Some teams in the NHL are looking red-hot right now so I’m going to tell more about them. As many of you probably now, the NHL has shortened the season to 56 games because of the pandemic so we are about halfway through this season. We can already see some teams moving on to the playoffs but upsets could occur and the whole division could shift. This is the time of the season when you want your players to be healthy and fit so you don’t have a late collapse. I’m going to tell you some teams which have slowed down after their quick start and the teams who are starting to find their rhythm.
Toronto Maple Leafs: This team has just fallen, I am stunned at their recent form. They are on a 3 game losing streak and even though they’re first, the Oilers and Jets are getting close to taking command of the division. They had a flying start to the season with Auston Matthews being the center of it but they have suddenly just dropped down. The whole North division except the Senators are within 7 points of the Leafs so if they want a playoff spot, they have to start winning like they used to do.
New York Islanders- A little while ago, the Islanders looked confident and had a giant winning streak when they were in 1st place. But now, they are on a 2 game losing skid and the teams in 3rd and 4th are catching up to the Isles. Even worse news for them, Anders Lee one of their key players is out for the season and has to take surgery. He was a captain and a splendid player so it is heartbreaking to lose him. They have the Flyers, Bruins, and Penguins next so that should be a test for them. Barry Trotz led the Capitals to glory in 2018 out of nowhere so I’m sure he has some magic up his sleeve to get the Islanders into the playoffs.
Washington Capitals- this team is coming together and playing as a team now. They have a lot of good news coming their way. Tom Wilson is back from his 7 game suspension, goalie Ilya Samsonov is back from the COVID reserve list, Ovechkin is scoring as he got those two late goals in the 3rd period to beat the Rangers on Friday night, T.J Oshie is finding his scoring feet again, and the Isles are losing which gives the Caps the opportunity to go into 1st place. It is important to have a healthy roster especially at this time of the season and they have which is tremendous. They are riding a 7 game winning streak and are looking like the team who won the Stanley Cup in 2018. Last year was a terrible playoff year for them but I have a feeling this is their year.
Top 3 teams of the West Division; Las Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Minnesota Wild-
The Wild are an underdog team. I did certainly not expect them to be in 3rd but here they are. I feel the rookie Krill Kaprizov is a player which really helped them. He has a bright future in the NHL as well as a game changer for the Wild. He can score goals, get assists and till now has not disappointed Dean Evason, the head coach. I believe the Wild can hold on to their spot and get the 3rd of 4 playoff spots in the West.
Colorado Avalanche- The Avs are finally getting back on track. They had some injuries earlier but are now a fit team as they are in 2nd place. Rantanen, MacKinnon, and Landeskog are finally making a big impact as they are also on a 5 game unbeaten run. The Avs get broken every year in the playoffs but will this be their year to shine?
Las Vegas Golden Knights- Every year since the Knights were brought into the NHL, they have made the playoffs. In their first year, they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals which was crazy. It looks like another one of those years as they are in 1st place currently. It seems like every player is good on their team. Mark Stone has 25 assists, Max Pacioretty has 16 goals, and Shea Theodore has 18 assists. They even have an amazing goalie Fleury who is playing really well this year. This team is stacked with play-making players and are one of the best teams this year. They are on a 5 game winning streak and hope to keep that up as they play some tough teams upcoming.
There were two teams who are struggling as of lately and 3 Western teams and a East team who are all doing marvelous till now. Will these 4 teams continue to hold their spot and maintain it or will some teams fly up to challenge them?
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