Both the Penguins and the Leafs were shut out in their season-opening games, which was a double surprise, as both teams have gunners galore in their lineups. Are the Penguins deep enough to qualify for the post-season? That question is not asked of the Maple Leafs; what is asked is how far can the Leafs go once the games mean more.
Again, two opening night surprises with these two Albertan teams. The Oilers were humbled 6-0 by the visiting Winnipeg Jets, while the rebuilding Flames overcame a multi-goal deficit to defeat the hometown Vancouver Canucks 6-5 in overtime. Heading into this first edition of the Battle of Alberta this season, the Oilers do not want to even entertain the nightmarish notion of another bad start like they weathered exactly a year ago.
The Rangers blitzed the Penguins 6-0 on opening night as they look to reassert their dominance in the Metropolitan Division. The Red Wings missed the post-season this past April and are expected to be in the Eastern Conference wildcard season-long dogfight once again.
While most observers expect the Canucks to once again qualify for the playoffs, the question is where they finish in the Pacific Division after wearing the Division crown last season. The Lightning were a wild-card team and fell in the first round in five games to their cross-state rivals (the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers).
After being victorious in their season/franchise opener in Utah, the Hockey Club is off and running/skating. Tonight, they take on a Ducks team that isn’t that dissimilar to the Utah team; it is full of young players looking to get better. Many believe the team with no last name will make the playoffs this season. Not yet, for the Ducks.
Both squads didn’t participate in the playoffs this past spring, and there are doubts whether either one can change their fortunes this time around. The Flyers surprised a lot of people last season but couldn’t close the deal down the stretch. The Kraken, now in their fourth season, made the playoffs in their second season and then missed in their third season. There will be a test.
So it’s been said a lot that the Jets will take a step back in 2024-25 and may miss the playoffs. They’ve heard the idle chatter and responded with a 6-0 whitewashing of the Edmonton Oilers on opening night. Tonight, Winnipeg takes on a rebuilding Sharks team, which should mean two points for the home team. Should mean that…
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