Happy Holidays!
Since we have no hockey for the next few days I thought it might be a good chance to look at where these teams actually are at this point. Lets break them into four categories.
Contenders: They have a legit shot at the big silver trophy Pretenders: They look good now, but it feels like a mirage about break. Surrenders: They are playing hockey out of a contractual obligation and aren't a threat yet at all Mind Benders They are baffling us all....
Play along in the comments by telling me what you think they team is and what you're afraid they actually could be...
The Metro Division: Teams are listed in their current position in the standings
#1. Carolina:
I think they are contenders, but I'm afraid they could be pretenders.
I am not sold on Andersen and his ability to play at this level. Also not sure DeAngelo is going to be able to continue to play the part of Dougie Hamilton
#2. Washington
I think they are pretenders, but I'm afraid they could be contenders.
Ovechkin is playing out of his mind and possessed hockey. I really believe in their goaltending, but not sold on their defense or their depth scoring should AO come back to anywhere close to reality.
#3. Rangers
I think they are contenders, but I'm afraid they could be mind-benders.
I picked the Rangers to win the division and go to the Cup Finals, so the fact they are 1 point back from first place and have a 700 winning percentage is not surprising to me. Panarin is the best UFA signing of the last three decades, Shesterkin is a superstar already, Fox is 1A with Makar, and Gallant has fit like a glove. The reason I 'm afraid they could be "mind-benders" is they might be better than even I thought. The fact they have thrived without their #1 goalie is stunning.
#4. Penguins
I think they are pretenders, but I'm afraid they could be contenders.
What they have done truly sounds like the work of a coach of the year. Sullivan has made all the right moves despite having so many "star" players...and having faith in Jarry may be the biggest and gutsiest play of all. The "other" players on this team have grown from the ice-time and confidence gained. How they play when completely healthy will be interesting...will the players who have carried them sit back and wait for the stars to lead them?
#5. Columbus
I think they are pretenders, but I'm afraid they could be mid-benders.
The Jackets were picked by almost everyone to finish dead last, and yet they find themselves on the playoff bubble...again. The Jackets have spent several years being the Predators of the East. A team that shouldn't be as dangerous as they always end up being. Especially this year. Who thought they could better defensively after losing Seth Jones. And yet here they are. Elvis has entered the building...
#6. Philadelphia
I think they are mind-benders, but I'm afraid they could be contenders.
The Flyers have as much talent as anyone in this division. When they are playing at the top of their game they can beat anyone. They have a nice blend of youth and experience...with more youth coming. They have a young goalie who is capable of carrying a team, but they have the biggest drop off from starter to back-up in the division and without an upgrade they can't compete in a division this strong. They are "playing for each other' right now but they need a coach like a Rick Tocchet that they fear a little more in my opinion.
#7. New Jersey
I think they are mind-benders, but I'm afraid they could be pretenders.
I picked the Devils to make the playoffs, and there are points that they look like they could be there in a year or two. They have played without JAck Hughes a lot and I keep hearing that Hughes and Lindy Ruff don't appear to be a great match. Hughes could be Patrik Kane but he needs maturity and he needs a coach that gets him. The Devils could still surprise people and play their way into this race, but probably not with Ruff at the helm. The Devils could sweep in and grab Tocchet if the Flyers decide to not make a change. The Devils have one of the most underrated GMs in Tom Fitzgerald. They also have what may be the least known of the young stud goalies, but might turn into being one of the best in MacKenzie Blackwood.
#8. NY Islanders.
I think they are contenders , but I'm afraid they could be surrenders.
Yes. I feel that the Isles could still be contenders...They need to make a few moves and Lou knows this. He is actively pursuing two top four d men who can move the puck and jump start the transition game. They have an absolute superstar in Sorokin, but Lou has made some fatal flaw moves in bringing in strong personalities who have confused the room and made them too slow for the current NHL. The Islanders young players need to be the driving force of this team and right now they are lost...I expect Lou to be very aggressive in the Ben Chiarot sweeps...
Do you agree with these assessments? Let me know in the comments.
Who are your Contender, Pretenders, Surrenders, or Mind-benders?