2 – Boston Bruins
Last year should have taught us to never underestimate the Boston Bruins, and so far this season, they seem to be coping with their recent losses (in players, not games) perhaps better than everyone. Stellar goaltending has also helped, so early implications tell us Boston may be in it for the long haul.
1 – Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are averaging 6.5 goals per game at the moment, so let’s hope the Sabres can figure out how to play consistent defense before November 4th before the Leafs come to town. And as a bonus, let’s also hope we see more fans of the Blue and Gold taking over the arena that night.
As mentioned earlier, it’s not easy to put too much stock into the first edition of these Atlantic Division Power Rankings simply because there haven’t been enough games played just yet. But if we’re looking at an idea regarding early returns, then this is what we’re rolling with heading into Week 2.
(Statistics and data provided by Hockey-Reference)