The Sharks got off to a strong start in a weak Pacific Division, but faded off the playoff pace by about the 20 game mark. They were below average both offensively and defensively at 5v5 and poor finishing resulted in the lowest 5v5 GF/60 in the NHL. Their goaltending was decent, as a variety of Sharks netminders held the fort reasonably near break even with expected goals against.
Team Synopsis: Buffalo Sabres – August 30, 2022
The Sabres have been bottom dwellers in the NHL for a decade. Is there hope they can finally start to move upward this season?
Team Synopsis: Chicago Blackhawks – August 29, 2022
After a disappointing 2021-2022 season, the Blackhawks appear to be fully back in re-build mode. Do they have a decent chance of winning the draft lottery next season?
Team Synopsis: Pittsburgh Penguins – August 24, 2022
After some uncertainty after the end of the 21/22 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins are running it back for another season led by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. Can they lead the Penguins on one more Stanley Cup run?
Team Synopsis: Vegas Golden Knights – August 23, 2022
The Vegas Golden Knights missed the playoffs for the first time in their history last season. Was it a case of one bad season or a worrying sign of a downward trend?
Team Synopsis: Toronto Maple Leafs – August 22, 2022
The Toronto Maple Leafs last won a playoff series in 2004. With several strong regular seasons in recent seasons, they haven’t been able to break through in the postseason. Will that change in the 22/23 season?
Team Synopsis: Minnesota Wild – August 21, 2022
Led by Kirill Kaprisov, the Wild’s offense has surged to life over the past two seasons but two consecutive first round exits have left lingering questions. Can they continue to build on the current foundation in the 22/23 season?
Team Synopsis: Philadelphia Flyers – August 18, 2022
The Philadelphia Flyers started the 21/22 season off strong, but it fell off the rails in the second quarter of the season. After jettisoning their long-time captain at the trade deadline, are the Flyers headed for another rebuild?
Team Synopsis: Seattle Kraken – August 17, 2022
The Seattle Kraken’s inaugural season went down as one to forget. With plenty of promise for a respectable season going into the campaign, the Kraken quickly sunk to the bottom of the Pacific. Will the Kraken’s second season be better than the first?
Team Synopsis: Montreal Canadiens – August 16, 2022
The Montreal Canadiens fall from grace was swift and dramatic. After a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2021, the Habs finished the 21/22 season in last place in the NHL. With a management change mid-season, the Canadiens appear to be headed down the re-build path. What’s in store for the first full season under the new regime?