It maybe a new season in the NHL but the top dogs for the most part are leading the way.
The current season is already at the quarter-mark with about 20 games already gone.
There have been many headlines in such a young season from the ever popular brawls to some dangerous hits that has the league thinking about making rule changes.
One of the other big stories has been the outlook thus far in the standings as the big guns are firing on all cylinders early.
A big name in this regard is the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings. Behind the play of new recruit Marian Hossa and vets like Holmstrom and Osgood the Motor City beasts are way ahead in the Central division.
The other stand-out are the perennially strong San Jose Sharks. The Sharks are ripping up the league with the NHL best mark. Much of that success comes from an outstanding goal-tending tandem in stalwart Evgeni Nabokov and Brian Boucher.
A special mention must go to the Boston Bruins out in the Northeast division. Boston are ahead and though they’re up just a game on a strong Montreal side they’ve played well. In particular Marc Savard and relative unknown Tim Thomas have been steadying the side.
Last month I talked about some of the teams to look out for during the 82- game season.
For the most part I’m on the right track thus far. In the Eastern Conference for instance Pittsburgh are still very much one of the best, especially on offense.
Though they’re playing second-fiddle to the Rangers right now, Crosby and company are playing tough and have the intensity to keep that going.
Speaking of New York I felt they would continue to do well led by Scott Gomez. But his seemingly serious injury has opened the door for Drury and unsung hero Daniel Girardi to step up and keep the team in it.
I also said the division would be a beast come playoff time like it did last year. Though the rest of the clubs have mediocre records, including a flat start from the Devils, I’m betting on them to turn it around later on.
Elsewhere the Canadiens are in good stead, the Sabres are a factor and the Capitals continue to outscore the opposition as they lead the Southeast division.
The real concern thus far has been the Senators. They’re last in the Northeast division and have an unusually shaky home record. The defensemen have much work to do and it’s obvious the loss of Redden is affecting the team’s ability to score.
Over in the Western Conference the team to beat continues to be the Red Wings while the Sharks are right there with them as previously stated.
Chicago meanwhile is proving to be more than hot air. Their off-season moves have them squarely in the thick of things with Kane and company proving to be no joke on offense.
Calgary and Anaheim are not that impressive right now. But the Flames offense, starring Jarome Iginla, is very much hot while the Ducks have a top-ten offense led by Temu Selanne.
Dallas does not look in good shape right now though with an appalling record. They look tired and mentally burnt out from last season with Goalie Marty Turco being a shadow of his former self.
In the end the NHL season is a lengthy one with all sorts of twists and turns. With more than half of it left to play there’s plenty of time for resurgence and redemption.
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