Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on which contending team should be most concerned heading into the playoffs.
Todd Cordell
San Jose has to be second-guessing themselves about not bringing in goaltending help. They legitimately put together one of the best rosters of skaters in the NHL but it might not matter. Neither Martin Jones or Aaron Dell has a save percentage above .900 and the Sharks rank last in that category as a result. They haven't had any goaltending all year long. Without it, going deep – or even winning a round – in the playoffs is awfully difficult. What's most concerning for San Jose is they can't really do anything about the issue. They don't allow goals because they give up shots and chances in bunches. They're legitimately one of the league's best at suppressing them. Jones and Dell just can't make a save. Unless that changes, the Sharks could disappoint in the playoffs once again.
Honorable mention goes to Nashville. They rank 29th in scoring chance for% over the last 10 games, Kyle Turris' fall from grace has left them exposed down the middle, and their two big deadline acquisitions (Mikael Granlund and Wayne Simmonds) have combined for two goals thus far.
Sean Maloughney
Right now it has to be Toronto. Despite having one of the most potent offenses in the league, their defensive issues continue to be a major issue. Recently the Leafs got pumped by the Senators to the tune of 6-2... that should not happen. Frederik has not been providing the same superhuman goaltending that he was earlier in the season which was able to hide the issues on defense.
On top of all of that, the Leafs will likely be playing against Boston in the first round...a team they have struggled mightily against in the post-season.
Toronto needs to hire someone in their front office who knows the Bruins roster and is familiar with the team. I am pretty sure one of those guys are available right now.
Trevor Shackles
I think the Sharks have the best skater group in the West and can challenge the Lightning in that regard too, but Martin Jones can easily sink them in the playoffs. He has never been as bad as he has been this season, but a sub .900 SV% goalie isn't going to get you a Stanley Cup. San Jose might be able to dominate every game in the playoffs, but if they can't buy a save, that could easily be their undoing. I could honestly see the Sharks getting bounced in the first round or going all the way and winning the cup, it just depends on how well Jones plays.
James Tanner
If you look at the NHL's list of contending teams, everyone has troubles. The Jets are bad 5v5, the Leafs have injury trouble, the Flames and Sharks have bad goalies..........Tampa has to play Toronto and Boston to advance......these are the problems of a salary cap league with nearly full parity. There just isn't ever going to be any perfect teams. Even the Lightning, as good as their doing, have their problems. Their roster isn't perfect. They rely on high PDO and a high PP Shooting Percentage for a part of their success. If they start the playoffs against Columbus - who have a great roster and potentially depending on which Bobrovsky shows up, a great goalie. But overall, I guess I'd be the most concerned about Boston because they have to play the Leafs who haven't played their optimal lineup for a full game this year and are still in sixth place. They are secretly the NHL's best team and will win the Cup. Everyone has problems but the Leafs when healthy are going to be nearly unbeatable.
Recent posts
Which team would you like to see win the lottery?
Most entertaining team to watch?
Least entertaining team to watch?
Which rules would you like to see changed?
Thoughts on the Predators/Wild trade?
Thoughts on the Mark Stone trade?
Thoughts on the Sabres/Ducks trade?
Thoughts on the Matt Duchene trade?
Thoughts on the Bruins/Wild trade?
Join the Discussion:
»