4 NHL Teams That Can't Afford Slow Starts to the Season
By Chris Russo
Although the St. Louis Blues had a very slow start to the 2018-2019 season, they surprised everyone and won the first Stanley Cup in their 52-year history. It's going to be a long time before anyone wins in June after that slow a start, so here's who needs a wake-up call the most in October.
4. New Jersey Devils
With the trade for PK Subban, the Devils might not be incredibly deep, but they're getting close to a "win now" mode. The return of Taylor Hall will be important, as well as player development, but they cannot fall behind in a division featuring two tough teams in the New York area alone.
3. Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers went from a Stanley Cup contender in 2017 to a real letdown in the last two years. An abysmal -28 from defenseman Adam Larsson plus a lackluster year for goaltender Cam Talbot represents what the Oilers lack: strength on the back end. Even first-year head coach Dave Tippett will not need to long to be in hot water with that fan base.
2. Boston Bruins
Many experts talk about the Stanley Cup hangover, but not enough discuss about the disappointment from teams who lose in the finals. The Bruins have an unbelievable top line, good depth, and solid goaltending, but they need to wipe away Game 7 with St. Louis in order to avoid a sudden downfall.
1. San Jose Sharks
Speaking of teams the Blues knocked out, the Sharks have been really good for a long time, but they still cannot seize the toughest prize in sports to win. There are always rumors Joe Thornton will retire, Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, and Joe Pavelski are in their primes, and their crowds are absolutely rabid for victory. Now more than ever, the Sharks need to get off to a hot start before their chance slips away from them.