Standings Update - February 15th

Here’s how each team is doing in the division after the weekend's‘ action.

(In order from first to last)

1. Boston Bruins - 22 Points

Coming off a loss to the Islanders, they are still the best team in the East division. They can score, and their goaltending is solid.

2. Philadelphia Flyers - 18 Points

The Flyers had some covid issues, and that set them back in the division, but they are still very good and will bounce back. They won their last game in Washington 7-4, and their team is solid.

3. New York Islanders - 15 Points

The Isles have forced their way into the top of the standings, after they beat Boston in a big win at home on Saturday night. They are starting to heat up, and that is problems for the rest of the division, as Trotz continues to coach that team to success with his defensive system.

4. Washington Capitals - 15 Points

This team is struggling, having lead the division about two weeks ago. They have dropped four in a row, and their defense/goaltending is a concern. Their team can score, but is having trouble keeping pucks out of the net. When goaltender Ilya Samsonov returns from a conditioning stint in Hershey, they’ll get a boost, and be better than they are now.

5. Pittsburgh Penguins - 15 Points

The Pens are heating up, and that’s bad news for the rest of the division. Captain Sidney Crosby is flying lately, having a three point game in their recent home win against Washington, 6-3. They are perfect at PPG Paints Arena, at 5-0. Goaltenders Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry have been slowly getting better, and Jarry showed promise in that win on Valentine’s Day. They are still dealing with injuries, and will have to rework the lines when players return, which could throw off some chemistry.

6. New York Rangers - 11 Points

This team is playing pretty poorly right now. They are solid on defense and offense, but can’t seem to put it all together right now. The goaltending hasn’t been able to make the critical save when needed, and their number one pick, Alexis Lafreniere, needs to produce.

Forwards Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider have carried the offense, but they need help from the bottom six to get some wins and climb the standings.

7. New Jersey Devils - 10 Points

The Devils have been good early, but ran into some covid problems as of late. Former first-round pick Jack Hughes has been good this season, and they’re getting help from the bottom six. Players like Miles Wood at forward and P.K. Subban on defense have been doing their parts. Goaltender Scott Wedgwood has also been better than expected, making saves when needed. The covid issues may have stunted their run though, as they haven’t played in over a week, and had several games postponed.

8. Buffalo Sabers - 10 Points

The Sabers have struggled this year, once again. Captain Jack Eichel seems to be the only thing going right for them, even with the addition of forward Taylor Hall. Their goaltending has not been good enough, and they struggle to produce timely offense. They too have run into covid problems, and their rink was closed for a time as a precaution, which put them out of any flow they could get into.