Current Observations – Eleven Most Improved Teams. So, here we are, the season is past the halfway point and teams are battling hard coming down the stretch. The trade deadline is quickly approaching and teams are assessing weather or not they need to make acquisitions to bolster their playoff positioning or to cut bait and retool for next season.
Let’s take a look at some of the current overachievers. Their are 11 teams that are overachieving in comparison to the same date as last year until now ( February 9/2019-February 9/2020). Of these teams the point differential ranges from a low of 5 points to a high of 16 points.
The teams that have made the most remarkable improvements rank in the following order:
St.Louis Blues-they are leading the pack with a 16 point improvement from last year. Still riding their high of winning the Stanley Cup, last years success has become contagious.
Colorado Avalanche-they are a young talented up and coming contender who have made a 14 point improvement. They are a dangerous group and are continuing to shine.
Boston Bruins– perennial contenders since their cup win in 2011, they have posted a 12 point gain. They currently lead the Atlantic Division by four points over the surging Lightning.
Edmonton Oilers– the Oilers have an eleven point edge over their previous pace this time a year ago, lead by McDavid and Draisaitl who are 1/2 respectively in the N.H.L. Scoring race.
Florida Panthers– they have climbed the ladder with a 10 point jump over last year. In recent years they have contended for a playoff birth but always fade down the stretch. With Joel Quenneville as coach the team hopes that under his tutelage that they can finally reach the next level and become a solid playoff club.
Pittsburgh Penguins-like the Panthers above, the Pens have also made a steady climb in the standings with a 10 point leap. Interesting to note that their latest win came against the now slumping Florida Panthers, a 3-2 win on Feb 8/20.
Washington Capitals– hoping to recapture the glory of their 2018 cup win the Caps are 10 points ahead of last years pace and are currently leading the Metropolitan Division by 4 points over arch rival Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia Flyers-although they have improved 10 points from last season to this year they are playing inconsistent at times, particularly against teams that they would be expected to beat. Case in point they lose at home to the lowly Jersey Devils on Thursday night 5-0, only to rebound on Saturday with a 7-2 triumph on the road against the powerful Ovechkin lead division leading Caps. If they were more consistent against the weaker teams they could be challenging for the division title.
Vancouver Canucks-they have been overachieving all season. After coming off a successful road trip and a five game win streak, they have now dropped four straight and hope to get back in the win column during their six game home stand. Vancouver is now on a four game winless streak as they prepare for Nashville on Monday night. The Canucks are 8 points improved from last years production.
Dallas Stars-The Stars have a modest improvement of six points over the same time frame as last year. Dallas trails the Avalanche by one point and the division leading St.Louis Blues by six points in the Central division. Dallas needs more production from it’s star players most particularly Tyler Seguin.
Carolina Hurricanes-The Canes are five points up on last years pace and are hoping to increase their point production from the previous year. The Canes are 5-4-1 in their last ten and are currently on a 4 game road trip. The Canes started the trip in St.louis where they were doubled up on 6-3 by the defending champions. The Canes however have followed up the loss with impressive wins over the Phoenix Coyotes and the Golden Knights. Next up for the young Hurricane squad is a Tuesday night tilt against the Dallas Stars.
Their you have it. The eleven most improved teams from February 9/2019-February 9/2020.
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