NHL Atlantic Division Preview

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs get criticized every season because of their struggles in the playoffs. For some reason, this year has a different feel than previous ones.

I’m sure this is not your first time hearing that statement. With core aging and struggles on the bench, time is running out for Toronto. I think this is the year the Maple Leafs make it over the hump and control home ice throughout the playoffs.

Max Domi and Ryan Reaves are significant pieces to the puzzle, considering how the Leafs struggle to control aggression. Goaltending will be the biggest storyline throughout the season for The Six.

If the Leafs can have consistent outings by Joseph Woll and Martin Jones, Toronto should have no issue topping the Atlantic.

Florida Panthers

After stunning the Boston Bruins in the opening round of the playoffs last year, the Panthers have many expectations coming into this season.

There's no denying that the Florida Panthers are a dangerous team with the emergence of Matthew Tkachuk. Adding Evan Rodriquez gives the Panthers the extra speed and grit they need to hit the next level. The younger teams in this division are making themselves more noticeable, creating a minor issue for Florida.

The Panthers' time is now; they have momentum from the Stanley Cup Final run last season.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Putting the Lightning in the third spot was challenging after what they had done in previous seasons.

Don’t get confused; the Bolts are a dominant team in this league. They will compete as long as Stamkos, Kucherov, and Vasilevskiy wear blue and white.

As far as I’m concerned, the Lightnings’ dynasty is not over, regardless of the recent playoff results. Patrick Maroon was the most significant piece the Bolts traded during the offseason, making more room for younger players.

Some of the most important signings for the Lightning during the summer are Brandon Hagel, Tanner Jeannot and Conor Sheary.

Expect Tampa to play and compete just like in recent seasons.

Ottawa Senators

You might be surprised that the Senators ranked higher than the Bruins this season. Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Sens are hungry.

This franchise has not made the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2017. The two big moves that the Senators made this offseason were the signing of Vladamir Tarasenko and the extension of Jake Sanderson.

The head coach for Ottawa, D. J. Smith, is entering his third season with much to prove, considering the roster he has to work with.

Ottawa was only 6 points out of a tight wild-card push last season. Expect the Sens to make some noise this season with an electric young core.

Boston Bruins

I had to return to the 2015-16 regular season to see the last time the Bruins finished outside the top three in the Atlantic Division. This will be the first season in almost 20 years without Patrice Bergeron, an essential piece of this team's DNA.

Now that Brad Marchand will command the locker room, a lot will change in Boston. The most important part of this upcoming season for the Bruins is goaltending.

How is Linus Ullmark going to perform coming off a Vezina-winning season? Will the number two guy in the net, Jeremy Swayman, get dealt to a different team?

The Bruins have a lot of questions to answer during this season.

Buffalo Sabres

Give this team some more time. I understand the hype around this exciting young team, but success takes time.

After everything the Sabres have been through in the last decade, I'm fully confident in this organization. I could be completely wrong about this placement because the Sabres roster is the deepest I’ve seen in my lifetime watching the NHL.

Buffalo is one of the teams that can give your team trouble in the season's final stretch and steal a wild card spot.

Now that Devon Levi will be tending the goal, Buffalo hockey fans can finally have a solid goalie to rely on long-term.

Detroit Red Wings

Defense wins championships.

In 2008, when the Red Wings last won the Stanley Cup, they had the likes of Lidstrom, Rafalski and Kronwall. Of course, having Datsyuk and Zetterberg up top helps, but the defense was the main reason the group became champions.

The Red Wings finished in this place last year, ending the season with 35 wins in 82 games. Detroit made a big move trading for Alex DeBrincat giving up Dominik Kubalik, Donovan Sebrango and two draft picks.

The rebuild from Detroit is going to take a little bit longer than fans expected it to take. With first-year coach Derek Lalonde coming in I see some serious chemistry forming within the coming year.

Montreal Canadiens

The weather is cold down here… or should I say up here. Oh, whatever happened to this franchise?

A Stanley Cup runner-up just a few years ago has been at the bottom of the Atlantic Division the previous two seasons.

The Canadiens have made a lot of moves during the summer including acquiring Gustav Lindstrom, Jeff Petry and Casey DeSmith.

Similar to the other teams at the bottom of this division, time is the only thing holding them back.

I am optimistic as to what coach St. Louis brings to this young and developing team. Do you think the Canadiens can shock the hockey world and make some noise this season?

Ethan Zaretsky is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email emz5126@psu.edu