The month of December is rolling along. In most divisions in the NHL, the contenders are separating themselves from the pretenders. The Atlantic Division is no different. The same teams that were in the top four in the divisional standings remained. Now, the challenge for the bottom four teams are to try and crack that top four. Here is our weekly look at the Atlantic Division – The Atlantic Watch for the week that just ended December 8, 2024.
Atlantic Division Watch – Top Four Teams
Florida Panthers – The reigning Cup champions had a very good week. They went 2-0-1. Granted it wasn’t a difficult schedule as two of the three teams they faced are below .500 teams. But, strong contenders beat the teams they are supposed to beat. Their captain, Matthew Tkachuk had a great week with 5 goals and 6 assists for the Panthers.
Toronto Maple Leafs – In four games this week, the Leafs won two and lost two. In his first full week in the last three weeks, Auston Matthews led the team in scoring with 3 goals. With hopes of surpassing Florida atop the division, they cannot play .500 hockey.
Boston Bruins – The Bruins had a tremendous week winning four of four games. Two of those victories were in overtime. Something true Cup contenders tend to do. Last week, Boston was at the bottom of the league in goals per game. They jumped from 32nd place to 25th place in goals per game. Five players scored two or more goals this week, led by Brad Marchand’s three goals.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Good news: The Lightning won every game on the schedule last week. Bad News: They only played the San Jose Sharks, the 3rd worst team in the league. But hey, the Bolts didn’t make the schedule. Frankly, the win over the Sharks was one of the best games the team played all season. The challenge will be for them to bring the same level of compete over the next few games.
Atlantic Watch – Bottom Four Teams
Ottawa Senators – Not a bad week for the Senators. They went 2-0-1. They also jumped up two spots in the division. Goalie Linus Ullmark led the team. He stopped 87 of 92 shots for a 94.6 save percentage. He also allowed only 1.7 goals last week. This kind of goaltending can lift a team that may struggle in other areas.
Buffalo Sabres – The Sabres didn’t win a game two weeks ago. They replicated that effort with three losses in three games this week. Second consecutive week going 0-2-1. Another week like this and they will be a solid pretender.
Detroit Red Wings – Big step back this week for Detroit. They went 0-2-2. Derek Lalonde is not making any long term purchases. His stability as coach for the Red Wings has to be in question.
Montreal Canadiens – For most teams in the league going 2-2 in a week isn’t going to cut it. For Montreal, it’s a good week. They looked good in wins against the Islanders and Predators. But looked bad in losses to Boston and Washington. Few bright spots thus far in their season. s.
Look Ahead to Next Week
Florida Panthers: Three games this week again but a tougher schedule than last week. All three games are on the road and on the west coast. Seattle, Vancouver and Calgary are on tap.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Two road games sandwiching a home game is on schedule for the Leafs. First up, New Jersey before a home game against Anaheim. They close out the week on the road in Detroit.
Boston Bruins: Tough schedule this week. Three games, all on the road. First up, Winnipeg then onto Seattle and Vancouver.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Four games this week. All of them on the road. Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Seattle. Only Seattle is under .500 by one game.
Ottawa Senators: Four games this week. Three at home. Islanders, Anaheim and Pittsburgh with one road game at Carolina in between.
Buffalo Sabres: Three games with the first two at home. The Sabres host Detroit and the Rangers. Then they go on the road in Washington.
Detroit Red Wings: Three game week. First on the road in Buffalo then off to Philadelphia. They close the week at home against Toronto.
Montreal Canadiens: Three games on the schedule this week. First two at home against Anaheim and Pittsburgh. Then at home to host Winnipeg.
