Yesterday, CBS Sports did a neat article. With Thanksgiving being right this moment, in its weekly energy rankings, it shared one thing every NHL group ought to be grateful for. On this publish, with due to CBS’s analyst Austin Nivison for his work, we’ll share his ideas and add a few of our personal to the combination.
Thanksgiving is an American Custom That Canada Celebrates
Though Thanksgiving may be an American custom, it’s an ideal time for Canadian hockey followers to replicate on what their groups should be grateful for. From elite expertise to shocking success, right here’s what every Canadian NHL group can respect this season.
Every Canadian NHL group has one thing to have fun this season: elite expertise, shocking success, or a promising future. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to replicate on these blessings and sit up for what’s subsequent.
Whereas our neighbors to the south have fun U.S. Thanksgiving, it’s the right time to pause and respect what we’re grateful for within the NHL—particularly, what every Canadian group brings to the league. In spite of everything, hockey is aware of no borders, and there’s at all times room for gratitude, even when it’s not our nationwide vacation!
Winnipeg Jets followers have each purpose to be pleased about their star goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. He’s been nothing in need of an eraser within the web, giving the group an opportunity to win each night time. His stellar efficiency towards the Wild on Monday, saving 3.71 targets above common, introduced his season complete to an NHL-best 13.6. Hellebuyck’s heroics are a game-changer for Winnipeg, making certain they’re at all times aggressive.
Right here at NHL Commerce Discuss, it’s vital to keep in mind that some nice gamers signed on for a time period with the Prairie group. These embrace Kyle, Connor, Mark, Scheifele, and Nikolaj Ehlers. The Jets have stable gamers had a number of positions.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Residence Ice Benefit
Whereas Scotiabank Area has confronted its share of criticism for missing power, the Maple Leafs are thriving in their very own barn this season. With a dominant 10-3-0 document at house, Toronto has turned its enviornment right into a fortress—that greater than compensates for his or her lukewarm 3-4-2 highway efficiency. Maple Leafs followers ought to respect the consolation their group finds in entrance of the house crowd.
Amongst different issues, the Maple Leafs goalie scenario is far more stable than anybody anticipated. Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll are placing up stable goaltending numbers. With Auston Matthews out, they’ve helped the group keep within the hunt.
Vancouver Canucks: Highway Warriors
It appears the Canucks have discovered their zen away from Rogers Area, boasting a outstanding 8-1-0 highway document with a +14 purpose differential. Whether or not it’s the consolation of resort beds or a psychological edge on the highway, Vancouver has made touring a energy. If solely they might convey that magic to their house video games, the place they’ve received simply three of eight.
From our NHL Commerce Discuss perspective, two issues stand out. One is Dakota Joshua’s return from most cancers surgical procedure. It’s nice to see him again within the lineup. Second is Kevin Lankinen‘s work within the crease. He’s been wonderful for the group who desperately wanted him.
When you will have two of the highest 5 gamers on this planet, life is sweet—irrespective of the Oilers’ present struggles. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have mixed for 27 targets, shouldering the offensive load. With depth scoring faltering, Edmonton’s dynamic duo stays the group’s most precious asset. Oilers followers ought to savor each second of watching these generational abilities.
From our perspective, right here at NHL Commerce Discuss, it’s laborious to not respect a tough employee like Connor Brown. Brown won’t put up the numbers, however he’s at all times working laborious and bringing all the pieces to the ice. As a depth participant, he’s discovered a spot in Edmonton.
Calgary Flames: Their Feisty Spirit
The Calgary Flames weren’t anticipated to be a lot of a menace this season, however they’ve defied expectations with grit and willpower. Simply three factors again from the Pacific Division lead, Calgary is scrappy and relentless. Whereas questions stay about their means to maintain this success, their resilience is a welcome shock for followers.
We’ve come to understand Craig Conroy as a common supervisor. He’s a little bit of a no-nonsense man, however on the similar time, he’s pulled the strings on some wonderful trades and has his group pumped up. Name Flames coach Ryan Huska Rumpelstiltskin. He’s spun straw into gold.
Brady Tkachuk won’t draw as a lot consideration as his brother Matthew, however he’s the center and soul of the Senators. Tkachuk is a power on the ice, main the group with 11 targets and on tempo for an 89-point season. Senators followers ought to respect his contributions whereas hoping Ottawa’s trajectory doesn’t push him to comply with his brother’s path out of city.
From our perspective, right here at NHL Commerce Discuss, it’s laborious to not respect Linus Ullmark. He looks like a straight-up man who needs to be in Ottawa. His physique of labor has not been as productive as he needs. But, it’s laborious to not root for him. He has adopted Ottawa asses house.
Montreal Canadiens: A Brilliant Future and a Motivating Head Coach
The Canadiens won’t be in rivalry this season, however their younger core, led by Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovský, offers followers hope for a brighter future. Persistence is vital, however Montreal has the constructing blocks for a aggressive group sooner or later.
From our perspective, head coach Martin St. Louis appears good for this group. It have to be irritating for him, however he hangs in there together with his younger group and appears to encourage and encourage each concurrently. We hope he will get to maintain his job lengthy sufficient to see his prices flip into the particular group they might in all probability turn out to be in a yr or two.
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