First week of NHL season in the books
With no lockout to be concerned about, NHL fans were counting down the days to the new season as soon as the Bruins defeated the Canucks in a thrilling series to claim the Stanley Cup. The first week has been completed and we have been treated to some great hits, saves and goals and the odd surprising result or two!
Firstly, the Bruins have gone into the 2011/12 campaign as serious contenders to retain the Stanley Cup and are favourites with many to win it again. Surprisingly the Bruins have been very slow out of the blocks recording just one win in their first four games scoring just seven goals. They are creating the chances up front as they are averaging 30 shots a game but they aren’t taking them with both hands and that is simply why they have got off to a poor start. Boston have only conceded seven goals in four games which is a positive aspect of their start to the new season and Tim Thomas will look to carry on the amazing form of last season. Boston take on the Blackhawks next in Chicago which will be a very, very tough test. They are off to a slow start but you would be very brave to count them out.
There are a few several surprise packages so far in the new season. With just a few games played by each team it is very hard to see how teams are going to fair for the year ahead but a few strugglers from last year have caught my eye this year. The Toronto Maple Leafs recorded 37 wins last year and are looking good to better that this year as they have won both of their opening games and scored eight goals in the process, with right winger Phil Kessel bagging five points already. The Leafs take on fellow Canadians Calgary tonight in Toronto for an opportunity to win their first three straight games.
A special mention must go out to the New York Islanders who have definitely taken the spotlight from the Rangers who are yet to win a game. The Islanders have won two out of their opening three games and thrashed title contenders Tampa Bay five-one on Long Island in the process. The Islanders are in a very tough Atlantic division where there are four decent playoff contenders in there. They are still without their number one goaltender Rick DiPietro due to concussion but 26 year old replacement Al Montoya has stepped up well recording a save pct of .953. The Islanders face the Rangers at home tonight and it is sure to be a thrilling and physical affair.
So, with week one in the books a very busy week two commences where we will see if the Maple Leafs really have what it takes to make the playoffs, whether the Islanders can improve on their poor year last time around and if the Bruins slow start is to continue.
