NHL Surprises-the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Another week down, another week to go in the 2014-2015 NHL season. A quarter of a way done and fans have been treated to good, and not so good play so far. Let’s take a look at the week that was.

The Good

Nashville Predators

With Pekka Rinne’s return in net and a coaching change behind the bench this past offseason, the Predators have become the hunters. Former Philadelphia Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette has the Predators singing sweet, country music, near the Grand ‘Ole Opry. The team is 16-5-2 with 34 points and tied for first place in the Central Division with the St. Louis Blues. They are currently riding a four-game winning streak, including a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets last night. Much to the surprise of their fans, they are outscoring their opponents. That’s a far cry from the previous seasons. A team dependent on their defense, this season Laviolette has employed a move offensive style to their game. And with the additions of James Neal from the Pittsburgh Penguins and Mike Ribero from the Washington Capitals, this team is seeing more goals and outscoring their opponents. They have a goal differential of +18, 64 goals for compared to 46 goals against.

New York Rangers

It took 23 games, but the Rangers have started finding their game. Last week, the team went 3-1 with a back-to-back sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers. They blanked the first place Montreal Canadiens 5-0 last Sunday. The only blemish on their card was a 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that game, the Rangers were more structured but still could not get out of their own way to play a full 60 minutes. But the team appears to be turning the corner and finding their footing. This upcoming week of games does not bode well as they face the Lightning, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, and Vancouver Canucks.

The Bad

San Jose Sharks

What has happened to the Sharks? A team that was predicted to contend this season in the Pacific Division, the Sharks are still trying to find who they are. They sit in fifth place 26 with a disappointing record of 11-10-4. They are seven points behind first place and three points behind the defending Stanley Cup champions Los Angeles Kings. Last week, they only had three games on their schedule and were winless in their four games previous to last night. As of now, the Sharks identity seems to be one of collapse. It almost happened last night against the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks took a commanding lead into the third period, until the Ducks mounted a comeback scoring three unanswered goals late in the period. Fortunately, the Sharks were able to hold on for the win, but it appears no lead is safe right now.

Will the real San Jose Sharks please stand up?

Columbus Blue Jackets

Another team thought to be contenders at the beginning of the season, it’s not going the Blue Jackets way. Sitting in last place of the Metropolitan division, the team is 6-15-2 with 14 points, 20 points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for first place in the division. Winners of two games in their last 10, the Blue Jackets are currently in a six-game losing streak dating back to November 18th, when they were shutout 5-0 to the Detroit Red Wings. Injuries have taken their toll on the team, which had high hopes coming into the season. As of now, the only bright spot for the Blue Jackets thus far will be hosting the 60th Annual NHL All-Star game next January.

The Ugly

Philadelphia Flyers

The City of Brotherly Love is growing restless with the Flyers this season. The team stands in sixth place of the Metropolitan division with a record of 8-12-3 and 19 points. They are on a four-game losing streak, which includes losses to both New York teams last week. They were swept in a home-and home, back-to-back series with the Rangers where they managed only two goals, while giving up eight. Just like the Sharks, they can’t seem to avoid stepping on their own toes. At times, the Flyers look disinterested in games, unorganized, and undisciplined. Perhaps general manager Ron Hextall needs another tirade before every game to try and inspire the team before every game.

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