As the Nhl’s unofficial 2nd half begins we take a look at where the Canadian teams stand and how they’ve performed so far this season. Compared to this point last year where 0 Canadian teams made the postseason for the first time in about 40 years…I’d say it was a pretty decent review…it’s Report Card Time!
The Ottawa senators have exceeded all expectations so far this season, all while doing so without some notable players: Craig Anderson has played in just 19 games due to personal reasons, Clarke Macarthur never played a game, and their highest paid player Bobby Ryan, has recorded just 19 points. But with all that, the Sens find themselves in 2nd place in the Atlantic Division, threatening for the Division lead. Watch out for the Sensations.
Our next stop is in Oil town, where the young guns looks like they have arrived… with the added elite play of Cam Talbot, and solid offseason acquisitions that have seemed to have worked out (Lucic, Larsson), Edmonton finds themselves currently tied for 1st in the Pacific Division. The last time the oilers were in a playoff spot this late into the year, it was the 2009 season… it took a long time but it appears the turnaround has finally begun.
Next up… les Habitans. The Habs have cooled off a bit since their great start, but still remain in 1st place in their division and destined for a playoff berth. It’s been a tale of 2 seasons for Montreal, going 17-6-2 in their 1st 25 games, followed by 12-8-5 in their next 25, but it’s worth noting that no Canadian team has dealt with more key injuries. The expectations for this team are high, and their window to win is shrinking.
Leafs nation has to be pleased with what they’ve seen in the first half; Toronto’s kids have been dominating the league this season, exceeding all the expectations from experts to fans alike – who were preparing themselves for another top 5 pick. With Nazem Kadri playing the best hockey of his career, and Freddy Andersen earning every cent of his new contract, the leafs are threatening for a playoff spot… and would be in one if they hadn’t blown several winnable games this season.
Let’s head west to Vancouver, where the Canucks are, believe it or not, just 1 point out of a wild card spot. At one point this season there was a “willie watch” and a desperate cry from ‘nucks nation to start the rebuild. The Canucks have struggled to score this season and that may ultimately be their downfall. But for a team to make the postseason that many expected to finish as a bottom 5 team, they have to get some credit.
The Calgary flames enter the 2nd half clinging onto the last wild card spot, having lost 7 of their last 10 games, and scoring just 4 goals in 3 games on their last Canadian road trip. Unfortunately their big offseason acquisition of Brian Elliott has not panned out exactly as the flames had hoped. But after a 26th place finish last season, Calgary has exceeded some expectations and have shown flashes that they deserve to be where they are in the standings.
Last but not least, the Winnipeg jets, who have struggled all year with their goaltending woes. Hutchinson, Hellebuyck, and now the recently recalled Pavelec have all attempted to right the ship, and have all ostensibly come up short. The Jets have proven they can score goals, but not at the pace they let them into their own net; a minus 11 goal differential can be problematic. The Jets are the only Canadian team with an under .500 record, but like most, are still within striking range of the wild card.