With just a short time before the NHL trade deadline, we will take a look at who has surprised. There are some teams who have surprised us in a good way like the LA Kings and some who have surprised us in a bad way. But, who are the top-3?
With the NHL season nearing the NHL trade deadline and the halfway point in the season, we have already seen our fair share of ups and downs. Also, we have seen our fair share of magic such as the Vegas Golden Knights getting Eichel and somehow making the cap system work. Sounds like black magic to me, but then again welcome to cap.
It is always great when you can see some changes at the top or if you are a rival fan some changes at the bottom.
With this league year already being wild with multiple issues on and off the ice, there are some teams who have jumped off the paper from our day-one predictions. Though rarely do the pre-season predictions come true, but there is always hope. Even for some of the worst teams in the league.
Currently, the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, and Calgary Flames sit atop their conferences.
While pre-season I think many had the Hurricanes and Avs where they are. You could suggest the Flames over the Knights and Oilers is quite a surprise. The Panthers already looked to be one or two in theirs as the start of the season happened, with the Lightning still being a powerhouse. There is also the flip side with the teams who are lurking in the depths of their divisions.
Who is just not making the cut already?
Currently, the Seattle Kraken, Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils, and Montreal Canadians sit in the cellar of their divisions.
Most of us would have expected just a little more out of the new Seattle franchise, but then again that could have been is remembering the Cinderella run the Knights had their first year. Its never good for hockey to see the Canadians sitting at the bottom, but they have had multiple issues with the roster early on in the season. The Coyotes should be no surprise, as they are possibly the least talented team in the league and now will be sharing their stadium with the Arizona State hockey team.