Five Teams That Can Say “This is our Year”

This season, more so than others, is filled with streaks. It’s why fans can look at their team one week and plan the parade route and then look at the same team the next week and think a teardown is needed.

Within the streaks, there are a few teams that have stood out and remained near the top of their divisions. These teams might indicate that this season is different, and they can go on a run only to have a pie thrown in their face. That said, some teams just might be putting it together.

Anaheim Ducks

The prime example of a streaky team that is hard to figure out. The Anaheim Ducks had a hot start and then plummeted in the standings. Now, they are putting it together again with four wins in a row. It comes with the territory when the team is built around young and developing stars, notably Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, who, by nature, are streaky players.

The question mark for the Ducks, at least for this season, is their inexperience. That won’t be an issue because they have veterans playing depth roles and will add another for the playoff push. Where they lack experience on the ice, they make up for it on the bench with Joel Quenneville, who gives them an edge in any playoff series.

The defense is the other issue, as the Ducks allow 3.55 goals per game. The defense has its problems but they have the goaltending to make up for it. Plus, when needed, the defensive unit clamps down and closes out games, making them a fun team to keep an eye on in a given playoff series.

Carolina Hurricanes

The general hockey world is tired of the Carolina Hurricanes. They’ve seen the same story from this team, where they look good in the regular season and then run into an elite goaltender and a team that matches up well with their system. Yet, things seem different this time around.

Why? The big thing is that they finally have an elite goaltender who can go up against the best in the NHL. Brandon Bussi was a waiver claim and is having a dominant season with the Hurricanes. He’s young and unproven for the playoffs but is capable of leading them on a run.

The Hurricanes are also a team to watch ahead of the trade deadline. They can add another scorer to give them the firepower to battle against the best. They added Nikolaj Ehlers in the offseason but can make another trade to give them a clear-cut edge over the rest of the conference.

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings have played well all season, and it’s hard to understand why, certainly for those who don’t watch them all the time. There are three factors leading to a strong start.

The core has multiple players putting together career years, whether it’s Dylan Larkin or defenseman Moritz Seider, who has put himself in the Norris conversation.
The goaltending, which was a weak link in the past, is a strength.
The players around the stars are fitting in well.

The Red Wings are in a good spot to snap the second-longest playoff drought in the NHL. They also match up with most teams in the conference because they can win high-scoring games but also battle in defensive games. Better yet, they have the cap space to make a splash, and general manager (GM) Steve Yzerman might add the player to allow them to compete for a Cup.

Minnesota Wild

Ever since GM Bill Guerin rolled up those meatballs and made the bold move to acquire Quinn Hughes, the Minnesota Wild have become a Cup-caliber team. They lost their recent game but caught up to the Dallas Stars and have a good chance of finishing with the second-best record in the division.

Don’t put it past Guerin to make another move with the Wild going all in. They need centers, and with Elias Pettersson, Robert Thomas, and Vincent Trocheck on the trade block, they have options. The Wild can add that top-line center to take a good team and put it over the hump.

Utah Mammoth

The vibes around the Utah Mammoth have been good all season. They have a lot of pressure to make the playoffs and remain in a wild card spot, with a recent winning streak putting them back in position. They have a front office and an owner in particular who is willing to be aggressive and get the Mammoth into the playoffs.

The only downside that’s worth keeping in mind with the Mammoth is the Logan Cooley injury. The young and rising star is out for the season, and it’s a tough blow because he’s a difference-making center. Otherwise, there’s a good feeling around the surging Mammoth.