With the NHL season on the verge of its halfway level, there are many stunning tales to relish. A fair proportion of shockingly disappointing tales additionally—particularly for the New York state squads—however allow us to put these to the aspect for now.
Perhaps essentially the most stunning squads are these atop the convention standings.
If anyone predicted on the eve of the season that after Jan. 4 the highest 4 golf equipment within the Western Convention can be the Vegas Golden Knights, Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings, they might have been given extra than simply sideways glances.
That will have gone double if anyone mentioned the Japanese Convention would have a one-two punch of the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs.
However the success of these squads up to now is well-earned.
Dec 27, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin (15) controls the puck in opposition to the San Jose Sharks within the second interval at SAP Middle at San Jose. Necessary Credit score: Eakin Howard-Imagn Pictures The Golden Knights have been a top-notch membership because the starting of their existence, however with how they pale final season and have been bumped from the playoffs with barely a whimper, this didn’t seem within the playing cards however is going on because of a dominating season by Jack Eichel and a wholesome Mark Stone.
Winnipeg has confirmed to be extra than simply goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, with Gabriel Vilardi’s breakout season including to a crew that has Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele main the assault.
Of the Western golf equipment, the largest shock stands out as the Wild, who’ve overcome a continuing wave of accidents, which has even hit their prime participant and a reliable Hart Trophy candidate, Kirill Kaprizov.
The Kings have been a playoff crew for the previous few years and bounced by the Edmonton Oilers within the first spherical of the Stanley Cup playoff in three consecutive seasons however are rolling with a goaltending tandem of Darcy Kuemper and David Rittich because of a balanced lineup.
Talking of groups which were to the playoffs with nice regularity however take pleasure in far too little success, the Maple Leafs are driving excessive regardless of their very own stunning goaltending from Joseph Woll and the oft-injured Anthony Stolarz. Weird is the file with the 10-5-0 file they managed through the two stints with out Auston Matthews. Perhaps their followers who’re clamoring to see Mitch Marner traded away ought to rethink that concept.
Nov 18, 2024; Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) warms up earlier than a recreation in opposition to the in opposition to the Utah Hockey Membership at Delta Middle. Necessary Credit score: Rob Grey-Imagn Pictures Which brings us to the final crew amongst this group of what some would say are overachievers: the Capitals. Most figured this season can be all about Alex Ovechkin’s chase for Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring file and little else, with the possible state of affairs that Ovechkin would internet thirty-something objectives and be ready to interrupt the mark subsequent season.
Apparently stories of Ovechkin’s demise had been exaggerated. Regardless of lacking greater than a month on account of a damaged leg, Ovechkin has already scored 19 objectives in 23 video games. He has netted 9 objectives in his final seven video games and 4 in 5 outings since coming back from damage, leaving him 23 shy of breaking Gretzky’s mark of 894.
Ovechkin’s prowess is a front-burner story, however is overshadowing how spectacular the Capitals have been as an entire. They boast the league’s second most prolific assault with a balanced lineup, and that’s not the largest key.
Defensively, the Capitals are sixth within the league and their penalty kill is fourth. Frankly, goaltender Logan Thompson was undeservedly snubbed whereas being left off Canada’s crew for the 4 Nations Face-Off, however Washington’s skill to maintain the puck out of the online can be a byproduct of a crew dedication to defending.
For his skill to maintain Ovechkin’s offensive push a key a part of the sport plan whereas sustaining sturdy defensive play, coach Spencer Carbery deserves much more credit score than he’s receiving.