Over a quarter of the way into the NHL season and some of the early season surprises are getting back to normal but some just aren’t. The Edmonton Oilers just can’t seem to figure things out and are sitting second last in the Western Conference, just ahead of the Arizona Coyotes. Part of the Oilers troubles have been penalties. Edmonton sits 28th in the league in penalty minutes per game and that’s not good when there penalty kill is last in the NHL. Goaltending may also be an issue as the Oilers are allowing the third most goals per game. With over half the season remaining there is lots of things for this team that was thought to be a powerhouse to improve on.
The Montreal Canadiens are hoping their troubles with Carey Price are over. He was looking below average at the beginning of the season but since returning from injury, Price looks to be back to his Vezina calibre self only allowing six goals in his last five starts leading to five straight wins. If he can keep up this work, Montreal should be headed for another playoff berth.
The Winnipeg Jets are on a scoring rampage right now after being shut out for the first time this season. The Jets have scored 22 goals in their last four games and are sitting in first place in the Western Conference.
The Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks are having solid starts to their seasons and will be battling for a playoff spot as they currently sit 10th and 8th in the Western Conference.
The Ottawa Senators are off to a rough start and are sitting 13th in the East and will need to pick things up if they plan to make a playoff run.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking like a solid playoff contender as Frederik Andersen has been great in net and they are currently 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
