Atlantic Division Update: The Red Wings win one

Another week of hockey has come to a close and I’m here to keep you updated on how our enemies are doing. To make a long story short, the Montreal Canadiens passed the Bruins up in the standings this week, so we’re all angry. Here’s how it all went down.

First in Atlantic: Toronto Maple Leafs

Games played: 9

Point leader: Auston Matthews

Yes, it’s true, the Maple Leafs are still in first place and Matthews is still the leader on the ice and in points. They demolished the struggling Los Angeles Kings early in the week with a 4-1 victory. The rest of the week proved they were not invincible. They were shut out by the Pittsburgh Penguins and lost 4-1 to the St. Louis Blues. The Leafs have also failed to come to an official long-term extension for William Nylander. Do you think he’ll be traded soon? Regardless, the Leafs are in a slump and the Bruins could work this to their advantage.

Second in Atlantic: Tampa Bay Lightning

Games played: 7

Point leader: Yanni Gourde

The Lightning may have gotten their groove back. They won three of four games played this week, the loss coming in OT. They won 6-3 over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, moving them up from fourth in the division to second. They delivered the seventh loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Watch out, the Lightning is coming back to form.

Third in Atlantic: Montreal Canadiens

Games played: 7

Point leader: Tomas Tatar

Tomas Tatar’s arrival in Montreal seems to have made an impact. He has three goals and five assists in seven games. They had a solid week while the Bruins struggled, allowing them to pass them up in the standings. They beat the Detroit Red Wings 7-3 and the St. Louis Blues 3-2. They fell short to the Ottawa Senators in OT, still walking away with a point. Yikes, why the Habs? Jacob Olofsson returned from injury, while their first line proves to be deadly. This must stop immediately.

Fourth in Atlantic: Boston Bruins

Games played: 8

Point leader: Patrice Bergeron

This was a tough week, Bruins fans. I won’t make you relive it. Hopefully, Charlie McAvoy and David Backes feel better come Tuesday for an intradivision game against the Ottawa Senators.

Fifth in the Atlantic: Buffalo Sabres

Games played: 9

Point leader: Jack Eichel

A big win over the Anaheim Ducks brought the Buffalo Sabres up into fifth place on Sunday. The Sabres had a decent West Coast road trip this week. They started off with two losses to the Vegas Golden Knights and the San Jose Sharks but picked it up in Southern California. They defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5-1 and the Anaheim Ducks 4-2. Jack Eichel is definitely doing something right, guiding a team that has struggled. They will be fun to watch this season.

Sixth in the Atlantic: Ottawa Senators

Games played: 7

Point leader: Chris Tierney and Thomas Chabot

After sending Erik Karlsson to the San Jose Sharks, the acquisition of Chris Tierney has proven to be a successful one as he leads the team with nine points. The Sens are coming off back-to-back wins. The first was a victory over the Dallas Stars, the second an OT winner over the Canadiens. They are starting to turn their luck around, at least it seems for now. The Bruins will hopefully end that for them on Tuesday.

Seventh in the Atlantic: Florida Panthers

Games played: 6

Point leader: Evgenii Dadonov

The Florida Panthers had an interesting week. After losing to the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout early in the week, they bounced back to beat the defending Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals 6-5 in a shootout. They gifted the Detroit Red Wings their first win in OT on Saturday. A very interesting week indeed.

Last in the Atlantic: Detroit Red Wings

Games played: 8

Points leader: Dylan Larkin

You guys, they did it, the Detroit Red Wings won a game. Sure, it was an OT win, but it was a win! The Habs killed them 7-3, the Lightning struck them down 3-1, but the Panthers gave them their first win of the season, eight games in. They won in OT and I’m sure to Red Wings fans everywhere, it was the most beautiful win in the world. Congrats, Detroit. Enjoy this one.

So, that’s how the division is shaping up for now. I’ll be back next week to keep you in the loop, hopefully with better news about the B’s.