NHL Season Standings Overview
As the NHL season approaches a quarter of its schedule, the standings have already revealed some unexpected leaders across various divisions. Notably, in the Atlantic Division, current contenders like the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Boston Bruins are outperforming pre-season expectations by occupying the top three spots. While each team has its strengths and weaknesses, the Ottawa Senators stand out as the most likely candidate to maintain their position within this elite group.
Ottawa Senators Performance
The Senators have achieved their strong standing with a record of 9 wins, 5 losses, and 4 overtime losses. However, the team has not yet reached peak performance levels. Currently, they’re boasting an impressive offense, ranking fifth in the league with an average of 3.44 goals scored per game. Yet, this offensive prowess is somewhat undermined by a defense that has been struggling, allowing an average of 3.56 goals against per game, which is among the worst in the NHL.
Goaltending Challenges
In terms of goaltending, starting goalie Linus Ullmark has had a challenging season thus far, with a record of 6-4-4, accompanied by a disappointing goals-against average of 3.21 and a save percentage of .870. Young goalie Leevi Merilainen has shown promise in his limited appearances, but his statistics reflect struggles as well, with a 3.53 GAA and a .868 save percentage across four games. As Merilainen gains experience and consistency, he could take some pressure off Ullmark, potentially enhancing his play.
Youthful Roster and Future Prospects
Moreover, the Senators benefit from a youthful roster, with several core players still in the early stages of their careers. With Tim Stutzle at 23, Shane Pinto at 25, Brady Tkachuk at 26, and Jake Sanderson also at just 23 years old, Ottawa’s future looks bright. Notably, Tkachuk has only played in three games this season, meaning his eventual return could significantly bolster the team’s performance.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, although the Canadiens may face challenges in maintaining their position as the season progresses, the Bruins appear to be overperforming and may struggle to sustain their success. The Senators have shown steady improvement and are likely to continue their upward trajectory. Hence, while first place may be an ambitious target, securing a top-three finish still seems to be within the Senators’ reach.
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