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EXACTLY What Will Happen in the Atlantic Division. (Metro Next) |
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This is a division that has been pretty much the same for quite a few years now. Tampa, Toronto and Boston have been playoff staples for years. Florida has joined them recently…This hasn’t given a lot of space for anyone new to go to the dance…until this season.
Here goes nothing…
#8. Montreal
They will be fun to watch and I believe Caufield could hit 40 goals. EASY. He is such a joy to watch skate and play with the puck. He and Suzuki together are at times magic. The Canadiens will have their great moments for sure, but it will be a tough year at times. Young teams can look as bad as they can look good…
#7. Detroit
I believe in these Wings more than it seems by my 7th place pick. The difference between 5th and 7th could be a very few points. And honestly any given hour I could flip them around right now. The Wings sending some key youngsters to Grand Rapids is a great move and will allow for one more year for this team to marinate. I really believe they will be battling for a playoff spot next year.
#6. Boston
I give them credit for keeping this amazingly consistent group together for one more run. This kind of experiment can go either way. I don’t love their early injuries and their defense worries me a bit. I am quite sire they could prove me wrong
#5. Buffalo
I like where the Sabres are going and how they are going about things these days. I think the extension of Don Granato is a fantastic way to keep the stability going strong. I am a huge fan of Granato. There is no doubt that the Sabres have been getting better ad working harder in the past two seasons. They will be a factor this season.
#4. Tampa
The loss of key Dmen McDonaugh and Ruuta is a tough one to take. Both players were stabilizing forces and a big part of this team’s glory over the past few years. It’s proof that the difference between a dynasty and a team that needs to fight for the playoffs is crazy small. Goaltending could keep them in the playoffs but they will be battling for the final spot for sure.
#3. Ottawa
The Sens play fast, and teams that play fast ALWAYS succeed in this league. Even if the talent isn’t altogether there…See the Canadiens of 20-21 or the OG Knights. In order to finish in the playoffs they are going to need better than expected goaltending and with Talbot out that lands on Forsberg. If they get the net play they need they are a playoff team.
#2. Florida
The Panthers are coming off of a dream regular season and have the best goaltending duo in this division and among the best anywhere. Tkachuk is not Huberdeau and that can work for them or against them. I believe it works for them moving forward. Lundell is going to be the story this year. The Panthers could really fight for the top again.
#1. Toronto
The scoring is ridiculous, their defense is the best they have had since the 1900s, their goaltending should be good enough. I believe in Samsonov over Murray, but one of the two should shine and if everyone can stay healthy this team will see beyond the first round of the playoffs for sure….
Coming up….The Metro…
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