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Tampa Bay Lightning Try to Maintain Consistency

The Tampa Bay Lightning try to maintain consistency as they head into the 2023-24 season and earn their third Stanley Cup in five years.

2022-23

Record: 46-30-6 (98 pts) – 3rd in Atlantic

Playoffs: Lost to Toronto in the First Round

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Key Losses

Alex Killorn (F – ANA), Pat Maroon (F – MIN), Ross Colton (F – COL), Corey Perry (F – CHI), Ian Cole (D – VAN), Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (F – SEA), Brian Elliott (G – UFA)

Key Additions

Conor Sheary (F), Luke Glendening (F), Josh Archibald (F), Calvin de Haan (D), Jonas Johansson (G), Logan Brown (F)

2023-24 Preview

The Tampa Bay Lightning had a successful season in 2022-2023. They finished with a regular-season record of 46-30-6, earning a total of 98 points. This placed them third in the Atlantic Division.

In the playoffs, the Lightning faced the Toronto Maple Leafs in the First Round but unfortunately lost to them. Despite the early exit, the Lightning put up a strong fight throughout the season and playoffs.

The team underwent some changes during the offseason, with key players departing and new additions joining the roster.

Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 season, the Lightning have high expectations. With star players like Vasilevskiy and Hedman leading the way, the team hopes to make a deep playoff run and compete for the Stanley Cup.

The team’s strong foundation and talented roster provide an optimistic outlook for the upcoming season.

Andrei Vasilevskiy will be looked to as the Tampa Bay Lightning try to maintain consistency as they head into the 2023-24 season and earn their third Stanley Cup in five years. – Photo Courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning

How good will Vasilevskiy’s season be?

Andre Vasilevskiy is undoubtedly one of the top goaltenders in the NHL, and his performance in the upcoming 2023-2024 season is highly anticipated. As the cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Vasilevskiy has consistently shown his skill, athleticism, and ability to make exceptional saves.

With his strong fundamentals, quick reflexes, and calm demeanor, Vasilevskiy is expected to continue his stellar play between the pipes. He possesses excellent positioning, allowing him to make difficult saves look routine. His ability to read the game and anticipate plays gives him an edge against opponents, making it challenging for them to find the back of the net.

Vasilevskiy’s impressive track record suggests that he will have another standout season. He has consistently been a finalist for the Vezina Trophy.

The Lightning’s solid defensive structure and talented roster further support Vasilevskiy’s success. The team’s commitment to defense and their ability to limit high-quality scoring chances will provide him with a strong foundation to excel.

He has proven himself to be a reliable and game-changing player, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him among the league leaders in save percentage, goals against average, and shutouts.

Fans can definitely look forward to another exceptional season from Andre Vasilevskiy as he aims to help lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to a successful campaign and contend for the Stanley Cup once again.

Victor Hedman and the defense will look to help the Tampa Bay Lightning try to maintain consistency as they head into the 2023-24 season and earn their third Stanley Cup in five years. – Photo Courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning

Who will step up for the offense this season?

The Tampa Bay Lightning offense is expected to be formidable in the upcoming 2023-2024 season. Despite losing key players like Alex Killorn, Pat Maroon, and Ross Colton, the Lightning have made some notable additions to their roster.

Conor Sheary, Luke Glendening, Josh Archibald, and Logan Brown are among the new players joining the team. These additions bring depth and versatility to the forward lines, adding scoring options and playmaking abilities. They will complement the Lightning’s established offensive stars, such as Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point, and Nikita Kucherov.

Stamkos, the team’s captain, has been a consistent offensive force throughout his career. Stamkos is a threat to score from anywhere on the ice. Point, a dynamic forward, has shown his ability to produce in clutch moments and is a reliable contributor on both ends of the ice.

Kucherov, a former Art Ross Trophy winner, is known for his elite offensive skills and creativity. His vision and ability to find open teammates make him a dangerous playmaker. With his return from injury, the Lightning’s offense will receive a significant boost.

The Lightning’s offensive success is not solely reliant on individual performances. Head coach Jon Cooper emphasizes a structured system that encourages puck possession, speed, and effective puck movement. This system allows the Lightning to generate scoring opportunities and exploit their opponents’ defensive weaknesses.

With a combination of skilled veterans, talented newcomers, and a proven offensive system, the Tampa Bay Lightning offense is poised to be a potent force in the upcoming season. Fans can expect an exciting and high-scoring brand of hockey as the team strives to compete for another championship.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ, NYI, NYR, OTT, PHI, PIT, SJ, SEA, STL

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October 4, 2023
St. Louis Blues Look to Fix Course

After a disappointing 2023-23 season the St. Louis Blues look to fix their course going into the 2023-24 season.

2022-23

Record: 37-38-7 (81 pts) – 6th in Central

Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

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Key Losses

Thomas Griess (G – Retired), Josh Leivo (F – UFA), Tyler Pitlick (F – NYR), Logan Brown (F – TB)

Key Additions

Kevin Hayes (F), Oskar Sundqvist (F), Mackenzie MacEachern (F)

2023-24 Preview

The St. Louis Blues had a challenging 2022-23 season, finishing with a record of 37-38-7 and accumulating 81 points. They ended up in 6th place in the Central Division and unfortunately did not qualify for the playoffs.

With the St. Louis Blues looking to fix their course, Brayden Schenn will be looked to for leadership this season. – Photo Courtesy of the St. Louis Blues

Reboot

Coming into the 2023-24 season the Blues reunited with forwards Mackenzie MacEachern and Oskar Sundqvist. Plus, they also added veteran forward Kevin Hayes. Outside of those moves, the Blues remained pat on their roster. With that in mind, the Blues come into the new season with the mentality of viewing 2023-24 as a reboot for them.

Also, players like Jakub Vrana and Kasperi Kapanen will be looked upon to prove why they were picked up at the trade deadline.

The St. Louis Blues look to fix their course, and Jordan Binnington needs to get his head on straight for the Blues. – Photo Courtesy of the St. Louis Blues

A Need to Refocus

One of the biggest needs for the Blues is for their star goaltender Jordan Binnington regaining his Stanley Cup winning form, and keeping his cool. Binnington the last couple of seasons has become a distraction for the Blues. His attitude and mind set has not been in the right place as witnessed by his constant need for picking fights with the opposing teams after giving up bad goals.

If Binnington can get back to his 2019 form, the Blues will have a better chance of being competitive. If not, Joel Hoefer is waiting in the wings for his chance to take that top spot in the crease.

Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, the Blues have hopes for a fresh start. Players like Brayden Schenn and Jordan Binnington will be crucial to the team’s success. The organization is working hard to improve and overcome the challenges they faced in the previous season.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ, NYI, NYR, OTT, PHI, PIT, SJ, SEA

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October 3, 2023
Seattle Kraken Aim for Continued Success

After making an impressive run during the 2022-23 season, the Seattle Kraken aim for continued success in 2023-24.

2022-23

Record: 46-28-8 (100 pts) – 4th in Pacific (Wild Card 1)

Playoffs: Lost to Dallas in Second Round

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Key Losses

Daniel Sprong (F – DET), Carson Soucy (D – VAN), Morgan Geekie (F – BOS), Ryan Donato (F – CHI), Martin Jones (G – TOR)

Key Additions

Brian Dumoulin (D), Kailer Yamamoto (F), Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (F)

2023-24 Preview

Seattle was a nice surprise last season by making it to the Stanley Cup playoffs. They made some noise by knocking off the previous champions in the Colorado Avalanche in round one before pushing the Dallas Stars to the limit before losing in game seven of the second round. Overall, last season was a huge success and provides hope for this young franchise going forward.

Matty Beniers had a stellar rookie campaign, and the Seattle Kraken will aim for continued success in 2023-24. – Photo Courtesy of the Seattle Kraken

The Kraken look to build on this and hope to take another step and keep making noise in the playoffs. Seattle brought in defenseman Brian Doumoulin who should be a big help on the backend, added Kaiser Yamamoto to the top and middle six forward group, and Pierre-Edourd Bellmare to the fourth line to bring some grit to that group. Winger Andre Burakovsky returns fully healthy after missing the remainder of the regular season and playoffs due to injury. If Burakovsky can stay healthy and produce, the two-time Stanley Cup champion can be a big factor in helping this Kraken make more noise in the regular season and especially in the postseason. Let’s not forget about Calder trophy wining center Matt Beniers. He had a phenomenal rookie season and was a big part of why Seattle had such a successful second year in the league. Wherever Beniers goes, this team will go to as he drives the play very well. I see the Kraken returning to the playoffs but still need a high end scoring piece if they want to go further in the playoffs.

Philipp Grubauer had a great bounce back season, and the Seattle Kraken will aim for continued success in 2023-24. – Photo Courtesy of the Seattle Kraken

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ, NYI, NYR, OTT, PHI, PIT, SJ

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October 2, 2023
San Jose Sharks Stick to the Plan

The San Jose Sharks stick to the plan as they continue their rebuild into the 2023-24 season, and look to the future.

2022-23

Record: 22-44-16 (60 pts) – 7th in Pacific

Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

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Key Losses

James Riemer (G – DET), Steven Lorentz (F – UFA), Erik Karlsson (D – PIT)

Key Additions

Anthony Duclair (F), Mackenzie Blackwood (G), Filip Zadina (F), Mikael Granlund (F), Jan Rutta (D), Mike Hoffman (F). Kyle Burroughs (D)

2023-24 Preview

The San Jose Sharks had a mixed performance during the 2022-2023 season. They finished with a record of 22-44-16, earning 60 points. Unfortunately, this placed them in 7th position in the Pacific Division, and they did not qualify for the playoffs.

Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 season, the San Jose Sharks have their sights set on improvement. Players like Kevin Labanc and Logan Couture will play vital roles in leading the team’s offensive efforts. The Sharks’ management and coaching staff are working towards developing a strong and competitive roster to strive for a more successful season.

The San Jose Sharks stick to the plan as they continue their rebuild into the 2023-24 season, and look to the future. – Photo Courtesy of the San Jose Sharks

What happens with Logan Couture?

Logan Couture, the veteran center for the San Jose Sharks, is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s upcoming 2023-2024 season.

Couture has consistently been a key player for the Sharks, known for his ability to score goals and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. With his experience and hockey intelligence, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and serves as a mentor to younger players.

In the 2022-2023 season, Couture showcased his offensive prowess by leading the team in scoring with 24 goals and 36 assists. Going into the 2023-2024 season, it is expected that he will continue to be a reliable source of offense for the Sharks.

Aside from his offensive contributions, Couture also brings a strong defensive presence to the team. He is known for his two-way play, often making important defensive plays and winning crucial faceoffs. His ability to excel in all facets of the game makes him an invaluable asset to the Sharks.

Overall, fans of the San Jose Sharks can expect Logan Couture to continue playing a significant role in the team’s success in the upcoming season. His offensive skills, leadership, and defensive abilities will make him a player to watch as the Sharks strive for improvement and aim for a more successful season.

Logan Couture will lead the San Jose Sharks as they stick to the plan as they continue their rebuild into the 2023-24 season. – Photo Courtesy of the San Jose Sharks

What does the year hold for first time GM Mike Grier?

GM Mike Grier, the general manager of the San Jose Sharks, is heading into the 2023-2024 season with high expectations and a clear vision for the team’s success. Grier, who brings a wealth of experience as a former NHL player, is determined to build a competitive roster and guide the Sharks towards a more successful season.

Grier’s primary focus will be on building a balanced and competitive team that can perform well in all aspects of the game. He will strive to find the right blend of offensive firepower, solid defensive play, and reliable goaltending to give the Sharks a competitive edge.

Overall, GM Mike Grier is determined to lead the San Jose Sharks to a more successful season in 2023-2024. With his experience as a player and his commitment to building a competitive roster, Grier aims to make strategic moves that will propel the Sharks towards a spot in the playoffs and ultimately contend for the Stanley Cup.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ, NYI, NYR, OTT, PHI, PIT

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October 1, 2023
Pittsburgh Penguins Look to Regain Form

The Pittsburgh Penguins look to regain form as they enter the 2023-24 season with the goal of going back to the playoffs.

2022-23

Record: 40-31-11 (91 pts) – 5th in Metropolitan

Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

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Key Losses

Mikael Granlund (F – SJ), Jan rutta (D – SJ), Jeff Petry (D – MON), Casey DeSmith (G – VAN), Jason Zucker (F – ARI), Brian Dumoulin (D – SEA), Josh Archibald (F – TB), Ron Hextall (General Manager, Brian Burke (President of Hockey Ops)

Key Additions

Reilly Smith (F), Ryan Graves (D), Lars Eller (F), Noel Acciari (F), Matt Nieto (F), Kyle Dubas (President of Hockey Ops and General Manager), Erik Karlsson (D), Rem Pitlick (F)

2023-24 Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins had a mixed season in 2022-23. They finished with a record of 40-31-11, earning a total of 91 points. This placed them in 5th position in the Metropolitan Division. Unfortunately, the Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs that year.

Sidney Crosby is going look to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins as they look to regain form as they enter the 2023-24 season. – Photo Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins

Who steps up in net for the Penguins?

Ultimately, to get to the promised land of the Stanley Cup Finals, you need solid goaltending throughout the playoffs.

The goaltending situation in Pittsburgh for the upcoming 2023-24 season will be an area of intrigue and importance. After the departure of Casey DeSmith to the Montreal Canadiens, the Penguins will rely on a new tandem to protect their net.

Leading the way is Tristan Jarry, who had a solid season last year. Jarry played in 54 games, recording a 29-18-6 record, a 2.63 GAA, and a .917 save percentage. He demonstrated his ability to be a reliable starter and made some noteworthy saves throughout the season. However, consistency will be key for Jarry as he aims to solidify his position as the team’s primary goaltender.

In the backup role, the Penguins brought in free agent signing Alex Nedeljkovic. Nedeljkovic is a young, seasoned goaltender with experience playing for the Detroit Red Wings. He is known for his competitiveness and ability to make timely saves. While he may not see as much playing time as Jarry, having a capable backup like Nedeljkovic is crucial to provide rest and support when needed.

Overall, the goaltending situation in Pittsburgh appears promising. With Jarry as the starter and Nedeljkovic as the backup, the Penguins have a duo that can potentially provide stability and confidence in the crease. The team will rely on their performances to help them compete and make a push for the playoffs in the upcoming season.

Kris Letang will have offensive support with the addition of Erik Karlsson as the Pittsburgh Penguins look to regain form as they enter the 2023-24 season. – Photo Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins

How will Erik Karlsson fare in the black and yellow?

Erik Karlsson, the talented defenseman, is set to embark on his first season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. After joining the team as a key addition in the offseason, there is much anticipation surrounding how Karlsson will perform in the black and yellow.

Known for his smooth skating, offensive prowess, and exceptional puck-moving abilities, Karlsson has proven to be a valuable asset throughout his career. With two Norris Trophies to his name, he brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Penguins’ blue line.

In Pittsburgh, Karlsson will have the opportunity to contribute to an already formidable defensive corps alongside the likes of Kris Letang. His ability to generate offense from the back end and his hockey IQ should complement the team’s offensive firepower, led by superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

However, like any player, Karlsson may face challenges as he adjusts to a new system and teammates. It will be interesting to see how he integrates into the Penguins’ style of play and how quickly he can establish chemistry with his new teammates.

Penguins fans are filled with anticipation and excitement as they eagerly await Karlsson’s debut in the black and yellow. If he can stay healthy and showcase his elite skills, there is no doubt that he has the potential to make a significant impact and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ, NYI, NYR, OTT, PHI

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September 30, 2023
Philadelphia Flyers Continue Their Rebuild

The Philadelphia Flyers continue their rebuild as they enter the 2023-24 season. Continued development will be the key to the season.

2022-23

Record: 31-38-13 (75 pts) – 7th in Metropolitan

Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

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Key Losses

Ivan Provorov (D – CLB), Kevin Hayes (F – STL), James van Riemsdyk (F – BOS), Tony DeAngelo (D – CAR via Buyout), Justin Braun (D – Retired), Brendan Lemieux (F – CAR), Kieffer Bellows (F – UFA)

Key Additions

Marc Staal (D), Garnet Hathaway (F), Sean Walker (D), Cal Petersen (G), Ryan Poehling (F)

2023-24 Preview

The Flyers finished the season with a record of 31 wins, 38 losses, and 13 overtime losses, accumulating a total of 75 points. Unfortunately, this was not enough to secure a playoff spot, as they did not qualify for the postseason.

Joel Farabee is going to look to have a strong season as the Philadelphia Flyers continue their rebuild as they enter the 2023-24 season. – Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers

Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 season, the Flyers have some promising players to watch out for. Carter Hart and Joel Farabee, are expected to play crucial roles in the team’s success.

The 2022-2023 season was a challenging one for the Philadelphia Flyers, as they fell short of a playoff berth. However, with new additions to the roster and talented players in their lineup, they will aim to kick off their re-build in 2023-2024.

2 Young Goalies, Who Steps Up?

The Philadelphia Flyers have an interesting goaltending situation heading into the 2023-2024 season. The team currently has two young goalies, Carter Hart and Cal Peterson, who will be competing for the starting role.

Carter Hart, a highly touted prospect, has shown flashes of brilliance in his career. Despite struggling with consistency in recent seasons, Hart has the potential to be a top-tier goalie in the league. The Flyers will be looking for him to regain his form and become a reliable presence between the pipes.

Carter will look to continue to be the number one goalie as the Philadelphia Flyers continue their rebuild as they enter the 2023-24 season. – Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers

Cal Peterson, the newest addition to the Philadelphia Flyers’ roster, brings a wealth of talent and potential to the team’s goaltending department. As the Flyers head into the 2023-2024 season, let’s take a closer look at what we can expect from Peterson.

A skilled netminder, Peterson has displayed his abilities during his time with the Los Angeles Kings. Known for his athleticism, composure, and ability to make key saves, he has proven himself as a capable starting goaltender in the NHL.

While it’s difficult to predict exact statistics or outcomes, Peterson’s presence in the Flyers’ lineup is expected to bolster their goaltending depth and provide valuable goaltending options. His experience and skill set will be crucial in maintaining strong defensive performances and giving the team the best chance to win.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ, NYI, NYR, OTT

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September 29, 2023
Ottawa Senators Look Forward for Next Step

The Ottawa Senators look forward for their next step as they aim to make the playoffs during the 2023-24 season.

2022-23

Record: 39-35-8 (86 pts) – 6th in Atlantic

Playoffs: Did not Qualify

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Key Losses

Alex DeBrincat (F – DET), Cam Talbot (G – LA)

Key Additions

Vladimir Tarasenko (F), Joonas Korpisalo (G), Dominik Kubalik (F), Zack MacEwen (F)

2023-24 Preview

The 2022-2023 season was a mixed bag for the Ottawa Senators. They had a record of 39-35-8, earning 86 points and finishing 6th in the Atlantic Division. Unfortunately, they did not qualify for the playoffs.

Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 season, there is optimism surrounding the team. Players like Tarasenko and Brady Tkachuk are expected to make an impact. Can they take that next step in their re-building and make it back to the playoffs?

After signing a one year deal, the Ottawa Senators look forward for their next step as they aim to make the playoffs with Vladimir Tarasenko in the lineup. – Photo Courtesy of the Ottawa Senators

What lies ahead for Brady Tkachuk?

Brady Tkachuk is a key player for the Ottawa Senators heading into the 2023-2024 NHL season. Known for his physicality and scoring ability, Tkachuk is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s performance.

With a solid 2022-2023 season under his belt, Tkachuk will be looking to build on his success. He recorded impressive numbers, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. His combination of skill, grit, and leadership qualities make him a fan favorite and an integral part of the Senators’ roster.

In the upcoming season, Tkachuk will be tasked with leading the team and providing offensive firepower. With the addition of players like Vladimir Tarasenko and Dominik Kubalik, the Senators’ offense should receive a boost, and Tkachuk will play a vital role in capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

Moreover, Tkachuk’s physical presence and aggressive style of play will continue to make him a force to be reckoned with on the ice. He isn’t afraid to get involved in the physical battles and isn’t shy about dropping the gloves when needed.

Off the ice, Tkachuk’s leadership skills are highly regarded. As an alternate captain, he brings a level of intensity and passion that inspires his teammates. His work ethic and dedication to the game set a positive example for the young players on the team.

Overall, expectations are high for Brady Tkachuk in the 2023-2024 NHL season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching his performance as he continues to develop into one of the league’s top power forwards. With his skill set and determination, Tkachuk has the potential to make a significant impact and play a key role in the Senators’ quest for success.

The Ottawa Senators look forward for their next step as they aim to make the playoffs with Brady Tkachuk leading the way. – Photo Courtesy of the Ottawa Senators

How does Jake Sanderson’s sophomore campaign fare?

Jake Sanderson, the young defenseman for the Ottawa Senators, is heading into the 2023-2024 NHL season with high expectations. After a promising rookie campaign, Sanderson’s development and growth will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.

After his rookie season, he was handsomely rewarded with a long term deal to stay with the Ottawa Senators.

Known for his smooth skating and excellent defensive instincts, Sanderson has already shown tremendous potential at a young age. He possesses great poise and composure with the puck, making him a reliable presence on both ends of the ice. His ability to make smart decisions under pressure and contribute to the team’s transition game sets him apart.

In the upcoming season, Sanderson will be tasked with solidifying his role as a key defenseman for the Senators. With his strong defensive skills, he will be relied upon to shut down opposing forwards and contribute to the team’s penalty kill. Sanderson’s positioning and hockey IQ allow him to read plays well and make timely interventions.

Offensively, Sanderson has shown glimpses of his potential with his ability to join the rush and contribute to the team’s offensive output. While his primary focus will be on his defensive responsibilities, expect him to continue honing his offensive game and contributing to the Senators’ scoring chances.

Sanderson’s work ethic and dedication to improving his craft are commendable. He has a strong desire to be the best player he can be and to help the Senators succeed. As he continues to gain experience and confidence, his impact on the team is expected to grow.

Overall, the 2023-2024 NHL season holds great promise for Jake Sanderson. With his skill set, maturity beyond his years, and commitment to continuous improvement, he has the potential to emerge as one of the league’s top defensemen.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ, NYI, NYR

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September 28, 2023
New York Rangers Looking for a Bounce Back

After bowing out of the first round, the New York Rangers are looking for a bounce back season in 2023-24.

2022-23

Record: 47-22-13 (107 pts) – 3rd in Metropolitan

Playoffs: Lost to New Jersey in First Round

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Key Losses

Patrick Kane (F – UFA), Vladimir Tarasenko (F – OTT), Jaroslav Halak (G – UFA), Niko Mikkola (D – FLA), Tyler Motte (F – UFA), Gerard Gallant (Head Coach)

Key Additions

Blake Wheeler (F), Nick Bonino (F), Jonathan Quick (G), Tyler Pitlick (F), Erik Gustafsson (D), Peter Laviolette (Head Coach)

2023-24 Preview

The New York Rangers had a solid 2022-23 season, finishing with a record of 47-22-13 and accumulating 107 points. They secured the 3rd position in the Metropolitan division standings. However, their playoff run was cut short as they lost to the New Jersey Devils in the First Round.

Chris Kreider will look to continue to have another career year as the New York Rangers are looking for a bounce back season in 2023-24. – Photo Courtesy of the New York Rangers

Need for Change

Going into the 2023 offseason the Rangers decided to make a change behind their bench. Out was Gerard Gallant, and in was Peter Laviolette as head coach. With the change the Rangers also made some changes to their lineup as well.

After letting all of their trade deadline acquisitions walk in free agency, the Rangers were able to sign aging winger Blake Wheeler, as well as goaltender Jonathan Quick. Forwards Nick Bonino, Riley Nash, and Tyler Pitlick were also signed along with defenseman Erik Gustafsson as part of their mini revamp.

Stepping Up

The Rangers are going to be looking to their young kids Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere to step up their games. Both players have yet to hit 20 goals in a season, and Kakko hit 40 points for the first time this past season, while Lafreniere was a point shy of hitting the 40 point mark.

While Lafreniere had a solid playoffs in 2021-22, both him and Kakko were non-existent against New Jersey in the first round. The Rangers are going to need their former 1st (Lafreniere, 2020) and 2nd (Kakko, 2019) overall picks to elevate their games this season, and prove that they were worth getting drafted so high in their respective drafts.

Mika Zibanejad and the New York Rangers are looking for a bounce back season in 2023-24. – Photo Courtesy of the New York Rangers

Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, the Rangers have high hopes. The team will rely on standout players such as Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad to lead the way. The Rangers’ fans and supporters are eagerly anticipating the start of the season to see how their team performs under the guidance of their new head coach and with the contributions of the new additions to the roster.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ, NYI

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September 27, 2023
New York Islanders Need to Face Reality

The New York Islanders need to face reality as they still have an aging core going into the 2023-24 season.

2022-23

Record: 42-31-9 (93 pts) – 4th in Metropolitan (Wild Card 1)

Playoffs: Lost to Carolina in First Round

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Key Losses

Josh Bailey (F – CHI), Zach Parise (F – UFA/Retired?)

Key Additions

Julien Gauthier (F)

2023-24 Preview

The New York Islanders had a solid performance during the 2022-23 season, finishing with a record of 42-31-9 (93 points), placing them 4th in the Metropolitan Division (Wild Card 1).

In the playoffs, however, the Islanders faced a tough challenge and were ultimately eliminated in the First Round by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Anders Lee will look to hit the 30 goal plateau, but the New York Islanders need to face reality as they are an aging core going into the 2023-24 season. – Photo Courtesy of the New York Islanders

An Aging Core

The Islanders under Lou Lamoriello have gone through virtually zero changes over the last few years, and that’s not expected tp change either. Outside of the additions of Bo Horvat and Pierre Engvall at the trade deadline last season, and defenseman Alexander Romanov via trade at the 2022 draft, the Isles are essentially the same team. Kyle Palmieri is on his last legs, and has been for a while now, and the so-called “Identity Line” of Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas, and Cal Clutterbuck is laughable at best.

One saving grace for the Islanders is that they do have a young defensive core and a solid goaltender in Ilya Sorokin. However, offensively, the Islanders are truly a one line team. And with a more defense first approach to their game, they have stymied young offensive players from their true potential.

All Star goaltender Ilya Sorokin will be at his best as the New York Islanders need to face reality that they need vast improvements to their offense. – Photo Courtesy of the New York Islanders

Overdue for a Wakeup Call

The Islanders, and the Florida Panthers as well, should be thankful that both the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins had subpar seasons last year. It allowed both the Islanders and the Panthers into the playoffs when they really shouldn’t have.

Also, for the Islanders, they need to accept that Mathew Barzal is going to forever be the one dimensional player that he has always been.

This will be an interesting season for the Islanders, but let’s be honest. They need to face reality, and get a new set of eyes on this team.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ

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September 26, 2023
New Jersey Devils Look to Take Next Step

After an impressive 2022-23 season, the New Jersey Devils look to take the next step going into the 2023-24 season.

2022-23

Record: 52-22-8 (112 pts) – 2nd in Metropolitan

Playoffs: Lost to Carolina in Second Round

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Key Losses

Damon Severson (D – CLB), Ryan Graves (D – PIT), Miles Wood (F – COL), Yegor Sharagovich (F – CAL), Jesper Boqvist (F – BOS), Mackenzie Blackwood (G – SJ), Tomas Tatar (F – UFA), Andrew Brunette (Associate Coach)

Key Additions

Tyler Toffoli (F), Colin Miller (D), Tomas Nosek (F), Travis Green (Associate Coach)

2023-24 Preview

Jack Hughes would have a career year, and will look to do the same as the New Jersey Devils look to take the next step going into the 2023-24 season. – Photo Courtesy of the New Jersey Devils

New Jersey took a big step last season and have asserted themselves into the conversation of being Stanley Cup contenders. The only thing that stands in their way is the Carolina Hurricanes who defeated them in round two after beating Hudson River rivals the NY Rangers in round one. This team showed they are a young force to be reckoned for years to come with with a young core that features Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt. That doesn’t even include the young Hughes brother in Luke who looks to play a big role on the back end this season after making his playoff debut and showed he belongs in this league. What’s even more scary, is there’s even more young talent to come to the Garden State on defense such as Simon Nemec. Despite losing Damond Severson and Ryan Graves on the back end, these two young kids have the talent and potential to fill those roles.

The Devils did go out and add a very nice piece to the top six by acquiring Tyler Tofoli from the Calgary Flames who will look really nice to either Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier. Re-signing trade deadline acquisition Timo Meier as well as RFA Jesper Bratt were huge moves that the Devils had to make. Meier once he got going in Jersey was a lot for opposing defenses to handle. Bratt showed last season that’s very capable of producing and putting up points for years to come and is a valuable asset in the top six. The Devils are one of the upperclassmen of the Metropolitan division but face stiff competition with the favorites in the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins who went out and acquired 100 point Norris Trophy wining defenseman Erik Karlsson to their mix. I see the Devils returning to the playoffs in one of the top three spots in the division. If New Jersey wants to go further, their defense and goaltending has to play at a higher and more elite level for them to get all the way to the top of the mountain. They certainly are capable, they just have to go out and do it now,

The 2022 offseason signing of Ondrej Palat proved huge, and the New Jersey Devils look to take the next step going into the 2023-24 season. – Photo Courtesy of the New Jersey Devils

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS

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September 25, 2023