Slow Start...Confident or Worried?
The NHL season is nearly a week in the books and so far many of the teams expected to contend for division and conference titles look a bit slow. Most of the questions surrounding those teams, some with 0-3 starts, ask fans if they are worried about their teams start? Many fans roll with the tide of the team will say yes, they are worried. However, for the veteran fan who knows their team, a slow start doesn't mean much more than they just have to get up to speed. I am going to take a few of the unexpected teams sitting near the bottom of their divisions early on, and what should happen to them as the season gains ground.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings got off to a real bad start. After raising their Stanley Cup banner and getting their rings, they Chicago Blackhawks, a very scary team on paper in a short season, came into the Staples Center and put up three goals in the first period en route to a 5-2 win. The Kings then went into Colorado and looked solid for two periods, having a 1-0 lead. They surrendered three goals in the third to end up losing 3-1 to a Avs team that isn't expected to make the playoffs.
Expectation
The Kings will be just fine. They lost no major piece to their Stanley Cup victory and may just be experiencing the Cup hangover. On opening night the hype surrounded the banner and ring ceremony and not the game, which the Kings clearly weren't focused on. In Colorado they only played 40 of 60 minutes, which will change quick with Darryl Sutter. The Kings are still a strong contender this season.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings started the season off getting destroyed by a very good St. Louis Blues 6-0. They then played the Blue Jackets and it took a fantastic shootout move by newcomer Damien Brunner to finally get the win. All was well in Hockeytown....until the Red Wings took a trip to Dallas and lost 2-1, only scoring with seconds left on the clock to cut the lead to one and ruin the shutout for Kari Lethonen.
Expectation
The Red Wings have lost Brian Rafalski, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Brad Stuart on defense in the last three seasons. Their blue line looks much different and with Ian White and Niklas Kronwall leading the way, they will be just fine. The offense added Brunner to an already dangerous Datsyuk and Zetterberg. The Red Wings are a playoff team and will go on a roll soon.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals have started off 0-3.They have given up four goals or more in all of their games so far, using both goalies to try and make the stops. Offensively, they have declined from three goals in game one, to two goals, and then to one goal in their last game. Alex Ovechkin has one assist in three games. There could be alot to worry about this season in Washington.
Expectation
The Capitals were suppose to at least contend for the Southeast, but so far, they look awful. Mike Ribiero has been a nice addition up front, but the defense and goaltending of the Capitals looks weak so far. If this doesn't get fixed, Washington could find themselves looking from the outside come playoff time. This is something that has to be fixed now because soon enough, it will be to late.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers won their first game last night over the Rangers 2-1 in which they played well late to hold a lead. Prior to that, an 0-3 start had fans baffled and confused. The Flyers are riddled with injuries and although Bryzgalov has not been bad facing a lot of shots, he has given up a few weak ones and the Flyers have given up late goals to lose games.
Expectation
I don't doubt the ability of the Flyers to win, but injuries could derail their season. Already off the bat, Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, among others, are injured. If it were not for Claude Giroux, the offense would literally be in shambles at this point. If the Flyers can get healthy soon and put together some wins, they are a definite playoff team. However, if injuries continue, the Flyers could miss out.
New York Rangers
The Rangers came in as a top team and looking nothing like it through four games. They have been inconsistent, not playing all three periods. They have fallen behind early in games while playing well late, but by that point, they are already to far behind. The Rangers need to get their game going soon. Newcomer Rick Nash has been their most consistent player.
Expectation
One of the top ranked defenses in the league last year, the Rangers need to regain that form as a whole. They are giving up chances off defensive zone errors and leaving goalie Henrik Lunqvist with no help. He hasn't stolen a game yet as he did last season. The Rangers will eventually get their game going and will be a playoff team come May.
These are some of the teams that have been struggling off the gate. Some still have high hopes, while others could fall off quickly with injuries or inconsistent play. There have been lots of goals scored throughout the first week of the season and it has been fun. The standings will eventually lay out as they always do, with the best of the best in the playoff fighting for the Cup.
PS: Sorry for only one article this week. Been a busy one with school starting. Enjoy!
Expectation
The Red Wings have lost Brian Rafalski, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Brad Stuart on defense in the last three seasons. Their blue line looks much different and with Ian White and Niklas Kronwall leading the way, they will be just fine. The offense added Brunner to an already dangerous Datsyuk and Zetterberg. The Red Wings are a playoff team and will go on a roll soon.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals have started off 0-3.They have given up four goals or more in all of their games so far, using both goalies to try and make the stops. Offensively, they have declined from three goals in game one, to two goals, and then to one goal in their last game. Alex Ovechkin has one assist in three games. There could be alot to worry about this season in Washington.
Expectation
The Capitals were suppose to at least contend for the Southeast, but so far, they look awful. Mike Ribiero has been a nice addition up front, but the defense and goaltending of the Capitals looks weak so far. If this doesn't get fixed, Washington could find themselves looking from the outside come playoff time. This is something that has to be fixed now because soon enough, it will be to late.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers won their first game last night over the Rangers 2-1 in which they played well late to hold a lead. Prior to that, an 0-3 start had fans baffled and confused. The Flyers are riddled with injuries and although Bryzgalov has not been bad facing a lot of shots, he has given up a few weak ones and the Flyers have given up late goals to lose games.
Expectation
I don't doubt the ability of the Flyers to win, but injuries could derail their season. Already off the bat, Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, among others, are injured. If it were not for Claude Giroux, the offense would literally be in shambles at this point. If the Flyers can get healthy soon and put together some wins, they are a definite playoff team. However, if injuries continue, the Flyers could miss out.
New York Rangers
The Rangers came in as a top team and looking nothing like it through four games. They have been inconsistent, not playing all three periods. They have fallen behind early in games while playing well late, but by that point, they are already to far behind. The Rangers need to get their game going soon. Newcomer Rick Nash has been their most consistent player.
Expectation
One of the top ranked defenses in the league last year, the Rangers need to regain that form as a whole. They are giving up chances off defensive zone errors and leaving goalie Henrik Lunqvist with no help. He hasn't stolen a game yet as he did last season. The Rangers will eventually get their game going and will be a playoff team come May.
These are some of the teams that have been struggling off the gate. Some still have high hopes, while others could fall off quickly with injuries or inconsistent play. There have been lots of goals scored throughout the first week of the season and it has been fun. The standings will eventually lay out as they always do, with the best of the best in the playoff fighting for the Cup.
PS: Sorry for only one article this week. Been a busy one with school starting. Enjoy!
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