An Original Six All-Canadian matchup is always enticing, regardless of where the teams stand. The host Maple Leafs are off to a good start, though they will ultimately be judged by how far they go in the playoffs. The visiting Canadiens are not off to a good start, even for a rebuilding team.
Two teams not expected to qualify for the post-season this time around, though both franchises can boast of some fine young prospects on their rosters. The Blue Jackets got off to a surprisingly good start this season, while the Ducks have also been operating around the .500 mark.
One of the favourites to win the Stanley Cup this upcoming spring, the Stars are off to a good start but already find themselves behind the red-hot Winnipeg Jets in the tough Central Division. The Penguins have had a sputtering start and will be life-and-death to make the playoff cut in the Eastern Conference.
It was a surprising start to the season for the “rebuilding/retooling” Flames, but they’ve cooled off a tad since then. They visit a Canucks team that have been winning without their number one goaltender (Thatcher Demko – injured), and without major offensive contributions from forward Elias Pettersson.
Is there a more surprising team this season than the Washington Capitals? Okay, maybe the Jets, but they were a good team last season. The Caps snuck into the playoffs this past spring and were punted out in the first round. Washington has proven to be a tough team to face, and sniper Alex Ovechkin is scoring goals again…and getting closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals scored record.
Two teams off to tepid starts to the 2024-25 season. We saw this last year with the Oilers, who then went on a scorching hot run to Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Final. Can they do it again? Sure…but that’s a big ask. Many expected the Predators to move up in the standings in the contentious Central Division, but so far, it’s been a nightmare season for Nashville, with time quickly running out to get their act in gear. GM Barry Trotz has even publicly mused about going into rebuild mode if the team doesn’t snap out of it.
While nobody expected the Ducks to make the playoffs this time around, opinions were divided about the Red Wings. Are they on the right path to playoff participation? Do they have the right roster to compete in a jam-packed Eastern Conference?
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