3 Overachievers 3 Underachievers so far in 2022

As we approach a month into this new NHL season, I thought we should have a quick peek at the Overachievers and Underachievers so far, as of November 12.2022.

The Overachievers

1.     New Jersey Devils

2.     Winnipeg Jets

3.     Seattle Kraken

Let’s Dive In

1.New Jersey Devils (11-3-0 = 22 Points)

This Year, the New Jersey Devils are in First Place in the Metropolitan Division.

Last Year, they ended up in 7th Place in the Metropolitan Division, and out of the Playoffs.

The Devils are well into their rebuild as we speak.  They have a nice mix of youth, veterans, and NHL caliber goalies.  They are beating teams that used to beat up on them.  Nice, but not enough.

As of today, the New Jersey Devils have a 91.4% chance of making the playoffs.

Pen’s Pick:  Sorry Jersey fans, I don’t see it happening.

2.Winnipeg Jets (8-3-1 = 17 Points)

This Year, the Winnipeg Jets are in First Place in the Central Division.

Last Year, they ended up in 6th Place in the Central Division, and out of the Playoffs.

The Jets are into their first season with their new head coach and former Jet, Rick Bowness.  Playing with no captain and better structure, there is a new sense of direction in Jet Land.  The Jets have a Vezina Goalie in Hellebuyck and are strong up the middle, so they have a chance in every game.  They have other holes, however, I did say they had a chance.

As of today, the Winnipeg Jets have a 66.4% chance of making the playoffs.

Pen’s Pick:  Sorry Jets fans, I don’t see it happening.

3.Seattle Kraken (8-5-2 = 218 Points)

This Year, the Seattle Kraken are in Third Place in the Pacific Division.

Last Year, they ended up in 8th Place in the Pacific Division, and out of the Playoffs.

The Kraken are in their second full NHL season. They have brought in more NHL experience to help with the build.  They play a tight Defensive game and appear to be hard to play against night in, night out.  I like their start to the season, there just isn’t enough to make it to April 2023.

As of today, the Seattle Kraken have a 73.6% chance of making the playoffs.

Pen’s Pick:  Sorry Kraken fans, I don’t see it happening.

The Underachievers

1.     St. Louis Blues

2.     Pittsburgh Penguins

3.     Toronto Maple Leafs

Let’s Dive In

1. St. Louis Blues (4-8-0 = 8 Points)

This Year, the St. Louis Blues are in 8th Place in the Central Division.

Last Year, they ended up in 3rd Place in the Central Division, and a tough out during the Playoffs.

The Blues started the season going 3-0-0.  They have a Solid team from top to bottom.  Then proceeded to lose their next 8 games in a row.  I’m not sure what happened, however I am convinced they will be there in April 2023.

As of today, have a 9.1% chance of making the playoffs.

Pen’s Pick:  Relax Blues fans, I see it happening, this is just a blip.

2.Pittsburgh Penguins (6-6-2 = 14 Points)

This Year, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in 7th Place in the Metropolitan Division.

Last Year, they ended up in 3rd Place in the Metropolitan Division, a shot away from what could have been a nice run in the Playoffs, instead of a fourth consecutive First Round Loss.

The Penguins started the season going 4-0-1.  They have a Rock-Solid team, with almost all players returning from last years roster.  The Pens then proceeded to lose their next 7 games in a row.  I’m not sure if this was a blip in their game, a time warp in the Matrix or the New Pens Trend.  Time will tell.

As of today, have a 55.4% chance of making the playoffs.

Pen’s Pick:  Relax Penguins fans, I see it happening, there is just too much pride on this team.

3.Toronto Maple Leafs (7-5-3 = 17 Points)

This Year, the Toronto Maple Leafs in 3rd Place in the Atlantic Division.

Last Year, they ended up in 2nd Place in the Atlantic Division, and another disappointing First Round Exit from the Playoffs. 

For those counting, if you add the 7 Consecutive First Round Exits PLUS the 10 years of Missing The Playoffs THIS EQUALS the 2003-2004 season, as the last time the Leafs saw the Second Round of the NHL Playoffs.  Wowza. that’s gotta hurt.

You might ask, why are the Leafs on the list of Underachiever’s, since they are not that far off from where they ended last year!  Well, the Leafs always have an elevated level of expectation placed on them, especially since 2014, when Kyle Dubas took over as the GM and began this build.

As of today, have a 79.7% chance of making the playoffs.

Pen’s Pick:  Relax Leaf fans, I see it happening, you will make the Playoffs…

My View from the Cheap Seats

As I have mentioned before, You don’t win the Cup in October and November; however, you can knock yourself out of contention for it.

Always remember, if you look at the schedule and don’t see any easy games, You Are the Easy Game.

Quote of the Day:

“If you look around the room and don’t see the sucker, It’s You.”

Rule #1 of a Hustler