NHL Surprises From Week Two That Caught Our Eye
Here we are. Second week of the 2014-2015 NHL season. Things seem to have level off a bit from the first week in terms of surprises. However, there are some teams making a name for themselves in different ways.
The Good
New York Islanders
Yes, you heard that right. The Islanders have sprinted out the gate. After starting 2-0 at the expense of the Carolina Hurricanes, many fans felt compelled to say it was their first real competition when facing the New York Rangers last Tuesday. Well, they did not disappoint. Not only did they visit the Blueshirts in their home building of Madison Square Garden, but they silenced and stunned the Garden faithful. Islanders proved they were no longer going to be pushed around and made a statement with a 6-3 win over a Rangers team trying to find their own. Afterwards, the Islanders welcomed one of this season’s Western Conference leaders San Jose Sharks to the Nassau Coliseum. Both teams went to a shootout to determine a winner. The captain John Tavares scored in the fifth round to lead his team to victory. Despite losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday by a score of 3-1, confidence is high in Isles Nation. If you missed it, we posted an article about the Islanders success thus far. They currently are tied for the lead in the Metropolitan Division with the Washington Capitals, who remain unbeaten regulation. The question is: can the Islanders sustain their success over the long run?
Tampa Bay Lightning
One of the teams from Florida is showing that hockey can exist down South. The Bolts are tied for third in the Atlantic Division with the Detroit Red Wings. Last week, the team went 2-1, including a defeat over the Vancouver Canucks and the Montreal Canadiens. With the Canadiens, it may have been a little bit of payback from last season. If you recall, the Canadiens dispatched with the Lightning, sweeping them in four games. Last game, the Lightning lit up the Canadiens with seven goals. Still a little hot under the collar? This week, the team got some welcome news as their top pick from the 2013 NHL Entry Draft has been recalled to the team. After missing all of training camp and the first six games of the NHL season, Jonathan Drouin will finally make his professional debut. Watch out if this team continues to roll.
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The Bad
New York Rangers
Stanley Cup Final hangover or just another slow start? The Rangers have given their fans a reason to scratch their heads so far. Heading into the regular season, many were optimistic about their play and the potential the roster would represent. After opening the season on the road in St. Louis to take on the Blues, the team looked strong and made a 3-2 statement win over a formidable Western conference opponent. However, their next three games would be disaturous. The team had given up at least five goals in each contest, along with back to back games of six goals for their opponents. One of those games was a loss to their rival, the Islanders. However, the team does show signs of resiliency. Despite going 1-2 last week, the team did finish the week with a win. After another 33 save, shutout performance by Henrik Lundqvist against the San Jose Sharks, is the team regaining their form?
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Union and Blue
The Ugly
Florida Panthers
The other team from Florida did not have a great showing to the NHL this past week. Yes the team is second to the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Yes, they have a losing record of 1-2-2. But, the fans should not turn their back on the franchise. It’s not like they are getting blown out by other teams. They most they have given up are five goals to the New Jersey Devils. Last week, the Panthers went 1-2, which included a one goal loss to the Washington Capitals. One thing that is needed is offense. The Panthers have scored two goals last week in three games. There has been nothing exciting for the fan base to see. That was apparent in their home game last Monday. The NHL was witnessed to a sparsely filled arena that had many fans across the hockey world asking if the right time for puck drop was changed. To read our take on the situation in Florida, click here for the details. If things don’t change for the franchise, then the NHL should have no choice but to relocate the franchise to a city that will care.
Edmonton Oilers
Once a proud franchise is now a shell of itself. They sit in last place winless in their first five games, heading into Monday. They are having the opposite problem as the Panthers. They are scoring, but no defense to support it. Last week, they faced off with the defending Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes, and Vancouver Canucks. In those three games, the Oilers were outscored, 15-5. The good thing is, the Oilers have a fan base that is still supports them through these trying times. With so much young talent on the team, it is only a matter of time till they realize their potential. But first they need some help and guidance on the defensive front.