Quick Season Update - November 21st

Hello all! I know I haven't posted in a while, so I figured I would jump in and update quickly on the divisions as well as the current path of each team in those divisions. Enjoy the update, more periodic content to come soon!! (Image Credit - NHL.com)

DIVISIONAL UPDATE -

- Metropolitan Division -

--- Current Standings ---

1. Carolina Hurricanes - 28 Points

2. Washington Capitals - 27 Points

3. New York Rangers - 23 Points

4. Philidelphia Flyers - 19 Points

5. New Jersey Devils - 19 Points

6. Pittsburgh Penguins - 18 Points

7. Columbus Blue Jackets - 18 Points

8. New York Islanders - 12 Points

This division could really go any direction for the lower 4 teams, as all of them have had some ups and downs to start the year. At this point, however, it seems like it's Carolina's division to lose. Fredrick Anderson is playing out of his mind right now in goal, and further proving to everyone why Toronto (and their playoff failures) can be harmful to a player's career. The Canes have lost just two games in regulation, and none in OT, and show no signs of slowing down with that offensive core they have built. The Capitals are also a force to be reckoned with so far this year, most recently beating up on the San Jose Sharks 4-0. Washington Captain Alex Ovechkin has been a monster yet again, scoring his way closer and closer towards Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals. The defense has been good enough, and goaltending as well, while their offense is what powers this team at a goal differential of +19, the best in the division. The other two teams in the top 4 follow suit with the bottom 4, showing signs of great strength and times and also times of weakness at the other. This division is one I firmly believe to be the best in the NHL, especially with all the offensive power each team in the Metro possesses. I also wanted to mention the Pittsburgh Penguins' position in the standings, as they battled some issues with injury and covid. Captain Sidney Crosby had a rough return in his first game back from Covid-19 protocol against division rival Washington last Sunday night, ending with a -3 and throwing a man into the wall behind the play (which I think he should've been suspended for). The Penguins are showing signs of life now though, having shut out their last two opponents with Tristan Jarry starting both of the games vs. Montreal and Toronto. Kris Letang has been nothing short of excellent again on defense this year, and when Evgeni Malkin returns from injury in December, the Pens will look to string together some wins and improve their situation in the Metro.

- Atlantic Division -

--- Current Standings ---

1. Florida Panthers - 29 Points

2. Toronto Maple Leafs - 25 Points

3. Tampa Bay Lighting - 21 Points

4. Detroit Red Wings - 19 Points

5. Boston Bruins - 18 Points

6. Buffalo Sabers - 16 Points

7. Montreal Canadiens - 12 Points

8. Ottawa Senators - 9 Points

This division could really go any direction for the rest of the season, as all of them have had some ups and downs to start the year. At this point, however, it seems like it's Florida's division to lose. Sergey Bobrovsky is back to form in goal and starting to prove why he was signed to such a massive contract a few years back. The Florida Panthers have lost just two games in regulation, and 3 in OT, and show no signs of slowing down with that offensive core they have built. The Maple Leafs and Lightning are also a force to be reckoned with after slower starts, although most recently both teams lost close games and lost their offensive touch. Toronto forward Auston Matthews has been a monster yet again, scoring his way to the top of the league leaders in goals. For Tampa, their strength continues to be offense and goaltending, as we all know Andrei Vasilevsky is the best goalie in the world right now. The other two teams in the top 4 follow suit with the bottom 4, showing signs of great strength and times and also times of weakness at the other. The Bruins and the Red Wings could swap places at any time for sure, and Buffalo has been playing a lot better lately despite their tragic season last year.

- Central Division -

--- Current Standings ---

1. Minnesota Wild - 22 Points

2. Winnipeg Jets - 22 Points

3. St. Louis Blues - 22 Points

4. Nashville Predators - 19 Points

5. Colarado Avelanche - 17 Points

6. Dallas Stars - 16 Points

7. Chicago Blackhawks - 12 Points

8. Arizona Coyotes - 8 Points

This division could really go any direction for the rest of the season, as all of them have had some ups and downs to start the year. At this point, however, it seems like it's between the top 3 teams. Cam Talbot is playing pretty well in goal and starting to prove why he was a great signing for the Wild this offseason. Minnesota has lost 6 games in regulation, and none in OT, and shows no signs of slowing down with that offensive core they have built around Kiril Kaprizov. The Jets and Blues are also a force to be reckoned with after slower starts, getting their offensive attacks going the last few weeks. Vladimir Tarasenko looks to be back for the Blues after offseason trade talks, and Mark Shiefflie is still one of the best centers in hockey with his wicked slap-shot and soft hands. The other two teams in the division are a step above the bottom 4 roster-wise, as Colorado and Nashville are better built than the others below them in this division (and even some above them). The Blackhawks have been atrocious so far this year despite their offseason moves to get Fleury and Seth Jones, and their good season last year.

- Pacific Division -

--- Current Standings ---

1. Edmonton Oilers - 26 Points

2. Calgary Flames - 25 Points

3. Anaheim Ducks - 23 Points

4. Vegas Golden Knights - 22 Points

5. LA Kings - 18 Points

6. San-Jose Sharks - 17 Points

7. Vancouver Canucks - 14 Points

8. Seattle Kraken - 9 Points

This division could really go any direction for the rest of the season, as all of them have had some ups and downs to start the year. At this point, however, it seems like it's all on Edmonton to win or lose this one. Connor McDavid is playing absolutely out of his mind for the Oilers and continuing to prove why he is considered the best player in the NHL right now, along with Leon Drasitil at his side putting up big numbers. Edmonton has some help this year too, adding players like Zach Hyman and Duncan Keith to bolster their all-around roster. The Flames are also a force to be reckoned with, getting their offensive attack going early and often. Johnny Hockey looks to be back for the Flames after offseason trade talks, and the offseason loss of Captain Mark Giordano to the Kraken doesn't seem to be hurting them too much. The Ducks are also very good and should remain in the playoff picture with Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry, and goaltender John Gibson leading the way in Anaheim. The Golden Knights have been pretty sub-par so far this year despite nearly reaching the Stanley Cup Final last year, but should be alright after getting Mark Stone back from injury recently.