With the first quarter of games this season in the book, there are many surprises this NHL season has brought about on both a team and individual player standpoint. From struggling team starts to major improvements, this season has raised some teams to the top and tanked others. Let's take a look at the rising underdogs of each division, as compared to their place in the standings at the conclusion of the 2015-2016 season.
Atlantic Division
Up: Ottawa Senators
Moving from fifth to second in a division in a matter of games is a huge accomplishment, and that's just what the Senators did. After falling far out from a playoff spot last season, Ottawa is looking like a contender for the playoffs, but only if they can continue their current success. Going forward, it will become especially important to stay out of the penalty box, increase production on the power play and ultimately win games on home ice.
Down: Florida Panthers
After winning this division last season, the Panthers are largely showing that last year was a one-time affair. It is hard to say exactly what this Florida team is lacking, other than courage. They are getting plenty of shots off, just not capitalizing on opportunities such as power plays. This team needs to find an identity (as they had with last year's success), or they will fail.
Central Division
Up: Minnesota Wild
The increased production of this team has one name attached to it: Eric Staal. While he seemed burned out in Carolina, his arrival in Minnesota has proved to be a great career move. The outstanding goaltending the Wild has received from Dubnyk and steady production from last year's roster prove that a few key players can change the dynamic of a team.
Down: Dallas Stars
From 109 points last season to 24 through a fourth of this season, Dallas appears to be struggling. The bottom line, the Dallas Stars can not kill penalties and are not as productive offensively as last season. Be aware, however, a small trade or new prospects added to the lineup could be enough to change the Star's tone. It is just a matter of time.
Metropolitan Division
Up: Columbus Blue Jackets
Finishing at the bottom of the Metropolitan division last season, the Blue Jackets have improved their goal differential to a +19 in the first 20 games from -33 at the end of last season. With an increase in goal production, Columbus has also found themselves increasing in the standings with as many points as the Washington Capitals through the first quarter.
Down: New York Islanders
With just seven wins in the first quarter, a seemingly improved Islanders team is off to a start that places them number 30/30 in the league standings. Aside from having more goals against than goals for, the team stats are not alarming. So what is the issue with this NY team? A coaching change is imminent if this capable team continues to give up leads in the final period.
Pacific Division
Up: Edmonton Oilers
Finally, after what seems like decades of sitting at the bottom of the league, Edmonton can put some of its high round draft picks to use on defense. For years, the Oilers obtained small forwards they would try to use to out-skill its Western Conference opponents, only that plan sucked. The defensive game is the stronghold of this new and improved Edmonton team, including a penalty kill percentage of 88.4%.
Down: Los Angeles
Another team that held its own last year, but seems non-existent now. While their defensive game is the same it's always been, age is beating this team. The once young skillful players the King's lineup consisted of are now older, and slower than ever. Not to mention the power play is not what it used to be. Is this the fall of the King's team? I believe so, and a rebuild is in the near future.
What other discrepancies in the standings from last year have you found this season? Leave your comments below!
