Hockey fans—it’s past time for a Benchwarmer’s NHL update. After the excitement of the All-Star Break with John Scott and Co., it’s time to get back to business. Coming out of the All-Star break, there’s much work to be done all around. So without further ado, let’s have a closer look at where each of our Eastern conference teams stand.
Montreal Canadiens
Arguably the biggest disappointment of all, the Habs have been on a slippery slope since losing 2015 Hart and Vezina trophy recipient Carey Price to a lower body injury on October 29, 2015. In his first appearance after his so-called “recovery” on November 20, Price left the game in some discomfort. Ever since the Canadiens have been sliding down the standings, so far in fact that it is quite likely that they will miss the playoffs this year.
In particular, this season highlights the Canadiens’ inherent inability to put pucks in the net (with the exception of Brendan Gallagher of course). Coach Michel Therrien should be on the hot seat for this one—he needs to move to a strategy that will create more offence. This is hardly the first time this has been pointed out though…
Ottawa Senators
Mired in a slump, the Sens are searching for answers. Though it looks like they’re about to snap their 3-game losing streak with a decisive victory over the Leafs tonight (they currently lead 4-0, we have changed over to the Pens vs. Panthers game). Nevertheless, many Ottawa fans are calling for Dave Cameron’s head. A slew of injuries to key players such as Kyle Turris and Milan Michalek hasn’t helped the cause. It’s not like the Sens were expected to make a deep run in the playoffs, but it sure did look like they could be a playoff team. The chances are small now, but unlike Therrien, Cameron should probably be given some time to see what he can salvage from the remainder of the season.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Rebuilding mode. Pulling for first overall draft choice to join Mitch Marner. Mike Babcock coached his 1000th NHL game against the Devils, which the Leafs won 3-2 in a shootout. Nothing else worth adding here.
Western Conference bits ’n bites…
Edmonton Oilers
Drum roll please! Rookie sensation Connor McDavid made his return from injury an exciting one with a three-point night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Optimism is back and high in Edmonton… despite the fact they will miss the playoffs for the 10th straight year. Then again, they’ll be in the mix for a top-5 draft pick if they keep up their slow pace.
Vancouver Canucks
A pleasant surprise to start off the season, they were perhaps our best bet for a Canadian Western Conference team making the playoffs. This is especially true considering the relative weakness of the Pacific division this year. However, it looks like the blue-collar L.A. Kings have the division pretty much in the bag, with Sharks and Ducks duking it out for second place and only a point separating the two teams. The Canucks sit five points behind the Ducks.
Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets
Both tied with the lowly Leafs, Sabres, and Oilers for dead last in the league, both of these teams have been a disappointment. After an impressive showing last playoffs against the Ducks, Johnny Gaudreau’s Flames have not picked up where they left off. Ditto for the Jets, who are currently shopping captain Andrew Ladd on the open market to get something good at the trade deadline. Though neither will make the playoffs, let’s hope there’s enough high-calibre prospects coming down the pipe in June.
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