Page 35 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 133

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NHL Season at a Glance at the All Star Break
By Brad Robertson
ell, we’ve reached the
Whalfway point in the NHL
schedule with the All Star game
set to take place in Toronto, and
some very interesting storylines
have come into focus. Let’s start in
the Eastern Conference where the
Boston Bruins remain the top dogs.
This is quite an accomplishment for
them as they lost their two strong
veterans in Patrice Bergeron and
David Krejci in the off season.
Centers Charlie Coyle and Pavel
Zacha have picked up the slack
there, and Boston’s sound defensive
structure, strong special teams play,
quality goaltending from Jeremy
Swayman, and Linus Ulmark, has
kept them humming along. They
will be a threat come playoff time.
Last years finalists, the Florida
Panthers, withstood some early
Issue #133 February 2024 35
Formerly Blue Beacon
season injuries to key players but spots are the Philadelphia Flyers and race and hold steady in second
stayed the course and look poised Detroit Red Wings. Going into the place in the Pacific Division.
for another long playoff run. The season the New Jersey Devils went They will once again be one of the
New York Rangers got off to a fast in as contenders but are not getting favourites as their injured players
start but are only a .500 team since quality goaltending consistently return. The Edmonton Oilers are
the beginning of December, and and have played chunks of games the hottest team in the NHL. After a
although their roster is solid, they without their leading scorer Jack horrendous start they’ve rebounded
need to turn things around heading Hughes. New Jersey, Pittsburgh, and moved into third place in
into the dog days of the season. and the New York Islanders, (who the Pacific Division, thanks to a
The Carolina Hurricanes remain recently replaced coach Lane current fifteen game win streak.
a well balanced team with top Lambert with hockey legend They look like contenders once
special teams play, and although Patrick Roy), will be in tough to more. The Los Angeles Kings have
they’ve had six goaltenders play in attain a playoff spot. been faltering after a fantastic start
the crease for them hasn’t deterred In the West, the Vancouver and I wonder if a coaching change
their strong play. They work hard Canucks show no sign of slowing there is inevitable. Currently the
for their coach Rob Brindamour down this season and sit atop the Nashville Predators hold down the
and will be in the mix come playoff Conference standings. Vancouver 8th and final playoff spot, but the
time. The Toronto Maple Leafs St Louis Blues, Seattle Kraken, and
is getting great production from
have been up and down all season Phoenix Coyotes all remain four or
their top players including Quinn
and still rely on the scoring ability less points back. As for the Calgary
Hughes, Brock Boeser, JT Miller,
of league goal scorer, Auston Flames, it looks like it’ll be decision
and Elias Pettersson. Coach Rick
Matthews, to lead the way. The time for new general manager Craig
Tocchet has this team believing
Leafs goaltending situation was Conroy as several key players on the
in themselves. The Colorado
rocky once young Joe Woll went Avalanche have shot up into first Flames roster are unrestricted free
down with an injury and Ilya place in the Central Division led by agents (defensemen Noah Hanifan,
Samsonov’s game went south, but MVP candidate Nathan McKinnon. Chris Tanev, and top Centre Elias
Samsonov has rebounded recently The Winnipeg Jets are seeing the Lindholm), and all will fetch strong
and Woll should return soon. The trade of Pierre Luc Dubois to Los returns if placed on the trade block
Leafs need a reinforcement or two, Angeles pay dividends as returns to help with the retool of the roster.
namely a top-4 defenceman and Gabe Vilardi and Alex Iafallo are It’s been a terrific season thus far
another bottom six forward or two contributing solid play in a lineup with a few surprises, and the second
that can provide energy and kill that is deeper than many thought. half of the season should provide
penalties as they rank 27th in that fans with plenty of intrigue as the
category. The Tampa Bay Lighting The Dallas Stars continue their race for the last few playoff spots
have been carried by MVP candidate strong play and have been very and seedings will be fought for
Nikita Kucherov and their veterans consistent. Stanley Cup champs right down to the wire.
but will have a battle on their hands Vegas Golden Knights have lost Enjoy the exciting hockey being
to make the playoffs. The surprises the most man games due to injury provided!
that are fighting for the final playoff this season but still factor in the Coach Brad