Analysis: Expect a wild NHL postseason with the Flames, not the Lightning as the Stanley Cup favorites
The Calgary Flames had a league-high five players on the team with at least 70 points. By Neil Greenberg Neil Greenberg Reporter analyzing advanced sports statistics for The Washington Post Email Bio Follow April 8 at 1:54 PM If there is a clear takeaway from the NHL’s regular season it is that not much separates a number of this year’s playoff teams. Even the one team that’s clearly above the rest should not be considered the most likely to lift the Stanley Cup.
Consider the field in the Eastern Conference. The Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup last year. The Boston Bruins put up 107 points, tied with the Flames for the most of any team not named the Lightning. Columbus was aggressive at the trade deadline, adding two high-profile pieces in Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel. The Islanders had a historic turnaround defensively. Pittsburgh, despite injuries, still boasts Sidney Crosby.
However, the edge still belongs with Tampa Bay, especially in net. Vasilevskiy was 26 goals better than an average netminder facing the same number of shot attempts. Bobrovsky was five goals better than an average netminder.A first-round rematch from last year between two Original Six teams, the Bruins should get the better of the Maple Leafs again this year.
The defending champions got a tough draw with the Hurricanes. Carolina generates the most high-danger chances in the NHL this season at even strength and the seventh-most on the power play . They are also good at preventing their opponents from doing the same: sixth-fewest scoring chances allowed at even strength and the lowest rate allowed on the penalty kill .
New York’s defensive improvement this season suggest’s Trotz’s team could do the same again this year. In 2017-18, the Islanders allowed 293 goals, the most any squad gave up since 2006-07, with 174 of those originating from high-danger areas such as the slot and the crease. This year, the Islanders have allowed a league-low 191 goals against, with just 110 coming from high-danger areas.Dallas deserves more consideration as a contender.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Revamped Club World Cup important for Asia, says InfantinoFIFA president Gianni Infantino has said his controversial plan to expand the FI...
Read more »
Soccer: Australia to receive World Cup progress report against U.S.The Australian women's soccer team will get an early indication of their Wo...
Read more »
Stadium issues could hamper Oman's World Cup hopesOman will face a race against time to build a stadium large enough to satisfy FI...
Read more »
Quadruple still on as Jesus heads City into FA Cup finalThe 'impossible' quadruple dream remains intact for Manchester City af...
Read more »
Two-goal Deulofeu is Watford's Cup hero in impressive fightbackWatford produced one of the great FA Cup comebacks by coming from two goals down...
Read more »
Soccer: U.S. women rout Belgium in World Cup tune-upThe United States women's national team pumped in four first half goals en ...
Read more »
Hamlin believes he can improve on hot startDenny Hamlin has won twice in seven Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races this ...
Read more »
32 Things For Anyone With A Messy ShowerA storage shower curtain, chic shower caddy, suction cup soap dish, and 29 other products to help you out when your messy shower starts looking like a scene from Psycho.
Read more »
Current success of U.S. women's soccer can be traced to iconic 1999 squadIf Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Michelle Akers, Briana Scurry and other members of the 1999 U.S. women’s World Cup team hadn’t entertained and inspired people while winning, there wouldn’t have been 20,941 fans at Banc of California Stadium on to see the current U.S. team rout Belgium.
Read more »