by Sean Murphy
Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024November is quickly approaching and the cream continues to rise to the top of the NHL standings. Here's a look at some news and notes from around the league.
Singing the Blues
Regression has come for the Blues following a hot start to the season. St. Louis has managed to post only two regulation time victories in its last seven games. Saturday's poor result in Montreal could be the wake-up call the Blues need as they continue their eastern road swing. They'll make a stop in Ottawa on Tuesday before wrapping up their jaunt in Philadelphia on Halloween Night. Goaltender Jordan Binnington is in the running for the starting job on Team Canada at the upcoming Four Nations Face Off but has struggled lately, allowing at least three goals in four of his last five games.
Baby, it's a Wild world
Minnesota is quietly off to a 5-1-2 start to the campaign. Following Tuesday's stop in Pittsburgh, the Wild will open a three-game homestand against the Lightning on Friday. Regular season success is great but the jury is still out as to whether Minnesota can find a way to thrive in the postseason. There's a lot to like about what we've seen from the Wild so far this season, however, as they've produced 3.63 goals per game, good for ninth in the league. Not only that but they check in ranked fifth in the NHL in goals allowed per game.
Shark bait
When it comes to the debate over 'worst team in the league' the Sharks are the clubhouse leaders but they did manage to record their first victory of the season on Monday in Utah. Credit San Jose for not folding the tent in that contest as it fell behind 4-1 entering the third period but rallied for a 5-4 overtime win. There's a lot to be excited about as far as the future goes for this franchise but with first overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini sidelined due to injury and future number one goaltender Yaroslav Askarov toiling away in the minors, that future success feels like it's a long way off. San Jose opens a five-game homestand on Tuesday against in-state rival Los Angeles.
Fanning the Flames
Calgary limps into Wednesday's stop in Utah on the heels of three straight losses. Following a surprisingly hot start to the campaign the Flames have fallen on hard times, particularly at the offensive end of the rink where they've scored only five goals during their current slide. They're currently tied for 16th in goals per game and 18th in goals allowed per contest. Needless to say, it's going to be an uphill battle contending in a top-heavy Pacific Division. Note that the Oilers, widely considered to be a Stanley Cup contender, still haven't gotten going and sit in sixth place in the Pacific. There are realistically six teams vying for the top three spots in the division this season.
Rock you like a Hurricane
Carolina just wrapped up an impressive 5-1 road trip with the lone loss coming in a tough back-to-back spot in St. Louis. Now the Hurricanes have a chance to really pad their record as they open a four-game homestand that will feature three divisional matchups. Note that Carolina will play just four games outside of the eastern time zone between now and the end of December. No team has given up fewer shots per game and the Canes rank third in the league in goals allowed per contest entering their Halloween Night showdown against the Bruins.
Singing the Blues
Regression has come for the Blues following a hot start to the season. St. Louis has managed to post only two regulation time victories in its last seven games. Saturday's poor result in Montreal could be the wake-up call the Blues need as they continue their eastern road swing. They'll make a stop in Ottawa on Tuesday before wrapping up their jaunt in Philadelphia on Halloween Night. Goaltender Jordan Binnington is in the running for the starting job on Team Canada at the upcoming Four Nations Face Off but has struggled lately, allowing at least three goals in four of his last five games.
Baby, it's a Wild world
Minnesota is quietly off to a 5-1-2 start to the campaign. Following Tuesday's stop in Pittsburgh, the Wild will open a three-game homestand against the Lightning on Friday. Regular season success is great but the jury is still out as to whether Minnesota can find a way to thrive in the postseason. There's a lot to like about what we've seen from the Wild so far this season, however, as they've produced 3.63 goals per game, good for ninth in the league. Not only that but they check in ranked fifth in the NHL in goals allowed per game.
Shark bait
When it comes to the debate over 'worst team in the league' the Sharks are the clubhouse leaders but they did manage to record their first victory of the season on Monday in Utah. Credit San Jose for not folding the tent in that contest as it fell behind 4-1 entering the third period but rallied for a 5-4 overtime win. There's a lot to be excited about as far as the future goes for this franchise but with first overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini sidelined due to injury and future number one goaltender Yaroslav Askarov toiling away in the minors, that future success feels like it's a long way off. San Jose opens a five-game homestand on Tuesday against in-state rival Los Angeles.
Fanning the Flames
Calgary limps into Wednesday's stop in Utah on the heels of three straight losses. Following a surprisingly hot start to the campaign the Flames have fallen on hard times, particularly at the offensive end of the rink where they've scored only five goals during their current slide. They're currently tied for 16th in goals per game and 18th in goals allowed per contest. Needless to say, it's going to be an uphill battle contending in a top-heavy Pacific Division. Note that the Oilers, widely considered to be a Stanley Cup contender, still haven't gotten going and sit in sixth place in the Pacific. There are realistically six teams vying for the top three spots in the division this season.
Rock you like a Hurricane
Carolina just wrapped up an impressive 5-1 road trip with the lone loss coming in a tough back-to-back spot in St. Louis. Now the Hurricanes have a chance to really pad their record as they open a four-game homestand that will feature three divisional matchups. Note that Carolina will play just four games outside of the eastern time zone between now and the end of December. No team has given up fewer shots per game and the Canes rank third in the league in goals allowed per contest entering their Halloween Night showdown against the Bruins.
