I will be back with some fun rumors for you, but first...some crowdsourcing..
We are about to hit two monumental moments in every NHL season....US Thanksgiving is next week and NHL teams are about to hit the 1/4 pole. In this season, more than any I can remember at least, we have more surprises at both ends of the spectrum. There are teams who most picked to NOT make the playoffs in playoff positions, and teams whom most picked as SURE THING playoff teams struggling along....
What's Real and What's Not?
With teams approaching the quarter pole of the season, it is a good time to look at those currently in a playoff spot and evaluate which one is most likely to come back down to earth.
The New Jersey Devils have surprised the league with their team speed and good goaltending from Cory Schneider, but will they begin to slow down as they did after a quick start two years ago. The LA Kings have Jonathan Quick back, their defense is deeper than most and Anze Kopitar has bounced back after a subpar, so they appear to be for real.
The Islanders are riding the wave of John Tavares, but the goaltending tandem of Halak and Greiss leave something to be desired. Vegas is the Cinderella story of the league and keep winning, even with a fourth string goalie between the pipes, how long can that last?
Winnipeg is thriving because of a powerful offense and Connor Hellebuyck coming of age, but can they hold off powerhouse teams in the Central Division to earn a playoff spot?
You decide...
What team on the outside looking in will rebound?
Montreal, who without Carey Price have stabilized, but still have no consistent goal scoring? The Rangers appear to have found their way with balanced scoring and a power play quarterbacked by Kevin Shattenkirk, but does King Henrik still have what it takes?
Can Buffalo stay within range of a post-season spot with an injury-riddled defense…or Boston, without Krejci and Backes providing secondary offense? Can Philadelphia be in the mix with a young blueline and a tandem of Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth??
In the West, can Anaheim stay close until Getzlaf, Kesler and Fowler return? Will Minnesota be able to score enough and get the goaltending they need out of Devan Dubnyk? Does Edmonton have anything more than McDavid and Draisaitl, who have to do it by themselves on most nights? Can Chicago win with only Keith and Seabrook as dependable defenders on the blueline?
and Finally...
more to come....
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) August 2, 2017