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Allen:Who should panic and who shouldn't in the NHL early going? Tues Buzz

October 18, 2021, 6:19 PM ET [43 Comments]
Eklund
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The Montreal Canadiens were in the Stanley Cup Final a few months ago and today they are 0-3. The New York Islanders are one of the NHL Stanley Cup favorites and they look like they have forgotten how to play defense.

The Blackhawks are giving up too many goals and the Winnipeg Jets don't look right. Are the Tampa Bay Lightning in trouble because of Nikita Kucherov's injury?

We are only one week into the season. Should anyone be panicking right now? Let's look at some of the struggling teams:

1. Nikita Kucherov will be out an extended period with an undisclosed injury.

The Lightning are not in the same position they were in last season when Kucherov missed the entire season. Their depth has been eroded. Plus, the Florida Panthers continue to improve. But the Lightning still have a potent offense, the NHL's No. 1 goalie and Victor Hedman on the defense. Kucherov will go on Long Term Injured Reserve, freeing up some salary cap space to find replacement goals. We know general manager Julien BriseBois has a keen ability to pull rabbits out of his hat when it comes to the playoffs. Without Kucherov, the Lightning will still make the playoffs. All they need is a seat at the playoff table and they will earn that.
Should the Lightning be panicking? Not for even a second.

2. The Blackhawks have surrendered 13 goals in two games?

The Blackhawks wanted to instantly transform themselves into a playoff team. That's why they acquired Seth Jones, Caleb Jones, Marc-Andre Fleury and Tyler Johnson. The problem is the Blackhawks' defense still isn't good enough. The Blackhawks have known that since they started rebuilding their roster. GM Stan Bowman has worked the phones trying to acquire a veteran defenseman. He's been even more aggressive in that regard since the season started.
Should the Blackhawks be panicking? Absolutely. If they don't fix that defense, they can't make the playoffs.






3. Max Pacioretty is out "week-to-week" with a lower body injury

Adding to the Vegas Golden Knights' woes: Alex Tuch is also out with a long-term injury and Mark Stone has a short-term injury. Coach Pete DeBoer said these injuries should inspire the Golden Knights to play a more committed defensive game. On the plus side, the Pacific Division is a forgiving division. As long as Robin Lehner is a stingy goaltender, the Golden Knights should have enough wins to make the playoffs.
Should the Golden Knights be panicking? No reason to as long as the defensive game is sound.

4. The Montreal Canadiens are the NHL's only 0-3 team.

Defenseman Shea Weber is too banged up to play. Goalkeeper Carey Price is out for a month or longer. Jesperi Kotkaniemi has jumped to Carolina. Phillip Danault left to play in Los Angeles. All of the Habs' postseason karma has rubbed off. The Canadiens have been outscored 10-3 in their three losses.
Should the Canadiens be panicking? Yes indeed. They are not likely to make the playoffs this season. Florida, Tampa Bay, Toronto and Boston are going to get those postseason qualifying spots.

5. New York Islanders gave up 11 goals in two losses to start the season?


With Barry Trotz coaching, the Islanders play the "right way." That's why pundits believe they have a true shot to win the Stanley Cup this season. But the Islanders looked porous, shaky and sloppy in losing 6-3 to Carolina and 5-1 to Florida to start the season. First, let's not forget those are two quality opponents. Second, let's remember the Islanders' defense is adjusting to new roles with Nick Leddy no longer on the team. Third, Semyon Varlamov is still not playing.
Finally, maybe the Islanders just need mulligans to start the round.
Should the Islanders be panicking? No way.
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