What We’ve Learned from the NHL Preseason
The NHL preseason is about halfway over, but trends are already emerging. Though it’s important not to put too much into preseason play, there are some early observations that can be made.
Florida Panthers May Face Sharp Decline
Florida was one of the most surprising teams last year, dominating in a way the team hasn’t seen in years. They finished with 103 points and were at the top of their division. No one else in the division even broke 100. This year, though, they are dead last in the preseason standings as of today, with just one win and two losses.
It may be a rough year for Florida teams overall, as the Tampa Bay Lightning are tied for last, also with four points. They were second last year, with 97 points. Yes, this is a small sample size, but it’s still interesting to see the top two teams from last year flip the script and become the bottom two.
Wings Stay Steady
How about the third team in the Atlantic Division, the Detroit Red Wings? They’re sitting where they left off, at third. They have three wins, but they are coming off of an ugly loss to the rival Chicago Blackhawks. The Wings could be a team that racks up wins against the bottom half of the league but that struggles when facing top-end competition. The Blackhawks, after all, won the Stanley Cup in 2015.
Colorado Soars Without Roy
Colorado Avalanche coach Patrick Roy, once a legendary goaltender for the team, stepped away last year. The team is playing excellent hockey without him on the bench. They’re ahead of some other teams, already four games into the preseason, and they still have not lost. They have a +9 goal differential. This is a team that went 39-39 last year, the definition of mediocrity, and missed the playoffs.
Edmonton Off to a Hot Start
Another team that is doing well in the preseason after a disappointing 2015 campaign is the Edmonton Oilers. They are 4-2 right now, second in the Pacific Division. They were 31-43 last year, dead last in that division.
The Oilers are a team that has been trying to turn the corner forever. They’re constantly drafting at the top of the draft. They keep bringing on young stars who are projected to be great. Yet they always fall short and under perform, putting themselves back in the same position. Fans will be ecstatic if they’ve finally gotten around that corner.
If you want to follow any of these preseason story lines into the regular season, check out Headline Tickets, where we can find you some great deals on NHL tickets.
