NHL Surprises From The Week

It’s another edition of the NHL Surprises from the Week that was. After taking a couple of weeks off, we are back at it. Here are the surprises from the week of November 9th through the 15th. They may have had some minor setbacks, but they are still relevant for what they have accomplished, or may not have accomplished. Still, they are noteworthy to us and want to share with you.

The Good

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs? Really? Yes, it’s time to show them some love. Last week, the Maple Leafs went 2-2. They played .500 hockey, eh so what? Well, after they beat the New York Rangers, they went on a three game winning streak. This included teams such as a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators and a 6-1 drumming of the Boston Bruins. For Leafs nation, the win was extra sweet because it was a win over their rivals. This included former Bruins forward Phil Kessel notching two goals in the game. The team simply dominated the Bruins in takeaways (11), blocked shots (27 to 9), penalty minutes (6 to Bruins 8), and went three for four on the Power Play. The Leafs have ended up on the short of the stick that last two games: 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins and a 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. This just goes to show that any team is beatable on any night. The Leafs have the manpower to get on a winning streak and are more than capable of rising in the standings. But, you never know what you are going to get on a give night. Inconsistency is their enemy and will be till they figure it out.

Calgary Flames

Perhaps one of the feel good stories so far to this season, the Flames are far exceeding expectations this year. They are tied for second place in the Pacific Division with the Vancouver Canucks, which include division favorites defending Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks. They could be this year’s version of the 2013-2014 Colorado Avalanche. With stand-outs such as Sean Monohan and Johnny Gaudreau combined with veterans such as Jiri Hudler and Mark Girodano , they have provided a winning atmosphere in Calgary that’s been lacking for quite some time. With stability in net from proven goaltender Jonas Hiller, they culture maybe changing. Once the laughing stock of the NHL (along with the Florida Panthers), the Flames are holding their own. Last week, the team went 2-1, scoring four or more goals in two games. They are currently riding a two-game winning streak as they host the division leading Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.

The Bad

Boston Bruins

Are they still the big, bad Bruins? Last week, the team went 2-2, including two rival losses to the Maple Leafs and their best friends, the Montreal Canadiens. In both games, the Bruins only scored one goal while giving up at least five. Key injuries to Zdeno Chara and David Krejci may have played a part into the uncertainty of Bruins hockey lately. A little redemption was realized as the team got a much-needed win over the Carolina Hurricanes, 2-1, on Saturday. The Bruins will host the Central Division-leading St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. After visiting the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, they will host the Candiens and Pittsburgh Penguins in three days.

Los Angeles Kings

Is this another year for the Kings to play coy? They certainly haven’t played with any winning consistency especially on the road. Away from the Staples Center, the Kings are 1-3-3. At home, they are 8-2-1. Since October 28, the Kings are 3-7 that includes a four game losing streak. For Los Angeles, fans don’t know which team they are going to get. The next three games for the Kings are against opponents who dwell in the bottom of their divisions. The opportunity to start a winning streak is there for the taking.

The Ugly

Dallas Stars

What has happened to the Stars? Building off their success last season with performances from Tyler Seguin and Jaime Benn, fans in Dallas had high hopes this season. Unfortunately, the team is trending in the opposite direction. In their last 10, the Stars are 2-6-2. Since October 28 to November 8, the team fell into a downfall losing streak of six games. The team is going through growing pains, most notably their up and coming forward Valeri Nichushkin who will be undergoing surgery to repair a hip injury. He is projected to be out of the lineup for the next four months. Lindy Ruff and his staff will need to figure out a way to right the ship before it’s too late.

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