantic Watch – Bottom Four Teams
Ottawa Senators – Last week started out bad for Ottawa with a loss to the Islanders but they bounced back. Three consecutive wins to finish out a great week. Drake Batherson had a hat trick against Anaheim. Shane Pinto scored two in a 3-0 win at Carolina. Brady Tkachuk scored an OT winner last night against Pittsburgh.
Detroit Red Wings – Red Wings went 2-1 this past week including a big 4-2 win against Toronto Jumping up in the standings may save their coaches job.
Buffalo Sabres – The Sabres went a third consecutive week going 0-2-1. Sliding down the standings. This team is about to blow this season.
Montreal Canadiens – The Canadiens went 1-2. Probably thinking at least we aren’t Buffalo. Coach Marty St. Louis doesn’t have enough answers and this team is going nowhere fast.
Look Ahead to Next Week
Toronto Maple Leafs: Four game week with two home games bookending two road games. Hosting Buffalo and the Islanders. Hitting the road to face Dallas then Buffalo.
Florida Panthers: Their west coast trip continues for the first game this week in Edmonton. Then they’re off to Minnesota before returning home to host St. Louis.
Boston Bruins: Another tough schedule this week. Three games, first two on the west coast in Calgary and Edmonton. Then it’s home to host the Sabres.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Two home games this week should help them stay hot. Columbus and St. Louis on the schedule.
Ottawa Senators: Heading to the west coast for three games. Facing Seattle, Calgary and Vancouver will be a challenge.
Detroit Red Wings: Three game week. First two at home versus Philadelphia before facing Montreal in a home and home set next weekend.
Buffalo Sabres: Four games with three on the road. Toronto, Montreal and Boston on the road and a home game against Toronto.
Montreal Canadiens: Three games on the schedule this week. Three winnable games against Buffalo then a home and home set with Detroit.
