When this season’s predictions came out, mostly everyone had Tampa, Minnesota, and Vancouver as playoff teams. The Lightning have n money, The Wild maybe had the best shot at knocking of Colorado, and Vancouver was ready to continue their growth under Boudreau.
Currently all three teams sit in or tied for last in their respective divisions with a combined record of 1-9-1 with a combined goal differential of -18.
The Canucks have been all over the place. They have come out of the gate in each game like worldbeaters. They were up 3-0 on Edmonton, 4-1 on Washington, and 2-0 and 3-1 on Columbus. All ended in losses. They are playing with the inconsistency of a skilled young team, but in reality, this is a team made up of a lot of veterans. They are simply losing their focus and not getting big saves a big times right now from their goaltenders. I’m gonna call this a funk because I do believe that they can solidify their own end and right the ship. There are some real positives that their scorers are at least scoring. The Canucks also faced a situation where they played four teams playing their home openers.
Minnesota: FUNK
The Minnesota wild are generally known as a good defensive team. They play a solid system and work really hard. The addition of Marc-André Fleury will eventually pay dividends. He’s a gamer and already out there saying he feels sorry for the fans and doesn’t blame them for booing at all. This team is solid leaders and some of the veterans are coming out and saying that this is not on MAF and that this should be seen as a complete defensive failure. I really believe in what Guerin has done here and I believe that they will right the ship, or at least find the right pieces to do so.
Tampa: FAIL
Watching Tampa, I feel like there’s more reason for concern long-term with this group. They have definitely lost a lot on the defensive end. Losing two of your top six and continually year after year losing players to salary cap issues I believe is catching up with them. Last night against the flyers was the first time I saw Tampa in a long time where the star players were trying to do it themselves. The lightning have never been like that. Did you have to wonder if they really have the skill and depth to compete. Vasy has Not been the problem. In fact at times he has been saving them from worse situation. Anyone who watch the beginning of the Rangers game knows that it should not have been a contest.
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