The Montreal Canadiens only played two games this week. They won one and lost the second in regulation. How did it affect them in the latest Atlantic Division Power Rankings?
The Montreal Canadiens are off to an inconsistent start to the 2019-20 season. They started the year with several comebacks and stole points in games they likely should have lost. That is better than losing, but constantly scrambling to gain points in the standings can’t last all season.
Last week was a light one on the schedule, but we saw the same results from the Canadiens. A disappointing 4-2 loss to the struggling San Jose Sharks was followed up by an impressive 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. With every win, the Habs look like they are sure to push for a playoff spot. Some of their losses though, make you wonder if they can keep up with the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Elsewhere in the division, the Boston Bruins continue trucking along near the top of the division. They won all three games this week, and their first line just keeps getting better and better every game. The Buffalo Sabres aren’t slowing down either, going 2-1-0 this week and maintaining their perch atop the division.
The Tampa Bay Lightning might have figured things out, the Toronto Maple Leafs definitely have not and the Florida Panthers keep finding ways to add points to the bank.
The bottom of the division is still occupied by the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings. I’m starting to think that is going to be the only constant in the division this season. The top six slots will continue to change, but the bottom two are locked in already.
The Canadiens had a big win over the suddenly struggling Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. Let’s see how that affects this week’s edition of the Atlantic Division Power Rankings.