It’s only the preseason, but it’s easy to get excited about the 2015-16 season while teams are trimming training camp rosters.
There are so many unknowns before the regular season begins, but the Eastern Conference should once again be a close race for supremacy.
WHO'S LOOKING GOOD
Buffalo Sabres: It’s understandable that Sabres fans are excited about the upcoming season. With a complete culture change, a new coach in Dan Bylsma and a revamped roster, there’s plenty of enthusiasm in Buffalo. The Sabres’ first-round pick, Jack Eichel, hasn’t disappointed. In a recent preseason game against the Ottawa Senators, Tyler Ennis scored three goals and added an assist in a 6-4 win; Eichel assisted on two of those goals. Evander Kane, who is set to begin his first full season with the Sabres after the team acquired him from the Winnipeg Jets last season, had three goals in two games. No matter where the Sabres finish in the standings, they will be a fun team to watch.
Pittsburgh Penguins: There’s still time to figure out where newcomer Phil Kessel best fits in the lineup. In the early going of training camp, Kessel was playing with Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz. If that line sticks, it could mean forward Patric Hornqvist is on a line with Evgeni Malkin and David Perron. I’m still not sold that Kessel’s presence in Pittsburgh will rejuvenate his career and spark the Penguins, but time will tell once the real games begin.
Florida Panthers: There’s so much to like about the Panthers. First and foremost, any team with future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr gains immediate attention. The team’s projected top line of Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov and Jagr should continue its success from last season, when Florida went 12-7-2 down the stretch after acquiring the 43-year-old from the New Jersey Devils. Factor in the team’s talented core of young players and hockey in South Florida is trending in the right direction.
Boston Bruins: Trying to rebound from a disappointing 2014-15 season, the Bruins are off to a solid start this preseason. Boston is 4-0-0 and could be poised for a solid season if it can remain healthy and productive. Top-line center David Krejci, who was limited to 47 games last season due to injury, needs to regain his top form if the Bruins want to enjoy success. With a revamped roster, coach Claude Julien has options for potential linemates for Krejci. Newcomer Matt Beleskey and prospect David Pastrnak have been on Krejci’s wings during training camp, and if Julien decides to keep that trio intact, it could be a dynamic line.
WHO'S STARTING SLOW
Tampa Bay Lightning: Preseason standings mean absolutely nothing. Just because the reigning Eastern Conference champions are 1-2-1 in four preseason games doesn’t mean the Stanley Cup hangover has taken effect. Goaltender Ben Bishop made his preseason debut and had 18 saves in 30 minutes of action against the Panthers. Even though Tampa and Steven Stamkos are downplaying contract talks, it could serve as a distraction until a decision is finalized.
New Jersey Devils: The Devils' preseason record dropped to 1-4-0. Goaltender Cory Schneider has played two complete games and most recently made 20 saves in a 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers. New Jersey’s netminder played 69 games last season, and while he could get a similar workload again in 2015-16, the Devils need to find a way to help Schneider by producing on offense.
INJURY UPDATE
Boston Bruins: Veteran defensemen Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg have already suffered injuries during the preseason. Chara suffered an upper-body injury and was given the weekend off. He was re-evaluated on Monday. Seidenberg had back surgery Thursday and is expected to miss eight weeks.
New York Rangers: The Rangers were thrilled to see forward Mats Zuccarello back on the ice Thursday in Boston. He suffered a fractured skull and brain contusion when he was hit in the head by a puck during the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. He played well against the Bruins and showed no ill effects from his injury. His health and production will be a key asset to the Rangers this season.