New Blood Rising?
This year’s NHL has brought out many a new, fresh story. The early successes of some unlikely teams and characters had made hockey especially interesting this season, although there’s still no telling how things will end up come the post-season.
For now, however, there’s a reason to celebrate if you’ve got young players like Anze Kopitar or Steven Stamkos in your hockey pools. And there’s something really sweet about Brad Richards’ performance in Dallas this year. Let’s not forget to give thanks on this American Thanksgiving for the play of Marian Gaborik in New York, too.
After the 21-game-mark in the NHL, Colorado, Nashville, Los Angeles and Phoenix are all pushing for a playoff spot in the Wild West. Those teams were out of the picture last spring, making their surge all the more compelling. And in the East things are surprising too, with Buffalo, Atlanta, Tampa Bay and the New York Islanders (!) are in the hunt for post-season success as well.
Other teams expected to do well this year are struggling, as is always the case. In the East, last year’s powerhouse Bruins are stumbling out of the gate to a slow start and a disappointing team effort. And the injury-laden Carolina Hurricanes are last in the Conference, leading to many frustrated fans.
Out West, San Jose and Chicago’s early success surprises no-one. But Anaheim’s second-last placement is about as stunning as Phoenix’s 12 wins.
Perhaps the only thing this points out is that the NHL is still an unpredictable sports league. It certainly does appear that just about any team can have success any year and this year is obviously no exception. As the league nears the holiday season and the halfway point for the Olympic break, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out and if the teams on top now will be able to maintain their paces leading into the season’s second half.
Posted by Jordan Richardson.
Tags: chicago blackhawks, los angeles kings, NHL, success stories, teams