Fair statement regarding Montreal, but look at their record last year against all the other Canadian teams. Didn't have a losing record against any of them. Combine that with the general consensus that they had one of the best off seasons of all teams, and that they were one of the worst teams last year in 1 goal games, and it is not an stretch to say they will be battling for one of the top 3 spots in the division this year.

no way do CBJ and FLA finish above PIT unless something catastrophic happens. I'd put them above STL as well...

Actually the only losing record we had out of all the Canadian Teams was against Edmonton we were 2-0-0 against them first was Dec 21st we lost 4-3 and on Jan 9th we lost 4-2. Other than that our record against Canadian teams was good. But I agree with your assessment.

Boston and Pittsburgh miss the playoffs? HOT TAKES ALERT!

Islanders above Boston is a hot take

I don't think that's a stretch at all, hell I could see them challenging Tor and WPG for top spots but I'm just a bit worried that because of the shortened training camp and season that they won't be able to mesh together until its too late in the season. i also still have my concerns about Kotkaniemi as he needs to prove himself as a consistent player outside of the playoffs. I think that MTL will do well I just have concerns holding me back

I think injuries and a bad defense will really hold them back

I don't think so, they have a very bad defense out of the top 4 and they just lost a lot of coaches that have been there for a long time, I don't think Kapanen can be a 1st line forward like Rutherford wants them to be. Also the loss of Hornqvist is a huge dressing room loss. I think CBJ has made some great moves during the offseason and with Torts behind the bench this team could be scary, FLA and PIT would be very close but I think that with the moves they made in the offseason they might finally have the team that can make the playoffs, especially with their young guys coming in.