Here is the Atlantic Division team by team break down of off season moves and what we are saying about their watchability:
Florida Panthers
Watchability Score: 7.7
Key Additions:
- Joel Quenneville (Head Coach)
- Sergei Bobrovsky
- Brett Connolly
Key Subtractions:
- Roberto Luongo
What we are saying:
Andy: The Panthers dropped big money on Sergei Bobrovsky to solve the biggest flaw they had last season. They were one of the top goal scoring clubs but couldn’t buy a save. Have they bought enough to unseat the big three in the Atlantic?
Darren: Sure, people are excited to watch Sergei Bobrovsky play for the Panthers, but I’m excited to watch an organization that has struggled get shaped into a Joel Quenneville team. There are lots of under-the-radar studs that play in Florida, just waiting for a break-out with a little more media attention, and Quenneville should bring that. I think the Panthers will be this season’s 2018-2019 Carolina Hurricanes.
John: Everyone seems to be jumping on the Panthers bandwagon and I am jumping right on with them. They’ve been a really good offensive team over the last few years and with the addition of Sergei Bobrovsky, they should provide some entertaining hockey.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Watchability Score: 7.3
Key Additions:
- Kevin Shattenkirk
Key Subtractions:
- J.T. Miller
What we are saying:
Andy: There is nothing to suggest that the Lightning won’t be the best team in the NHL again this year. They bring back their core from last year and have added some depth to the roster. Getting Brayden Point locked up was a big boost.
Darren: It’s bonkers how this team just keeps getting better and better, and how guys keep taking discounted contracts to go there (Kevin Shattenkirk, Patrick Maroon). The construction of the Tampa Bay Lightning is just too good to not want to watch them. This group has to win a Cup at some point, right?
John: Tampa didn’t change much this offseason and with 128 points last season, why would you? They play a very exciting game and there are plenty entertaining players to watch on this club, but that’s expected out of this group. I am sure I will watch them plenty against the Leafs, Bruins and Panthers
Toronto Maple Leafs
Watchability Score: 7.0
Key Additions:
- Tyson Barrie
- Cody Ceci
Key Subtractions:
- Nazem Kadri
- Nikita Zaitsev
- Connor Brown
What we are saying:
Andy: After getting Mitch Marner signed, the Leafs are going to try and win with three of the top seven contracts in the league. Those three, Marner, Auston Matthews, and John Tavares are as good as it gets. Toronto will be an interesting experiment in roster management.
Darren: The Maple Leafs have now been doomed to salary cap hell for all eternity. Toronto fans – of which there are way too many – have to hope that the team starts getting over the hump soon, because the supporting cast simply cannot be retained long term. Still, the young guns here are awesome.
John: I wish I wasn’t drawn into the Leafs since they get plenty of attention already but they play a fun and up-tempo game. Plus, I have to watch them to understand 50% of the NHL media coverage.
Boston Bruins
Watchability Score: 5.7
Key Additions:
(none)
Key Subtractions:
(none)
What we are saying:
Andy: The Bruins didn’t change much in the offseason but are always a team to watch. They should be right back in the mix again and that Bergevin, Marchand, and Pastrnak line is as good as any.
Darren: The Bruins are actually fun to watch, but I can’t help rooting against Boston teams, which makes me want to watch these guys less than other teams. That said, if you can tolerate Boston, then Brad Marchand’s antics and David Pastrnak’s all-world skill will leave you impressed by the defending Eastern Conference champions.
John: The Marchand, Bergeron, and Pastrnak is arguably one of the best lines in hockey right now. I will tune in just for them.
Montreal Canadiens
Watchability Score: 5.3
Key Additions:
- Ryan Poehling (R)
Key Subtractions:
- Andrew Shaw
What we are saying:
Andy: Despite being an original six team, it’s hard to get too excited about the Habs. Carey Price is still one of the top goalies in the league but it’s hard to see Montreal being a contender this year.
Darren: I don’t know what to say about Montreal. It’s fun watching their games because of the atmosphere in their building, but I’m neutral on whether or not I want to regularly tune in this year. I do expect Max Domi to be a stud this season, so he’s worth watching, and they very well may be a playoff team after narrowly missing last season.
John: Montreal is the most interesting team in this division. They are going to have a good shot at the playoffs and should play some exciting hockey. If they show some bite early in the season I will be sure to tune in for some of the Montreal games when they play either Boston or Toronto.
Buffalo Sabres
Watchability Score: 3.7
Key Additions:
- Jimmy Vesey
Key Subtractions:
none
What we are saying:
Andy: Remember that 10-game win streak last year? Those were good times but it didn’t result in a playoff appearance for the Sabres. There is some intrigue here to see how the non-traditional hire of Ralph Krueger does behind the bench. There is talent here with Jack Eichel and Stuart Skinner, so the Sabres should be better.
Darren: This was the team that I was all-in on last season, but things went haywire. I’m a little gun-shy from being tricked into liking this group before, so I’ve lowered my watchability number here. Still, there’s a lot to like, and Ralph Krueger is now behind the bench. Can he get more out of the elite young talent like Rasmus Dahlin and Jack Eichel than Phil Housley did?
John: The Sabres look almost identical to last year so I am not sure why we should expect much improvement to this year. Jack Eichel will be entering his 5th full season and I feel like I have barely seen him play. He might be the reason I tune in but for now, I will be searching for some other teams to watch.
Detroit Red Wings
Watchability Score: 2.0
Key Additions:
- Filip Zadina
Key Subtractions:
(none)
What we are saying:
Andy: Detroit may be one of the worst teams in the NHL this year as the rebuild is in full swing. They brought back Steve Yzerman to run things, but he’s starting from scratch. Being in a division with Boston, Toronto and Tampa doesn’t help things.
Darren: There’s some young talent, but Detroit is probably going to be terrible again this year. Steve Yzerman is now running the show, so the ship will be righted soon, but I don’t think that happens this season. It’s too bad Yzerman doesn’t actually get to suit up and play, because that would make the Red Wings watchable.
John: Yikes….not a lot to get excited about this team. Filip Zidina should get plenty of ice time but not sure if there is anything else I’ll be watching for.
Ottawa Senators
Watchability Score: 1.3
Key Additions:
- Drake Batherson
- Connor Brown
- Nikita Zaitsev
Key Subtractions:
- Matt Duchene (trade deadline)
- Mark Stone (trade deadline)
What we are saying:
Andy: Um…yeah. So, Thomas Chabot is a good player.
Darren: The Senators get no respect… no respect at all! I actually hope they surprise us and show some improvement this season, but I don’t expect them to actually do that.
John: (shrug emoji)
Leave a Reply