Preusser's NHL Rundown: The Super 16
Let’s talk standings, specifically the NHL.com Super 16. The list from February 17 is below:
1. Boston Bruins
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
3. Vegas Golden Knights
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
5. Colorado Avalanche
6. Florida Panthers
7. Carolina Hurricanes
8. Montreal Canadiens
9. Philadelphia Flyers
10. New York Islanders
11. St. Louis Blues
12. Winnipeg Jets
13. Washington Capitals
14. Chicago Blackhawks
15. Dallas Stars
16. New Jersey Devils
This list makes sense to me for the most part, but there are still a few surprises to me.
Toronto is doing so well in the Scotia North Division. With only three losses on the season so far, it makes me wonder if they are thriving because of their division or they are actually piecing the whole thing together. I hope it’s the latter. Whatever the case is, it is about time Auston Matthews had a winning team to back him up.
Florida (as I am writing this) is first in the Discover Central Division. I have never doubted Coach Q’s ability to turn a team around, but they are thoroughly impressing me so far this season. I am looking forward to seeing where they end.
Washington is surprising me in the sense that they aren’t blowing me away. I thought with the addition of Zdano Chara on the back end they would have an even more solid blue line. They have a strong team on paper, and I know they had some COVID ups and downs, but I am just surprised that I am not surprised by their play.
Chicago is really good at going into overtime, but I’m not mad about it. The game this season is to get points especially since every game is divisional play. They have exceeded my expectations for the season, and I am enjoying seeing all the new faces playing and buying in with the core group, even without Jonathon Toews, Kirby Dach, and Brent Seabrook.
I am still curious how many games each team will end up playing. Also, I wonder if playing the same team over and over again is beneficial and nice and consistent or do teams wish they could play outside their division.