Where the Big Fish Swim
By Caleb Musselman
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| Photo Cred www.nbcprohockeytalk.files.wordpress.com |
The Atlantic Division is absurd. In 2012, it was one of only two divisions in hockey to place 4 teams in the playoffs. In fact, the Rangers, Penguins, Flyers and Devils occupied 4 of the top 6 spots in the Eastern Conference. Further, the Rangers and Devils fought for the Conference title, and if it weren’t for a magical run by LA, the Devils would have captured the Cup. It is simply incredible to think that one division, which only holds 5 teams, could produce 4 playoff teams who are all legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. Well, the year is different, but the story is much the same.
The Atlantic Division is primed for another 4 or 5 team boxing match to the end of the regular season, and one thing can be promised; it is going to go 12 rounds. A mere 5 games into this brand new season, and rivalries have already been rekindled and teeth have already been sacrificed. So in the name of dentist appointments, the New Jersey Turnpike and Crosby’s playoff beard, let’s take a look at how each team has fared over the first 5 games.
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| Photo Cred www.d36tylzqkflm47.cloudfront.net |
Devils (3-0-1) - Key Victories - PHI, WASH
The New Jersey Devils are the most boring team in the National Hockey League. They show no sparkle, but they also don’t give up any goals. Since the mid 90’s, the Devils have had the same philosophy: A team must be shaped from the goaltender up. Beginning his 18th year as an NHL starter, Martin Brodeur is one of the greatest goaltenders of all time. His career numbers are quite simply staggering: 659 career wins, 2.23 GAA, .913 save %, 120 shutouts. To top it all off, he has hardly slowed down as his career progresses. This Devils team, fresh off a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2011-2012, is right back to the grindstone. Tough defense and timely scoring have given this team a fantastic start to the young season, and promises to guide them to another successful year. However, with the loss of Parise, this team lacks the offensive talent of the rest of the Atlantic. The Devils will heavily rely on their defensive scheme to propel them past the likes of Pitt, NYR and Philly. Can it be done? Yes. Will it be done? I think it’s unlikely, but so did the rest of the league last year.
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Penguins (3-2-0) - Key Victories - PHI, NYR, OTW
The Pittsburgh Penguins come into this season with colossal expectations. With 8 to 1 odds of winning the cup, this team seems primed for another run. After 2011-2012 was marred by Crosby issues (hang nail, ingrown hair on his face, hurt feelings, etc.), Yinzer nation has been chomping at the bit for this season to begin. After a solid 2-0 start with road wins over Philly and NYR, the Penguins were bit by their old friend, the weak finisher. Throughout the season last year, Pittsburgh struggled with the ability to close out games. In fact, against Philadelphia in the 2012 playoffs, the Penguins had a 2-goal advantage before eventually falling in 2 of their 4 losses. This season the old friend seems to be back at least in some small way. Both of the Penguins losses, to Winnipeg and Toronto, they have led in the first period. With Malkin and Crosby operating at top levels and James Neal unleashing wicked wristers from the high slot, it seems the only thing stopping them from success is inconsistency. Can Crosby stay healthy? Can Fleury stay consistent? Time will tell. Expect this team in the Conference Finals.
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Rangers (2-3-0) - Key Victories - BOS, TOR
It has been a long time since any team has fielded a first line quite like the Rangers. Richards, Nash and Gaborik. The work horse center, the dazzling wingman and the scintillating finisher. With the pickup of Rick Nash, the Rangers believe they have finally found the final piece of the puzzle to an extremely talented team. The first seed in the East last year, New York struggled to score in key situations in 2012, specifically in the playoffs. Scoring only 226 goals in last year’s campaign, they made their living off of one goal victories. However, when Lundqvist struggled so did the team. The acquisition of Nash gives this Rangers team the offensive talent they need to take the East by storm. Look for the Rangers to challenge for the Presidents Trophy again this year. Also, watch the Rangers highlights after every game. Richards, Nash and Gaborik are sure to thrill.
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| Photo Cred www.assets.nydailynews.com |
Islanders (2-3-0) - Key Victories - TOR, TBL
The Islanders have been the odd team out in the Atlantic for many years. Without consistency from the front office, this team has struggled to keep pace with the rest of the division, and recently has been a cellar-dweller in the East. However, a new chapter is slowly unfolding for the other team in New York. With an extremely young team spearheaded by John Tavares, Kyle Okposo and Michael Grabner, the Islanders franchise is on the rise. Unfortunately for this squad, up is the only way they can go after years of futility. With an average goaltender and a very inexperienced squad, this team is far from being a legitimate contender in the division, however, this year they hope to make large steps forward in a long road toward the playoffs in the coming years. Look for NYI to be in the playoff conversation by 2014-2015.
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Flyers (2-4-0) - Key Victories – NYR
This is a sore subject. After six games played this season, Philadelphia has shown many flaws. During a sub-par offseason that saw Matt Carle, Jaromir Jagr and James Van Riemsdyk leave the fold, the Flyers failed to land either Nash or Suter and scrambled to pick up a few role players (Luke Schenn, Bruno Gervais, etc.). Without a legitimate upgrade in the offseason, the front office showed its current squad they were expecting more from the group in the coming season. The best part of the offseason for Philadelphia was to see that Pittsburgh did not upgrade either. However, arguably less talented than Pitt and NYR, the Flyers have showed thus far that they have serious defensive flaws and inconsistencies on the offensive side. Compounding this problem are the injuries of Hartnell (6 weeks) and Meszaros (4 weeks), some of the Flyers most effective players at their respective positions. Giroux can only do so much on his own offensively, and the Flyers desperately need their young talent to emerge quickly to swim with the big fish in the division. If Bryzgalov keeps up his solid early play, Philadelphia needs Sean Couturier, Matt Read and the other young guns to make a bigger impact. As they stand now, they will fight for the 7th or 8th seed in the East. If some youngsters arise as stars, they have a sliver of a shot at the division. Just a sliver.
In a league full of talent, it is clear the biggest fish in the sea swim in the Atlantic. Will it be New York, New Jersey, Pittsburgh or Philadelphia that comes away with the division? The talent is tough, the competition is elite. The question remains, who will set themselves apart.
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