5 – Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres are still inconsistent in just about every phase of the game, like the power play, but they managed to catch a point in a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. If Buffalo can stop overthinking things offensively, then they will be winning games left and right.
4 – Detroit Red Wings
Like the Sabres, the Detroit Red Wings seem to be one of those teams who will either dominate their opponents, or they will put up a terrible performance. They managed an improbable 5-4 win over the Boston Bruins recently, but that came after the Florida Panthers shut them out in the matchup prior.
3 – Florida Panthers
Florida is one of three teams in the Atlantic that seemingly had the odds stacked against them and are defying them. They have 15 points so far and a 7-4-1 record, and if this keeps up, it’s shuddering to think of what they will do when fully healthy.