That start has the team on top of the latest power rankings, but a close look at the standings and several franchises are closing the gap, creating a buzz with the fans as hockey moves into the second month of the season.
Two franchises that have made a big move in the last week are Washington and the LA Kings. The Capitals won three straight road games in Canada and team captain Alex Ovechkin has scored at least one point in every contest. The best news for the fans, this team is playing great on the defensive end of the ice and with their recent win streak, they are now 7-2-0 and sitting second in the Metropolitan Division.
Things were looking bleak in Southern California as the Kings and Ducks started the year slow, but Los Angeles has rebounded, winning six straight hockey games, moving to second in the Pacific Division with 12 points and reminded NHL experts why this squad was picked by many to represent the Western Conference in this seasons Stanley Cup Finals.
Based on games played, Nashville is now third in the latest rankings. The Predators are playing solid hockey on both ends of the ice and with a 7-1-1 mark and the only team in the West with a +10 goal differential or better, the early season momentum this franchise has built, could just lead to a special season in Tennessee.
Three squads are bringing up the rear with just four points. Anaheim is the biggest surprise in this group as the Ducks played for the Cup last season and expectations where high heading into this year, but averaging just one goal per game isn’t getting the job done and changes could be made if they don’t breakout of their slump in the next few weeks.
