The Montreal Canadiens begin the 2019-20 season tonight. Before the Habs hit the ice for the first time, we are taking a look at where they rank against their division rivals in the first power rankings of the season.
The Atlantic Division was very top heavy a year ago. The Tampa Bay Lightning were the best team in the league since the Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson and Ken Dryden led Montreal Canadiens teams of the late 1970’s.
The Lightning won 62 games, setting a league record and finished with an incredible 128 points. They were not able to carry that into the postseason as they were swept in the opening round by the Columbus Blue Jackets in possibly the biggest upset in hockey playoff history.
The Boston Bruins were also a great team, winning 49 games and finishing second in the league with 107 points. They were able to carry that into the playoffs as they marched to the Stanley Cup Final before losing to the St. Louis Blues.
The Toronto Maple Leafs also had a great season, finishing with 100 points in the standings but they fell in the first round to the Bruins in seven games.
The Canadiens ranked fourth in the division with 96 points, falling just shy of qualifying for the playoffs. The Florida Panthers were next in line with 86 points, following by the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators.
That was last year, and things ca change quickly around the National Hockey League. A long summer of trades, drafting, signing free agents and losing key players to free agency and retirements can change the balance of power in a division.
So, who is the top team in the Atlantic Division now? Where do the Habs rank? Is there actually a team in worse shape than the Ottawa Senators? Let’s take a look at the first edition of the Atlantic Division power rankings.