Tuesday 26 January 2016

{coyotes} NHL team grades at the All-Star break

 

Even though we are well into the second half of the NHL season, the All-Star break provides a natural time for reflection on what has happened. While points are most important, not every team is graded to the same standard. The grades below will factor in a team's preseason expectations.

A

Chicago Blackhawks: It doesn't seem to matter what kind of roster turnover transpires in the offseason.

Dallas Stars: Will their goaltending be good enough in the postseason?

Los Angeles Kings: Three Stanley Cups in five seasons doesn't appear unrealistic; this is shaping up to be their best regular season.

Washington Capitals: Without a clear weakness, the fear is that the regular season has gone too well anything short of the Stanley Cup Final will be a disappointment.

A-

Arizona Coyotes: From second-to-last in the NHL to the thick of the playoff race.

Carolina Hurricanes: Bill Peters has done a masterful job as the Hurricanes are the fifth-best possession team; don't blame him for poor goaltending.

St. Louis Blues: A great regular season doesn't cut it anymore.

B+

Boston Bruins: The offseason of change signaled a recharge and not a rebuild.

Detroit Red Wings: A well-oiled machine from the front office through player personnel, the Red Wings' playoff streak will likely continue, even under first-year coach Jeff Blashill.

New Jersey Devils: Shrewd offseason acquisitions coupled with a sound structure and elite goaltender has the Devils eyeing the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Mike Babcock has made a huge difference, with talent setting the Leafs a part from the contenders.

B

Florida Panthers: Roberto Luongo has been the key ingredient to the Panthers' feel-good story.

New York Islanders: To say the Islanders are lurking is a compliment because all facets of their game haven't clicked, and here they are with 56 points.

Tampa Bay Lightning: With expectations sky-high after reaching the Stanley Cup Final last season, the Lightning did not seem as fearsome ... until January.

C

Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres are 12 points away from matching last year's point total, and have improved 10% in their possession game, according to war-on-ice.com.

Edmonton Oilers: Opponents can no longer count the Oilers as an automatic win.

Minnesota Wild: The offense lacks enough difference makers to be feared in the West.

San Jose Sharks: Logan Couture's return to health has added explosiveness to a group that has been average.

Vancouver Canucks: Kudos to the front office for starting the youth movement.

C-

Calgary Flames: Calgary defied the percentages last season by advancing to the second round of the playoffs, but there's noticeable improvement in their structure now.

Colorado Avalanche: At 44.2%, they are the worst possession team, according to war-on-ice.com, and are relying on goaltending to mask deficiencies.

Nashville Predators: There's a clear distinction between the best of the Central Division and the rest.

Philadelphia Flyers:  There are not enough players to dream on, and little progress has been made from last season.

D

Montreal Canadiens: Their season has derailed since the start of December, but a strong possession game provides a solid foundation.

New York Rangers: The Rangers have been buoyed, thanks to Henrik Lundqvist, by a 16-3-2 start and don't appear primed for a deep run.

Ottawa Senators: Some elite offensive performers are carrying the Senators, though team defense has become an issue.

Pittsburgh Penguins: A disjointed offensive attack has resulted in a skilled group ranking 19th in scoring.

Winnipeg Jets: After reaching the playoffs last season, Winnipeg as the West's second-worst team is a surprising sight.

F

Anaheim Ducks: Their possession game remains strong, but they were supposed to be a Stanley Cup contender and right now they aren't in a playoff position.

Columbus Blue Jackets: A trendy pick to make noise in the East, the Blue Jackets sit comfortably with the NHL's worst record.

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