NHL: The Season So Far and What to Expect in 2015
As the end of 2014 approaches, so too does the midway point of the NHL season. I believe this is a good time to reflect on what has happened so far and what to expect in 2015.
Every season we’re treated to some surprises: an obscure journeyman leading the NHL in scoring, a bottom-feeding team sitting atop the standings or a rookie drafted in the fifth round making an early case for a Calder Trophy.
By the time late December rolls around, teams have begun to get into a groove and players are far removed from training camp. Everyone is in mid-season form and the cream begins to rise.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie always says not to trust anything you see in the NHL until Christmas. Well, that’s where we’ll be in just two days. Here’s what I see in the NHL so far, and what I believe will continue in 2015.
Predators showing their teeth
The Nashville Predators currently sit just two points behind the Chicago Blackhawks for top spot in the tough Central Division, with two games in hand. They show no signs of slowing down, having won three games in a row and seven of their last 10, registering big wins against the Bruins and Blues during that span.
Under new head coach Peter Laviolette, the team has played a more up-tempo style and their forwards have been able to consistently produce offense. At +27, they have the second best goal differential in the Western Conference.
With Pekka Rinne in Vezina Trophy form and a return to form from Mike Ribeiro, the Predators are in good shape to return to the post-season for the first time since 2011-12.
Return to glory on Long Island
In the last few seasons, betting on the Islanders has been a risky proposition. It seems every time they take a step forward, they follow it up by taking two steps back. Not this year.
With the addition of Jaroslav Halak in net and Johnny Boychuk & Nick Leddy on defense, the back-end has stabilized. The Islanders are allowing 2 shots and 0.5 goals per game less than last season.
Coupled with a more balanced offense, thanks in large part to the maturation of young talents like Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome, an improved defensive game has made the Islanders not just a surprise team, but a real contender in the Eastern Conference.
They’ve won four in a row and head into the new year on a roll. If John Tavares can catch fire in the new year, the Islanders could easily go into the post-season as the top seed.
Hard work will only take you so far
The Calgary Flames stormed out of the gate with a 17-8-2 record in their first 27 games. They enjoyed breakout performances from early Norris Trophy favorite Mark Giordano and his defense partner TJ Brodie, as well as youngsters Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.
The Flames developed an identity as a hard-working team with a relentless forecheck, solid goaltending and a much tighter defensive game.
In the last three weeks or so, the lack of top-end skill and experience seems to have finally caught up with them. They went through a tough eight game losing streak and now find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs.
Add to that the fact that they’ve played the most games in the Western Conference, and the recipe is there for a further slide in the standings in the new year.
More from NHL
- NHL Rumors: Legendary Patrice Bergeron retires, which 3 players could be next to hang up their skates?
- NHL Rumors: Latest on Hart, Hellebuyck, Gibson trade possibilities
- NHL Rumors: 5 forwards most likely to sign early extensions this summer
- NHL Rumors: Where things stand with Erik Karlsson, Penguins and Hurricanes
- NHL Rumors: Penguins nearly traded for Erik Karlsson at deadline
Resurgence in Columbus
Only five teams in the NHL have fewer points than the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 31. Expect that to change in 2015.
The Blue Jackets came into the season with high hopes after a very strong showing last season, giving the Pittsburgh Penguins all they could handle in their six game first round loss.
After winning eight of their last 10 and finally getting some players back from injury, the Jackets are beginning to climb the Eastern Conference ladder.
With several teams ahead of them struggling to play consistent hockey and the confidence gained from recent wins against the Penguins, Lightning and Blackhawks, the Blue Jackets could make the unlikeliest of climbs back into playoff contention by the time April rolls around.
Capital gains
At the beginning of December, Barry Trotz had his Washington Capitals sitting at 10-10-4 and not looking very good. What a difference a month makes.
The Capitals have gone 7-0-2 since, allowing just 17 goals while scoring 29.
Trotz’ system is beginning to take shape and if the recent trend holds, it will make the Capitals a tough team to beat in the new year.
With the Penguins and Islanders being such strong offensive opponents in their division, the improved Washington defense will have to continue if they hope to make a deep run this spring.
The cream of the crop
In the last few weeks, we’ve seen the cream rise to the top of the NHL.
The Chicago Blackhawks are rolling and head into Christmas having gone 11-1-1 in their last 13 games.
During that span, they’ve allowed more than two goals just four times and spent most of it without star winger Patrick Sharp who recently returned from an injury.
Offensive contributions from all four lines and exceptional goaltending have made the Blackhawks arguably the best team in the NHL so far.
While they may be five points behind the Penguins for the Eastern Conference lead, the Montreal Canadiens have shown a depth and consistency they haven’t had in a few years.
Nine million dollar man PK Subban is having a career season, and the newly formed top line of Max Pacioretty, Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher has been on fire and will likely give opponents fits for years to come.
But the biggest reason I believe the Habs are the top team: Carey Price.
Offense wins you games. That’s why the Penguins occupy the East’s top spot. But a world-class goaltender like Carey Price, coupled with timely scoring and the team speed that Montreal possesses, can be enough to overcome a great offense in a seven game series.
If I had to choose a Stanley Cup Final match-up today, it would be Chicago versus Montreal, and I think that would be the most entertaining Final the NHL has seen in years.