We’re a little past halfway of the season and I already see some Stanley Cup contenders in the mix. We’ve seen moments of brilliance and I think we’re going to have a really fun playoffs.
The team that is looking hottest right now is definitely the Colorado Avalanche. They are on an eight game winning streak and are unbeatable at home. Nazem Kadri is having himself a super year and is racking up the points. Cale Makar is having fun scoring goals and has more goals than a few really good forwards. The goaltending has been rock solid and both goalies are playing fantastic. Pavel Francouz and Darcy Kuemper are making huge saves and have only given up a total of 6 goals in the last five games. This team is taking control of the Central Division and this finally might be their year to win the Cup.
Another team that is looking good is the Pittsburgh Penguins. After a slow start to the season, they have jumped into second and are playing well. Sidney Crosby’s line is scoring goals and their goalie Tristan Jarry is having a special year. He is hard to beat and the team can rely on him to save goals. They’re peaking at the right time and going into February, the other Metropolitan Division teams will have to watch out for them.
The team that I feel as sagged back a little in the month of January is the Washington Capitals. They’re not doing great at home and are having a hard time scoring goals. The biggest killer for them is the Power Play. They haven’t scored in 16 tries and have the third worst power play percentage in the league. The defense clears the puck too easily and they don’t really get clear cut chances. Their puck movement can improve and puck handling has to be better. They get a lot of chances per game with the man advantage but just have to capitalize on it. February is a new month and this team has to get going before they slip out of the playoff hunt.
Other teams like the Maple Leafs, Panthers, Blues, Lighting, Predators, Golden Knights, Bruins, and Ducks are also looking good but we still have a lot of time before the playoffs so a lot could change. Will the Avs continue being awesome? Will the Caps bounce back? Still a lot of games left in this marvelous NHL season.
THE END