The offseason in every professional sport is a time to rebuild, reload, replenish and build optimism for the season ahead. The only difference in the summer of 2013 was that 29 NHL teams had the excuse of “no training camp because of the lockout” for why their season ended without the Stanley Cup.
For the Chicago Blackhawks things seemed to work out just fine in the shortened, training camp-free season. A record-setting start and a memorable finish gave the Windy City their second hockey title in four years. For the rest of the NHL, the Blackhawks became the standard wit which to measure themselves. There were few big trades and even fewer splashy free agent signings.
The biggest opportunity for every club was the chance to build chemistry before the season. New faces can assimilate themselves into a new roster and fresh expectations helped build excitement and possibility. Not to say that a prolonged training camp and a sprinkling of useless exhibition games are the key to galvanizing a roster, but in a sport that relies heavily on timing and familiarity, extra time on the ice is rarely a bad thing.
For several teams the weight of great expectations has been a burden to great to bear. The clean slate of a new season has been the highlight for several teams who have failed to impress so far. We are at the halfway point of the season, so all may not be lost just yet. Here are the five teams that have been the most disappointing this year.
New York Islanders
Record: 14-22-7, 35 points, Last in the Metropolitan Division
Even though we may be used to seeing the Islanders in last place, this was supposed to be the year that they took a big step forward to become more than just a playoff team. Instead the Isles have looked listless and indifferent, sleepwalking through their first 43 games. It’s too late to finish the final season in Long Island with another playoff berth, but given the talent they have on the roster, including Hart Trophy finalist John Tavares, the loyal fans of the Isles deserve so much better.
Detroit Red Wings
Record: 19-14-10, 48 points, 4th place in the Atlantic Division
A new division seemed like it could be a daunting task for any team, but for a talented veteran club like Detroit it should have business as usual. The new division has nothing to do with the mediocrity of the Red Wings. What ails the club that plays in “Hockeytown” is a mystery that veteran coach Mike Babcock and GM Ken Holland are working to solve. Injuries have hurt, but they are not exclusive to just Detroit. A combined record of six wins and 17 total home losses is the most unbelievable statistic for the Red Wings. If they didn’t have such an impressive record on away ice, Detroit would be a long shot for the playoffs.
New York Rangers
Record: 21-20-2, 44 points, 5th place in the Metropolitan Division
A nine game road trip to start the season while Madison Square Garden was being renovated crippled the Rangers early. They recovered nicely to even their record at .500, but have yet to make any headway in the win column. The key to the inconsistent blue shirts has been the recurring injuries to captain Ryan Callahan and below-average play from their All Star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. With the collection of talent on Broadway, the hockey players, that is, New York should be pushing the Pittsburgh Penguins for division supremacy. Instead they are battling several mediocre teams for a sniff at the playoffs.
Edmonton Oilers
Record: 14-26-5, 31 points, Last in the Pacific Division
I’m not sure why we continue to be collectively disappointed in the Edmonton Oilers. With the pile of young and talented lottery draft picks they have assembled over the past four years, the Oilers are a perfect example of why it takes more than talent to win in the NHL. The confounding reluctance to rebuild this club by moving some of the key pieces will continue to lead the once proud franchise further into despair. At least next season we can’t possibly be surprised and disappointed again, can we?
Ottawa Senators
Record: 19-18-7, 45 points, 6th place in the Atlantic Division
After the performance of the Senators last season in the face of so many devastating injuries, coach Paul MacLean was heralded a genius (or sorcerer) in some circles. With stars Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, and Craig Anderson missing significant time to injury, the Sens not only secured a playoff spot, but upset the second-seeded Montreal Canadiens. This season MacLean and Ottawa have a clean bill of health and new arrival Bobby Ryan. Unfortunately they also developed an allergy to winning and found themselves on the outside of the playoffs picture. A four game win streak and some lethargy from Toronto and Detroit has them back in the mix. If Anderson can get back on track Ottawa could be dangerous, particularly as Ryan develops his rapport with the new teammates.
Author's note: I'd like to dedicate this article to my Uncle Jimmy. He's a huge San Jose Sharks fan but hasn't been feeling too well lately. I had a chance to enjoy the last few minutes of overtime and shootout of of the San Jose-Chicago game Sunday night with him over the phone. Even though the Blackhawks are ridiculously tough in shootouts, Jimmy's "Sharkie's" pulled it out thanks to Logan Couture in the first round and a Joe Pavelski wrister in the secound round of the shootout. We live on opposite sides of the country, but I felt like I was sitting right next to him last night. Even as the overtime clock hit zero, I already knew that the Sharks would win despite having a rookie in goal. Another great memory with an even greater man.