The NHL season thus far

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Tavares is making his foray into the elite NHL talents./Michael Miller

Tavares is making his foray into the elite NHL talents./Michael Miller

Some teams still suck… Sorry Oilers fans

Every Canadian’s favourite time of year is now back; the NHL season is upon us.

After opening night on Oct. 8, we’ve seen many surprises and a few disappointments throughout the start of the new campaign. Every year starts like this, yet we at the Carillon will break down if these surprises are fact or fiction.

The Islanders surge to the top

Verdict: Fact

You had better believe it. This team has sucked for way too long and now we will get to see that their long rebuilding process was worth something. They have a great group of young forwards and a solid defensive core in front of streaky goaltender Jaroslav Halak who has been lights out for the team. Watch the Isles this year – they’re a damn good team.

The Predators top the central?

Verdict: Fiction

This team just doesn’t have everything needed up front to keep on with huge success. They hired a new head coach in Peter Laviolette, but this team needs more front-end pieces if they want the success that they ultimately desire in Tennessee.

Colorado falls to the basement

Verdict: Fiction

This team is young and quick. They’re having some problems between the pipes with injuries to Seymon Varlamov and Reto Berra, but this team is going to improve. Patrick Roy will get this young team back on the tracks before we know it. With guys like Jarome Iginla in the mix, their leadership will come through for the Avs. No time for panic in Denver.

This Edmonton team- another disappointment

Verdict: Fact

The Oilers still suck. It’s time for a big shakeup in Edmonton. A lot of rumours and speculation surround the team’s big stars being shipped off for added defensive depth, but at the same time, this team has bigger problems. Their coaching systems are awful. Their whole staff up the line needs a shake up. It’s time to forget the glory days in Edmonton. There is no way that this team can be this bad year after year. Get ready for McDavid in Edmonton.

Pearson, Carter and Toffoli in LA: Best line in the NHL?

Verdict: Fact

The best line on arguably the best team has to be Tanner Pearson, Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli in LA. They’re scary good when they’re on their game. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise when looking back at their success in the Stanley Cup playoffs last season, but there is something different this season. This line is definitely going to bleed success throughout this season.

Tavares’ big breakout year

Verdict: Fact

Tavares has been creeping into elite status these past few years and it’s time for his big year. He now has many offensive pieces surrounding him and he will challenge the likes of Crosby and Stamkos for the scoring lead and the Hart trophy race going through the year. If it weren’t for a setback last season we would have been talking about his Hart trophy chances last year. Tavares is elite.

Well, there you have it. It’s going to be a damn good year in the NHL and I think I speak for most hockey fans when I say that this season is going to be exciting. The NHL is getting better each year and this season seems to be one of the best in recent memory.

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