5 - Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens continue to overachieve this season, and there comes a point when you say, “This team isn’t regressing anytime soon.” It’s always fun to see a group expected to do nothing in any given year make their season interesting, even if they are one of the Sabres division rivals.
4 - Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers will be contenders, but that hasn’t stopped them from struggling through some incredibly lean periods this season. Florida has won just two of their last six, and in those four losses, opponents outscored them 15-2.
3 - Boston Bruins
I know, in a previous ranking, I claimed the Boston Bruins wouldn’t lose the No. 1 spot until another team forced them out in the standings. But no one saw them losing five of their last seven, either, and that’s where the Bruins stand. Until they get back on track, they won’t see the No. 1 ranking in the division.