12. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are 2-2-1 and look like the contender fans either love or love to hate. The reason they are so low in the rankings though has to do with how many other teams in the East have looked great. Tampa has lost all three of their games against Eastern Conference opponents, and with a matchup against Toronto on Saturday, the Bolts still have a lot to prove.
11. Ottawa Senators
The Senators are 3-1-0 and have been playing some great hockey lead by Stutzle, Tarasenko and Sanderson. This team does have a tough week ahead though so we will see where they are by next Friday.
10. Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings have been one of the best offensive teams through the first week. Adding Alex DeBrincat has looked like the best move of the offseason, and now the Red Wings have a big showdown on Saturday when they face off against the Sens.
9. New York Islanders
The Islanders are undefeated through two games. Sorokin looks great and the Islanders could very well find themselves back in a playoff spot this season. The next week should be a better test with matchups against the Devils, Sabres, Senators and Avalanche.