It was an interesting week in the North Division. Some good trades at the deadline could help out the Canadian teams down the stretch. Let’s see where I put everyone this week.
7. Vancouver Canucks: 16-18-3 Overall (0-0-0 In The Last Week) (-1)
Vancouver still hasn’t played since their Covid outbreak but it looks like that will change this week. Calgary played too good to stay in the basement so the Canucks move down by default. We will see what kind of roster they have when they return but I’m expecting them to not be at full strength for a while.
6. Ottawa Senators: 14-25-4 Overall (1-3-0 In The Last Week) (-1)
Ottawa had a tough week as good teams continue to play their best against the Sen’s. They just do not match up well against Edmonton and it showed with zero wins in nine attempts this year. They did manage to get a good performance from brady Tkachuk and take out the Jets late in the week.
5. Calgary Flames: 18-21-3 Overall (2-1-0 In The Last Week) (+2)
The Flames picked up a couple big wins this week against Toronto and Edmonton. They have slim playoff hopes but if they want a better shot they have to win both against Montreal this week. It’s going to be tough but it all starts there. We will see if this team has it in them.
4. Montreal Canadiens: 18-12-9 Overall (1-3-0 In The Last Week) (–)
Montreal did not take care of business against Winnipeg this week but bounced back nicely against the Leafs. They also made some pretty good depth D moves at the deadline. We will see if Carey Price can make a comeback this week or if it it once again Jake Allen’s net.
3. Winnipeg Jets: 25-14-3 Overall (2-1-0 In The Last Week) (–)
Winnipeg had a couple of nice wins against the Habs to start the week that solidified a top three North Division spot for them. They fell to the Sen’s at the end of the week but still look like a very dangerous hockey team. Not a whole lot to worry about although I wish they had maybe picked up a better defenceman at the deadline. We will see if their D depth comes back to bite them.
2. Edmonton Oilers: 25-15-2 Overall (2-1-0 In the Last Week) (–)
The Oilers had a good start to the week taking care of business against the Senators to sweep the nine game season series. They had a bit of a setback in a 5-0 loss against the Flames but some outside factors and a tough travel schedule could have factored into that as well.
1.Toronto Maple Leafs: 28-11-4 Overall (2-1-1 In the Last Week) (–)
The Leafs stay at the top of my standings having picked up points in three of four this week. they made some nice depth moves at the deadline and anything besides making it out of the North Division this year would be a major failure. This team is hands down the best on paper in the North.
This could be a fun week specifically for the Montreal and Calgary two game set. They still have five games against each other but we could really have a firm playoff picture by the end of the week, or it could open right up. Should be fun. Thanks for reading!
Riley's Ramblings 