This season, while Florida took a step back in the regular season (failing to reach 100 points after posting 110 in 2023-24), as usual they are rocking it in the playoff. In dispatching Tampa Bay in five games in the first round, the Panthers led all teams in shots against, an impressive feat considering the weapons the Lightning has.

Back in 2021-22, the Toronto Maple Leafs enjoyed the most successful season in franchise history, only to lose in the first round. Their regular season performances dipped in each of the next two seasons, but after racking up 108 points this season for their first Atlantic Division title, the Buds have their sights set on a bigger prize this spring.

You have to go back to 2019-20 to find the last time the Chicago Blackhawks finished over .500 and made the playoffs. It’s been all downhill since as the club shed virtually all veteran talent and has attempted to rebuild from the group up.

Since losing 49 games in 2021-22 – the worst season in their long and storied history – the Montreal Canadiens have been turning the ship around. They improved from 55 to 68 points in 2022-23 before upping that total to 76 last season.

He got off to a blazing start this season, potting four goals and six helpers through the first 10 games, but it took him 48 games over four months to get his next 11 points.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been in free fall since 2020-21 and are all but assured to miss the playoffs for the third straight season. Caught between a necessary full rebuild and trying to recapture their former glory, it’s an awkward time in Steel City.

Still, Washington remains the top team in the East as we begin the 4 Nations Face-Off break. The Caps enjoyed a surprising bounce back last season, making it back to the playoffs after missing out the season before, but what the team has done this season (36-11-8) through 55 games is nothing short of shocking. It seems every offseason move they made has paid dividends.