News is coming fast and furious:
The NHL has suspended Philadelphia defenseman Radko Gudas for six games for his hit on Boston forward Austin Czarnik.
The Calgary Flames have given their fans a present on Thanksgiving Monday, as Sportsbet's Elliotte Friedman reports that they have signed forward Johnny Gaudreau to a six-year, $40.5 Million deal ($6.75 Million AAV)
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All I can say is THANK GOD the NHL season starts in two days. We are all badly in need of a diversion from this crazy world.
Let's get right to it...
On the Atlantic Division...
This is always a turbulent division because it houses some of the fiercest rivalries and deepest history in the 100 year old NHL. This is a division of teams moving in the right direction, it's just a matter of "how right and how quickly they can get there." Many say they see this division much like last year, with three teams only making it, while five come from the Metro......so let's see.
#8. The Detroit Red Wings.
Before I begin, understand that I believe the bottom four teams in this division could finish in any which order...We could be talking 6 points separating 4 teams...I just see the Wings as having the least room for growth this season, while long-term I love the young players on this team. The Wings 25 year streak will come to an end. There is a reason they were ALL IN on Stamkos. The top people here know losing Datsyuk is not easy. They made a few great signings this off season, and Dylan Larkin is one of my favorite players in several years...but I don't see enough players or the right balance here to get them over the top.
#7 Buffalo Sabres.
The Sabres are young as well of course and missing some key pieces, but were more aggressive and added more of the right kind of parts this summer. Jack Eichel sort of played 5th fiddle at the World Cup to so many other great scorers, but what Jack brings not many others have. He has levels to his game that he is still unlocking. He also has the ability to find parts of his game when needed that make for a winner...Bylsma has done a great job setting the table and teaching this team...
#6 Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs have a ton of young talent and will be enjoyable to watch. Auston Matthews will keep Leaf fans waiting on the edge of their seats for every next shift...Babcock will get them working hard and for the first time in years this team will be OK when they show signs of winning. But the Leafs don't have the balance of youth and experience needed to make them a legit playoff contender...They can go get that however. The young players might get out to a quick start, but much like what we have seen in Edmonton over the years it takes more than youth and pedigree. Unlike what we have see in Edmonton, I believe this management/coaching staff gets that point and will make the moves needed down the line...Tank nation is dead...well, at least for now.
#5 Boston Bruins.
Like Detroit, the Bruins are going to be alright long term, but they showed incredible inconsistency last season and really struggled down the stretch with coming up with any sort of identity. The youth and talent of Pasternik is undeniable and the goaltending of Rask, as long as he stays healthy, can keep the Bruins in any game. But they struggled last year and I don't see them replacing what they lost in a really positive way. I love Dave Backes, but to make him such a huge signing and expect so much from him....would you rather have Eriksson for less money and less years? I don't see this team's management really accepting how hard this could be. They knew they needed help on D and went HARD for Trouba and Shattenkirk at the Draft...but weren't willing to give up what was needed.
#4. Florida Panthers.
The Panthers will be in a season long battle for a playoff spot and may well land one. The talent on this team is undeniable and the coaching is solid. The pressure is really on them this year as well. Much hangs on Roberto Luongo and James Reimer. The Panthers won the division last year and shocked the world...but mostly because they got amazing goaltending...As great a story as Jagr is....he can't lead your team in scoring...
#3. Ottawa Senators.
Yes Virginia, There will be Canadian teams in the playoffs...Two in this division to be exact. The Ottawa Senators were disappointing last year after that amazing cinderella run of two years ago. Sometimes history tells us that teams will get very hot, then have a terrible season before they return to be the team we initially saw when they were hot. Especially young teams. Last year's Sharks were an example of this. The Senators also made a really smart hiring in Guy Boucher...and similar to this team, Boucher had quick early success before struggling...and now he is back...But he is back after learning a ton over the season. Just a hunch the Sens will be the surprise team of this division.
#2. Montreal Canadiens.
There is no doubt that Carey Price is the best goalie in the world right now and he looks it. The additions of Shaw and Weber will work out very well. I think Shaw could be a 25 goal guy, and Shea Weber will do more than just his own job, but he will direct traffic like only he can do. The scoring will return and Galcheynuk will hopefully stick at Center and have another fantastic season. This is a dangerous team...
#1 Tampa Bay Lightning.
What else can you say about the Lightning. They are far and away the best team in this division on almost every front. They have the player I feel is the league's best D-man in Hedman and everything they are about is winning a Stanley Cup...At which they have a legit shot. Tampa has it all and they came incredibly close the last two years...
We discussed the Atlantic Division on Today's BuzzCast...
Only two days left to get your ten into the HockeyBuzz Fantasy Game!