Henkka
Registered User
Okay, so let's look how our playoff chances are developing.
Boston seems to be the clear Top dog in this division, they have those injury woes (McAvoy, Marchand, Grzelcyk), which are not showing anyhow. Grzelcyk is near return and also Marchand is skating. McAvoy is out for longer. But their playstyle, experience and player material is just damn deep and good. Also seems like Montgomery has given some extra spark also from coaching side. Cassidy was good too, but maybe that message started to be a bit old. Cassidy, BTW, is doing great work for Vegas as their new voice.
Detroit - We have some injuries, but are not the only one with injuries. The depth is on the limit, not too bad yet. Everybody has their own problems. So far 5 points of possible 6 is a great result.
Toronto - Not impressed of their goalies, and also they have been very weak against weak teams. Both Montreal and freaking Arizona was able to win them. Something is not right down there.
Florida. Started in a very impressive way, but then comes the Bruins game, they lose Montour for injury at warm-up and had to play with 5 defencemen. Ekblad gets injured at 2nd period. Their defence is absolute horrible, if they lose these guys for longer period, after already losing Weegar for cap purposes. Forsling, MStaal, Mahura, Gudas, Del Zotto, Bitetto, Lucas Carlsson are the guys left. Offensive corps are that deep either, when Duclair is at LTIR, and you can't even activate him because it would push them over cap. Some trade has to happen, which will weaken the team, when you think they will come stronger as Duclair will return.
Tampa Bay. No injuries but seems be struggling hard. Only top dogs are producing, depth is gone, thanks to payrises. There's no cap edge anymore and suddenly this team isn't so impressive anymore. New guys and new middle6 lines take time to gel. Also that Ian Cole investigation/suspension is hurting the defence after losing McDonagh.
Ottawa. - Had some hype after getting big names at summer, but their game hasn't developed much better. Was very meh against meh Buffalo. Those teams are at same level. There's already rumours about coach getting fired.
Buffalo. - Has been a bit better than expected, but still a poor team. No chance to playoffs, these kids are too young.
Montreal. - Two good home games, so they get some results, but abysmal at Detroit. That defence is so damn bad, they'll gonna be last in division.
In general, there's many struggling contenders, for different reasons. Interesting to see which one will get their game going. Wings should push hard for points thanks to the easy schedule, to build a gap. So then others would have to push hard later, when we can have some bad puck luck like yesterday.
Boston seems to be the clear Top dog in this division, they have those injury woes (McAvoy, Marchand, Grzelcyk), which are not showing anyhow. Grzelcyk is near return and also Marchand is skating. McAvoy is out for longer. But their playstyle, experience and player material is just damn deep and good. Also seems like Montgomery has given some extra spark also from coaching side. Cassidy was good too, but maybe that message started to be a bit old. Cassidy, BTW, is doing great work for Vegas as their new voice.
Detroit - We have some injuries, but are not the only one with injuries. The depth is on the limit, not too bad yet. Everybody has their own problems. So far 5 points of possible 6 is a great result.
Toronto - Not impressed of their goalies, and also they have been very weak against weak teams. Both Montreal and freaking Arizona was able to win them. Something is not right down there.
Florida. Started in a very impressive way, but then comes the Bruins game, they lose Montour for injury at warm-up and had to play with 5 defencemen. Ekblad gets injured at 2nd period. Their defence is absolute horrible, if they lose these guys for longer period, after already losing Weegar for cap purposes. Forsling, MStaal, Mahura, Gudas, Del Zotto, Bitetto, Lucas Carlsson are the guys left. Offensive corps are that deep either, when Duclair is at LTIR, and you can't even activate him because it would push them over cap. Some trade has to happen, which will weaken the team, when you think they will come stronger as Duclair will return.
Tampa Bay. No injuries but seems be struggling hard. Only top dogs are producing, depth is gone, thanks to payrises. There's no cap edge anymore and suddenly this team isn't so impressive anymore. New guys and new middle6 lines take time to gel. Also that Ian Cole investigation/suspension is hurting the defence after losing McDonagh.
Ottawa. - Had some hype after getting big names at summer, but their game hasn't developed much better. Was very meh against meh Buffalo. Those teams are at same level. There's already rumours about coach getting fired.
Buffalo. - Has been a bit better than expected, but still a poor team. No chance to playoffs, these kids are too young.
Montreal. - Two good home games, so they get some results, but abysmal at Detroit. That defence is so damn bad, they'll gonna be last in division.
In general, there's many struggling contenders, for different reasons. Interesting to see which one will get their game going. Wings should push hard for points thanks to the easy schedule, to build a gap. So then others would have to push hard later, when we can have some bad puck luck like yesterday.
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