Here is our weekly look at the Atlantic Division of the NHL. For those of you keeping track, we skipped last week due to the fact that the Lightning played a Sunday game. We are back at it today with a look at where things stand. After the first month of play, the cream of the division seems to be rising to the top. Here is our Atlantic Watch.
Atlantic Division Watch – Top Four Teams
Florida Panthers – The reigning Stanley Cup champions are making their case to become repeat champs. The Panthers are riding a seven game winning streak and are beginning to separate from the division. Working on all cylinders, their special teams and offense are among the league leaders. If there is a weakness and that is a big if, it’s their goals against. It’s about the only team stat where they are not in the top ten.
Toronto Maple Leafs – If it wasn’t for the Panthers, the Leafs would be the hottest team in the division. Winners of their last three games, Toronto seems to be finding the consistency missing in the early part of the season. Leading this team is the play of goalie Anthony Stolarz. He is saving 93% of the shots he’s faced. He is also giving up only 2.00 goals a game. Those numbers have carried this team.
Boston Bruins – Boston’s special teams are below average. Their offense seems non-existent at 27th in the league. Last week they went 2-1-1. Maybe it’s smoke and mirrors but teams with veteran leaders seem to know how to win. They can pull a W even when things aren’t going well. Either that or the rest of the division’s brutal play in the last two weeks is helping the Bruins.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Speaking of brutal performances, the Lightning completed a goose egg of a week. Three straight losses though they did get a point in a shootout loss to Philadelphia. Their special teams are still struggling. While their goals per game is still top ten in the league, their goals against is middle of the pack. One bright spot is their team face off percentage is finally over 50%.
Atlantic Watch – Bottom Four Teams
Buffalo Sabres – Like Toronto, the Sabres are riding a three game winning streak that is keeping them in the race for the postseason. Their team stats are unimpressive. Special teams, team offense and team defense are all struggling. The lone bright spot it seems is goalie Ukki Lekkonen. Saving 91% of the shots he’s faced, giving up only 2.64 goals per game is top notch. He’s giving his team a chance to win.
Ottawa Senators – The Senators appear to be an average team. Middle of the league in most team stats except power play. They are fourth in the league converting 31% of their power play chances. The Senators may have a goalie controversy on their hands. Season starter Linus Ullmark continues to struggle and his backup Anton Forsberg is stepping up.
Detroit Red Wings – Detroit continues to struggle offensively. Ranked 30th in the league in goals per game. Add to that a swiss cheese penalty kill and it is no wonder they are seventh in the division. They are getting good goaltending from both Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot. Both are saving over 91% of the shots they have faced. They are both also giving up less than three goals a game. But when you can’t score, even good goaltending isn’t enough.
Montreal Canadiens – Bringing up the divisional rear are the Canadiens. It may be a long season for Marty St. Louis. Their team defense is horrible. They are giving up over four goals a game. The only team in the league that can make that claim.
Look Ahead to Next Week
Florida Panthers: Three games, all at home against New Jersey twice and the Winnipeg Jets.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Three games – two at home and one on the road. Ottawa and Winnipeg at home and Washington on the road.
Boston Bruins: Three games, two on the road. They travel to St. Louis and then Dallas and come home to play St. Louis.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Two home games with two tough opponents. Winnipeg and then New Jersey.
Buffalo Sabres: Three games with first two at home against Montreal then St. Louis. They end the week on the road in Philadelphia.
Ottawa Senators: Three games with a home game sandwiched between two road games. Facing the Leafs in Toronto then home against Philadelphia. They close the week in Carolina.
Detroit Red Wings: Three games all on the road. First Pittsburgh then heading west to face Anaheim and Los Angeles.
Montreal Canadiens: Three games this week. First two on the road at Buffalo and Minnesota. They then come home to face Columbus.
