The theme of this week’s episode of Ice Time was what we know, what we think we know, and what we don’t know about the NHL this season. It’s a good way to take a step back and look at some big picture topics around the league.
One thing that looks certain ahead of the Olympic break is that there will be fresh faces in the final four or the conference final round. Sure, the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers look great right now, while the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers can rebound. That said, there’s a new crop of elite teams that will take over come playoff time and provide new names to the mix.
Detroit Red Wings
This is the season where everything is going right for the Detroit Red Wings, who boast the best record in the Atlantic Division. More accurately, everything is coming together for a Red Wings team that was searching for a breakthrough for some time. Dylan Larkin is a top-tier center while Moritz Seider is in the Norris discussion, and Goaltending, which was a weakness in the past, is now a strength.
The Red Wings look like a playoff team now. They will make a move to not only secure a spot but also set themselves up for a deep run. The Red Wings have the cap space to take on a rough contract and should be the team interested in adding Steven Stamkos or Nazem Kadri, if either is available.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are back. They aren’t at the same level as the teams that won the Cup in 2020 and 2021 but this team is the closest to that. They are an elite team from the top down and are different.
What makes this team different is that the Lightning have depth this time around. Instead of being the top-heavy team that had no chance in the playoffs, they have four lines to roll out and beat a team like the Florida Panthers. Better yet, the Lightning also have the defense to win it all, even without Victor Hedman on it.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are the best team in the NHL and have been since the start of the season. If there’s any team set up to eliminate the Stars and go on a run, it’s the Avalanche, who can win a high-scoring game but also shut teams down.
Like the Lightning, the Avalanche aren’t a fresh face. They won the Cup earlier in the decade and have made the playoffs every season since. But also like the Lightning, they are a different team, a complete team that can win in any situation.
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild last won a playoff series in 2015. So, why are things different? They added Quinn Hughes to round out a roster that already had plenty of firepower from Kirill Kaprizov to Marco Rossi, and even defenseman Brock Faber.
This team still has issues up the middle, and it’s hard to win a playoff series with elite center play. However, the Wild are the team that would go out and get one, especially if they are in win-now mode. Whether it’s Vincent Trochek or Robert Thomas (and good luck to the Wild for having enough cap to do it), they will look to add strength to the position to match up against the Dallas Stars and be default, the rest of the league.
Anaheim Ducks
They’ve had highs and lows but this season has shown that the Anaheim Ducks will enter the contention discussion. They already have the skill in the forward group led by rookie Beckett Senneke, Cutter Gauthier, and Leo Carlsson. Plus, they have the goaltending, especially when a healthy Lukas Dostal is in the net. The defense is a mess and has let them down but it has the talent, notably with recently selected Olympian Jackson LaCombe stepping up.
What separates the Ducks is Joel Quenneville, who gives them an advantage in the playoffs. The playoffs are where great coaching and coaches who adjust are on display, and Quenneville can match lines better than anyone else. The other thing to keep in mind is the ability to make a splash, and they have the pieces to make one if needed.
The Cusp of Contention Tier
The Montreal Canadiens are a fun team. With Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkosvky, and Ivan Demidov in their top six, they have youth and game changers everywhere. Plus, Lane Hutson is a difference maker. They have the pieces to be great but goaltending remains a question mark.
The other team that falls into this category is the Buffalo Sabres. Sure, people will proceed with caution, yet it’s hard to deny that they are a great team that can not only make the playoffs but also make noise in the playoffs.
Dive Deeper: Sabres: Caution, Cynicism & Optimism
The Utah Mammoth also falls into this category. They have a great team but need that one big move to put them over the top. It’s anyone’s guess what type of move they make and how willing Ryan Smith will be to see this team successful.
