It is crazy early of course, and it is very important to remember how teams who don't make the playoffs tend to come out of the gates fully ablaze....
But when you look at most predictions from a week ago you will find many of the teams the experts were putting out of the playoffs have gone undefeated.
Detroit, Buffalo, Carolina, Anaheim, Edmonton, and the NY Rangers were mostly not making the playoffs....but currently, they are a combined 13-0-0.
Let's look at what has happened so far:
Buffalo 2-0
We knew the Sabres would benefit from Ralph Krueger, but the system that they have employed has been a remarkable fit. Krueger is one of the best at getting the best from his players...Remember Team Europe playing in the gold medal game at the World Cup of hockey? That was Krueger's work too...
Are the Sabres for Real?
Yes. I would change my prediction regarding them if I could...
Detroit 2-0
This weekend the Red Wings had to deal with Nashville and Dallas...two teams many have going a long way in the playoffs...The Wings scored nine goals against those two teams. Mantha looks absolutely primed for NHL stardom. Are the Wings for real?
I don't believe so. They also gave up 6 goals in two games and they can't expect to be a dominating scoring machine...But they are a lot more fun than anticipated...
Carolina 3-0
I picked Carolina to finish last in the Metro....yeh... This teams has actually continued some of their magic from last year....They are 3-0 against three tough teams.. Tampa, Washington and Montreal. But also know they won all three in OT or the Shootout. And they are giving up goals. 8 goals in three games...But they are 3-0. Are the Canes for real...
I don't think so, but you tell me!
Anaheim 2-0
I thought the Ducks defense wasn't nearly strong enough to get them to the playoffs...Bit so far they have only given up a single goal in each game...They have only scored 5 as well. Are the Ducks for real?
Maybe...that division is really wide open.
Edmonton 2-0
I do believe in tippet and these Oilers a lot more than most do. But they have scored 9 goals in 2 games and given up 7. That is not very Tippet like...I expect he will try and tie it down, but these guys loves to play run and gun.... Are the Oilers for Real?
Yes. Draisatl is a top 5 player along with McDavid.
NY Rangers 2-0
Like the Oilers, the Rangers are scoring a ton of goals They have 10 goals in 2 games. The Rangers have a ton of talent up front and that isn't surprising....Their game against the Jets, a 6-4 win was fun from start to finish. Are the Rangers for real?
Yes. I really like the composition of this team right now. They are 2-0, but they are still going to get a lot better over the course of this season.
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