In hockey there are countless variables at the start of every season. We all know how dangerous the word “potential” can be. Many former coaches can attest to the dangers of performances that fall short of expectation. Games and championships aren’t won on paper; they are won in my television set. No amount of preparation or study can forecast every success or failure in sports and the NHL is certainly no exception there.
We have covered the biggest disappointments in the NHL so far this season, so let’s turn our attention to the positive and recognize the biggest (and best) surprises of the 2013-14 NHL season so far.
Colorado Avalanche
26-11-4, 56 points, 3rd place Central Division
There is no team that has shocked the NHL more than the Colorado Avalanche this season. With a rookie head coach in Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic pulling the strings in the front office, the Avs were optimistic that a pair of legends could restore some glory to a once proud franchise. They raced out of the gate with 12 wins in their first 13 games before someone could yell “JEAN SEBASTIAN GIGUERE!!” They have since cooled off, settling in at a more reasonable third position behind Chicago and St. Louis. However, after a last-place finish, the Avalanche are more than happy to be firmly in the playoff picture.
Tampa Bay Lightning
25-13-4, 54 points, 2nd place Atlantic Division
The Lighting would be a surprise in this position even if they were playing with Steven Stamkos. The fact that they have continued to win without their fallen star is nothing short of remarkable. With virtually no significant maneuvers in the offseason to upgrade the areas of concern, the biggest opportunity for the Lightning suddenly became it’s strength. Goaltender Ben Bishop has been the best goaltender in the NHL this season and Tampa is sporting the 5th ranked defense in the NHL at the halfway point. With Stamkos slated to return after the Olympic break, the Lighting could be sitting pretty if they can maintain their current pace.
Anaheim Ducks
31-8-5, 67 points 1st place Pacific Division
It’s certainly no surprise that the Ducks have a good team this year. After all they were the second seed in the Western Conference last year. The fact that they are threatening to run away with the Pacific Division is the biggest surprise. They have had a top five offense all year despite shipping Bobby Ryan to Ottawa in the summer. The Ducks seem to have the right blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance and look capable of knocking Chicago off their perch. If they can secure home ice, they could be the Stanley Cup favorites. Anaheim has yet to lose a regulation game at home this year.
Pittsburgh Penguins
31-12-1, 63 points, 1st place Metropolitan Division
No surprise that the Penguins are at the top of the division given the wealth of talent on the roster. What makes their enormous 17-point lead over second place Washington and Philadelphia so impressive is how they have been winning. Embattled goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury has been spectacular so far this season. The other major obstacle that the Pens have overcome has been a ridiculously persistent injury bug. With stars Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Kris Letang and pretty much half the roster except Sidney Crosby. Winning games without key players builds the type of character needed in the playoffs. If Fleury can keep playing at his current level, the Pens have to be considered favorites in the Eastern Conference.