5 - Detroit Red Wings
Following an ultra-lean period in December, the Detroit Red Wings finally look as though they’re heading in the right direction once again. However, they aren’t beating tough competition so often, having recently lost to the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers. They recently scored a win over the Los Angeles Kings, so that’s something to build on.
4 - Tampa Bay Lightning
Following a demoralizing defeat at the Boston Bruins hands on January 6th, the Tampa Bay Lightning have won two straight, and they face a still-stagnating Anaheim Ducks next. Tampa may be winning ugly lately, but they’re getting the points, and it’s all that matters.
3 - Boston Bruins
There is trouble in Boston, as the Bruins are clinging to a one point lead over the Florida Panthers in the Atlantic, and they lost their three most recent games. To Boston’s credit, all three losses went to either overtime or a shootout, which let them walk away with a point, but it doesn’t negate the fact they’re hanging just above 0.500 points-wise in the new year.