by Sean Murphy
Monday, Oct 21, 2024We're two weeks into the 2024-25 NHL season so it's a good time to take stock of what we've seen so far and what to expect moving forward. Here's a look at some news and notes to consider in your daily handicapping.
Bad Hab-its
Since turning heads with a 1-0 victory in their season-opener against the rival Maple Leafs, the Canadiens have fallen on hard times. They enter Tuesday's matchup with the Rangers 1-3-1 over tehir last five games. As expected, scoring has been a problem as the Habs young core has produced a grand total of 15 goals over their last five games. On a positive note, goaltender Sam Montembeault has shown plenty of promise, recording a 2.30 goals against average and .932 save percentage in four appearances. We've yet to see Montreal post consecutive 'over' results this season and that's a trend that may be worth banking on in the coming week (it is coming off an 'over' on Long Island on Saturday).
Royal treatment
The Kings are down to the final game of their season-opening seven-game road trip that has taken them to the east coast and back. So far, so good as Los Angeles is 3-1-2 heading into Tuesday's showdown with the Golden Knights in Las Vegas. Interestingly, the reason behind the lengthy road trip out of the gate was scheduled renovations of the Kings dressing room. Those plans were postponed until next year on short notice so you could say the trip was all for nothing. The good news is, Los Angeles will benefit from playing 21 of its final 32 regular season contests on home ice. Their next trip east of the central time zone won't happen until the second week of December.
Flying high
Take a look at most power rankings and you'll find the Jets sitting on top. Whether that's valid or not remains to be seen but for now Winnipeg is undefeated at 5-0. Things will get a little tougher this week as the Jets head out on the road to face the Blues, Kraken and Flames in a five-night stretch. Some offensive regression is to be expected after Winnipeg scored a whopping 14 goals in consecutive regulation time wins over the Sharks and Penguins this past week. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has posted a stellar 1.25 GAA and .952 SV% in four starts.
Predators or prey?
Nashville made arguably the biggest offseason splash in the free agent market but its moves haven't paid immediate dividends as it has gone winless through five games (the lowly Sharks are the NHL's only other remaining winless team). It's far too early to push the panic button as the Preds have opened with a fairly difficult schedule and that should ease up in the coming weeks with five of their next seven contests coming on home ice and two of their next three against the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets. Of note, free agent acquisition Steven Stamkos has recorded just one goal (and no assists) through five games.
Frozen Frenzy
Tuesday's NHL slate will feature all 32 teams in action for the annual 'Frozen Frenzy' fuelled by the league's television partners. The first game goes off the board at 6 pm et with the Capitals visiting the Flyers and the night wraps up with the Kings and Golden Knights doing battle at 11 pm et. Just in case you're wondering why there's only a single game on the Monday and Wednesday boards, there's your answer.
Bad Hab-its
Since turning heads with a 1-0 victory in their season-opener against the rival Maple Leafs, the Canadiens have fallen on hard times. They enter Tuesday's matchup with the Rangers 1-3-1 over tehir last five games. As expected, scoring has been a problem as the Habs young core has produced a grand total of 15 goals over their last five games. On a positive note, goaltender Sam Montembeault has shown plenty of promise, recording a 2.30 goals against average and .932 save percentage in four appearances. We've yet to see Montreal post consecutive 'over' results this season and that's a trend that may be worth banking on in the coming week (it is coming off an 'over' on Long Island on Saturday).
Royal treatment
The Kings are down to the final game of their season-opening seven-game road trip that has taken them to the east coast and back. So far, so good as Los Angeles is 3-1-2 heading into Tuesday's showdown with the Golden Knights in Las Vegas. Interestingly, the reason behind the lengthy road trip out of the gate was scheduled renovations of the Kings dressing room. Those plans were postponed until next year on short notice so you could say the trip was all for nothing. The good news is, Los Angeles will benefit from playing 21 of its final 32 regular season contests on home ice. Their next trip east of the central time zone won't happen until the second week of December.
Flying high
Take a look at most power rankings and you'll find the Jets sitting on top. Whether that's valid or not remains to be seen but for now Winnipeg is undefeated at 5-0. Things will get a little tougher this week as the Jets head out on the road to face the Blues, Kraken and Flames in a five-night stretch. Some offensive regression is to be expected after Winnipeg scored a whopping 14 goals in consecutive regulation time wins over the Sharks and Penguins this past week. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has posted a stellar 1.25 GAA and .952 SV% in four starts.
Predators or prey?
Nashville made arguably the biggest offseason splash in the free agent market but its moves haven't paid immediate dividends as it has gone winless through five games (the lowly Sharks are the NHL's only other remaining winless team). It's far too early to push the panic button as the Preds have opened with a fairly difficult schedule and that should ease up in the coming weeks with five of their next seven contests coming on home ice and two of their next three against the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets. Of note, free agent acquisition Steven Stamkos has recorded just one goal (and no assists) through five games.
Frozen Frenzy
Tuesday's NHL slate will feature all 32 teams in action for the annual 'Frozen Frenzy' fuelled by the league's television partners. The first game goes off the board at 6 pm et with the Capitals visiting the Flyers and the night wraps up with the Kings and Golden Knights doing battle at 11 pm et. Just in case you're wondering why there's only a single game on the Monday and Wednesday boards, there's your answer.
