Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Buffalo Sabres (36-4-1, 1st Atlantic)
The Sabres had yet another productive week, furthering their Atlantic division lead with a 6-1-1 record. The Sabres scored 40 goals this week, but only managed to score 1 in their 2 losses. Offence was put on hold for those games as they fell 1-0 to the Oilers on Sunday, and 2-1 in OT to the Panthers on Wednesday. However, the Sabres ended their week with an absolute drubbing of Detroit, leaving hockeytown with a 17-3 win. Yes, 17-3.
Top Performer: Akonvict21, 11-16-27, 6.75 P/G in 4 GP
Florida Panthers (31-9-2, 2nd Atlantic)
My favourite kitty cats lost some games this week but managed to sneak a point in 7 of their 8 games. With a 4-1-3 record the Panthers kept the Habs at bay, and maintained the #2 spot in the Atlantic. A 2-1 OT win over the Sabres on Wednesday is a definite morale boost, and hopefully the Cats use that boost to actually win an overtime game. They'll be back to form next week.
Top Performer: FunkMeGently, 9-17-26, 3.25 P/G in 8 GP
Montreal Canadiens (26-11-4, 3rd Atlantic)
The Habs leapfrogged the Leafs after a fantastic 6-0-1 week, and find themselves 3rd in their division. The only thing that kept the Habs from a perfect week was a 4-3 OTL to the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. Helped by some forfeits, the Canadiens only allowed 10 goals against this week, and have seemed to switch into playoff form. Look out for these guys in the closing weeks.
Top Performer: JayBeLLo_XXIII, 11-6-17, 4.25 P/G in 4 GP
Metropolitan Division
Pittsburgh Penguins (34-6-2, 1st Metro)
The Pens built on their Metro lead with a 6-2-0 record this week. 5-2 losses vs both the Oilers and Rangers were countered by 6 wins in which they outscored their opposition 34-10. This is a dangerous team that can absolutely light you up, and with the addition of prodigytolegend they have built one of the strongest forward cores in the league. Look for the Penguins to continue their torrid pace next week.
Top Performer: C/LD the-statistician, 5-15-20, 2.50 P/G in 8 GP
Philadelphia Flyers (29-12-1, 2nd Metro)
Philly continues to annoy the snowflakes with their perfectly fair west server, and compiled a 7-1-0 record this week. Winning games vs the Hawks, Avs, and Islanders this week; the Flyers are showing everyone they deserve to be mentioned in cup contender talks. Expect Philly to continue their winning ways, and for the love of god stop bitching about west servers. It's getting old. Go Flyers <3
Top Performer: RD dabears77_7, 0-15-15, 2.14 P/G in 7 GP
New York Islanders (23-12-6, 3rd Metro)
The Isles had themselves a tough week, only managing a 3-2-2 record. Rhode Islands finest only scored 18 goals in 7 games last week, well below the 3.76 GF/G they usually average. The Islanders will need to improve in the coming weeks if they look to maintain their divisional playoff spot. As a team in Columbus is picking up some steam behind them.
Top Performer: C Isles2791, 3-12-15, 2.50 P/G, in 6 GP
Wildcard
Toronto Maple Leafs (26-14-2, 4th Atlantic)
The Leafs had some trouble generating offence this week, and as a result finished with a 3-4-1 record. As a team that seemingly prides themselves in being a defensive force, allowing 26 goals in 8 games is completely out of character. I fully expect the Leafs to correct their play next week and challenge MTL for 3rd in the division.
Top Performer: C VegaRidge, 7-9-16, 2.00 P/G, in 8 GP
Boston Bruins (23-17-1, 5th Atlantic)
The Bruins had the shortest schedule in the league last week with only 6 games, and came out of it with a 4-2-0 record. With their only 2 losses being to division rivals in Montreal & Florida, it's unfortunate they couldn't collect even 1 point in either game. I expect this team to bounce back next week and widen the gap between them and the Blue Jackets.
Top Performer: RW Ryxn_i89i, 5-6-11, 2.75 P/G in 4 GP
Just Outside Playoffs
Columbus Blue Jackets (4th Metro)
The Blue Jackets had a phenomenal week, posting a 7-1-0 record. If they can recreate the magic of their last 8 games over the next few week, they will be a team to watch out for. I'm pulling for you guys!
Top Performer: C JCEB85, 7-8-15, 3.00 P/G in 5 GP
Western Conference
Central Division
Colorado Avalanche (30-7-3, 1st Central)
The Avalanche maintained their solid play, and came out of the week with a 7-1-0 record. A single 4-3 loss to Philly is the only thing that kept the Avs from perfection this week, and considering the circumstances of that game.... I'll say we did just fine lol. After creating a 12 point cushion for the divisional lead, lets see if Colorado can challenge San Jose for the 1st seed in the west.
Top Performer: RW MikehTheGod, 14-11-25, 4.17 P/G in 6 GP
Chicago Blackhawks (24-11-3, 2nd Central)
The Hawks shared the shortest schedule of the week with Boston, going 2-3-0 (1 No Stats) in their 6 games. The Hawks offence was more spread out this week, and the numbers weren't "chicago" enough for my liking. I used to Cup scoring 40 points a week though so ignore me. I expect the Hawks to turn it around next week, and make the Avs sweat a little bit.
Top Performer: LW Reapz2313, 5-8-13, 2.60 P/G in 5 GP
Winnipeg Jets (18-19-2, 3rd Central)
The Jets are an interesting team to follow, and after a 2-3-1 week (with one no stats game) they might be feeling the pressure of losing their playoff spot. The only bright spot I can find is trading for Duchesne, who will bring some much needed offence to this squad next week.
Top Performer: LD/LW ItsDxstin, 3-1-4, 2.00 P/G in 2 GP .. it was hard to find a top performer here lol
Pacific Division
San Jose Sharks (33-7-2, 1st Pacific)
These Sharks are circling, and my f*ck are they terrifying. San Jose had another terrific week, going 7-1-0. The Sharks won 4 one goal games this week, which bodes well for this team come playoff time. Their ability to win those tight games will be a huge advantage.
Top Performer: G polarbears30, 5-1-0, 2.22 GAA, 0.816 SV%, 2 SO in 6 GP
Los Angeles Kings (26-11-5, 2nd Pacific)
The Kings managed to overtake Edmonton for 2nd in the Pacific this week with a 5-2-1 record. LA scored 35 goals this week, showing their offensive power and ability to control possession in games. A 4-3 OTL to the Sharks stands out as they seem to have dominated the possession in the game but fell just short. I expect these guys to spread the gap between themselves and the Oilers in the coming weeks.
Top Performer: C S1234R, 9-15-24, 4.00 P/G in 6 GP
Edmonton Oilers (26-12-3, 3rd Pacific)
The Oilers had some trouble handling the big dogs this week, and limped their way to a 3-4-1 record. Edmonton got no favors from the schedule this week, playing San Jose (x2), Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Florida. That's a rough go for any team, but a 1-4-0 record in those 5 games must be frustrating. I assume the Oilers let out a sigh of relief when they checked next weeks schedule, and I expect them to get back to their winning ways.
Top Performer: RW VincentVael, 5-7-12, 1.50 P/G in 8 GP
Wildcard
Vegas Golden Knights (22-18-2, 4th Pacific)
The city that never sleeps was grinding away wins last week, posting a 5-2-1 record and climbing into the first wildcard spot. Big wins over Edmonton, Arizona, and LA have shot Vegas into a wildcard position, and they plan to take advantage of it. Look for Vegas to keep up their winning ways next week.
Top Performer: G parky_8, 5-2-1, 2.62 GAA, 0.822 SV%, 2 SO in 8 GP
Arizona Coyotes (18-19-5, 5th Pacific)
The Yotes had themselves a solid week, finishing with a 5-2-1 record. Big wins over eastern powerhouses Florida and Toronto has Arizona feeling themselves, and gunning for playoffs. These guys are picking up steam and are looking like a playoff contenders, I expect them to come out with the same hunger next week as well.
Top Performer: C Insane_Hellfire, 5-12-17, 2.13 P/G in 8 GP
Just Outside Playoffs
Vancouver Canucks (19-22-1, 5th Pacific)
Vancouver had a rough go this week, finishing up with a 3-5-0 record. These guys are still in the battle for a wildcard spot though, and with recent addition of G Spencer_Knight30, they have the guy in the cage to help them get there. Now it's up to their depth to score that big goal when they need it.
Top Performer: RW IHockeyGirlI, 8-8-16, 4.00 P/G in 4 GP
That does it for my week 6 recap, thank you all for reading and best of luck to everyone in week 7!
Be sure to check out this weeks VGNHL AND VGAHL GOTW stream on Thursday starting at 9:30pm EST at https://www.twitch.tv/ItsKingLyme
