We are just past the halfway mark of the 2022-2023 NHL season, and it's clear that some teams are prevailing over others in the league and their respective divisions. Along with the trade deadline approaching, there is plenty of news around the league.
You can't talk about winning teams this season without mentioning the Boston Bruins. They lead the league with a whopping 91 points in only 56 games. With their 43rd win on February 20, they tie the 1979-80 Philadelphia Flyers' record for fastest to 90 points in a season (56 games). The Bruins honored David Krejci, their alternate captain, for reaching 1,000 NHL games in that same game.
In other Atlantic division news, the Toronto Maple Leafs received Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari from St. Louis and Minnesota. Acciari scored for the Leafs in only his second game with them. The Ottawa Senators acquired Julien Gauthier from the New York Rangers. Tim Stützle from the Senators was the NHL's number-one star from last week. Detroit's Dylan Larkin made the number 3 spot.
The Metropolitan division has been booming. The Carolina Hurricanes surged over the Washington Capitals in a 4-1 win at the 2023 NHL Stadium Series. During this trade season, the Rangers have picked up a handful of players, Vladimir Tarensenko and Niko Mikkola, from the St. Louis Blues. They required Tyler Motte from Ottawa, who had previously played for the Rangers in the 2021-22 season. The Capitals' Alex Ovechkin is out until further notice after his father's death, and the New York Islanders received Bo Horvat from Vancouver. The New Jersey Devils are currently 11-1-0 against Canadian teams. Additionally, Mat Barzal is week to week with a lower-body injury.
The Vancouver Canucks received Anthony Beauvillier in the Bo Horvat trade. The Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks swapped Jaycob Megna for Seattle's 4th-round pick in the 2023 draft. Goaltender Pheonix Copley from the Las Angelos Kings almost dropped the mitts against the Anaheim goalie, John Gibson. Conor McDavid from Edmonton was the first player to hit 100 points this season, with teammate Leon Draisaitl 20 points behind. Sharks' Timo Meier is a top player in discussions before the trade deadline.
St. Louis has acquired four players so far in this trade season. Mikhail Abramov and Adam Gaudette from the Toronto/Minnesota trade, and Sammy Blais and Hunter Skinner from the Rangers. The Stars' captain Jamie Benn joined the 1,000 NHL games club. Conor Hellebuyck has been great since returning from the All-Star Weekend, saving 50 shots in one game against the Rangers. Reigning Stanley Cup champion Nathan Mackinnon was named the NHL's second star last week.
With all the players being shuffled around, it gives playoff-contending teams opportunities to secure their spot in the top 16. The Bruins are predicted to continue their reign over the league, especially with superstar passer Charlie McAvoy. Watch out for those New Jersey Devils, being third in the league, and Jack Hughes only seven goals behind McDavid. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Calgary Flames should start to push to make it into a playoff spot. The Bruins and Hurricanes have secured their places in the playoffs, so we'll see what other teams can clinch a spot by the end of the month.
I'm expecting more news, more likely trade-related, within the next few weeks, so watch out for more updates.
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