5 – Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a tale of two different teams at home and on the road, where they boast an 8-3-3 record in the former but just a 5-9-2 record in the latter. So far, it’s been clear that Tampa is the fifth-best team in the division, both here and in the standings.
4 – Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are among the highest-scoring teams in the league, and if they keep up that high-octane play, they will be tough to beat. Unless the Wings cool off, opponents must find a way to outscore them.
3 – Florida Panthers
While the Florida Panthers are second in the standings, one surging team in the Atlantic has them beaten in these rankings. If the Panthers can rediscover some consistency, they will also threaten to pass the Boston Bruins in points, especially if the latter also continues to play up and down hockey.