NHL Goal Differential

[Magootz]

I found this interesting about the goal differential. How can you be leading a division with a minus in the goal differential catagory? Must have been some lopsided losses.

Tampa Bay (First place in their division)
50 30 15 5 65 152 154 -2

All the other division leaders have a pretty big + in the goal diff (+41, +41, +21, +37, +14)

Los Angeles (Last place in their division)
48 25 22 1 51 138 122 +16

All the other last place teams have a pretty big - in the goal diff other than Florida (Even) who is in Tampa's division. (-43, -51, Even (Florida), -21, -45)

Just found this a tad strange. In the past the Southeast has been a bit weak other than Washington.

Another note:

The current teams in a playoff spot in the Atlantic (3 teams combined +102)

The current teams in a playoff spot in the Southeast (3 teams combined -4)

 

[Metrags]

I was looking at this as well.

I chalked it up to a weak defensive but strong offensive division. Take a look at the teams you have Tampa, Washington, Atlanta, Carolina. All teams that are high flying and basically play offense first/puck possession styles. Florida is the exception, and for some time they had the lowest GAA in the league.

The thing is, they are in the same division so they play each other a lot. If you are going to run-and-gun in that division, the best offensive team will win. The thing that has surprised me the most is Atlanta's ability to score this year. They lost their top scorer and put up big numbers. And of course, their top defenders are among the league leaders in D points (Byfuglien and Enstrom). Not exactly defensive dmen.

Its just the southeast trend.

 

[burebuyer]

The other end of the spectrum:

The current teams NOT in a playoff spot in the Atlantic (2 teams combined -84)

The current teams NOT in a playoff spot in the Southeast (2 teams combined -3)


Bottom feeders in the Atlantic are horrendous in comparison to the bottom feeders in the Southeast.

Two sides to every story.

Derek

 

[gretzky99]

i know with the Kings they have lost way too many close games and still haven't been really blown out in a game yet. if they can avoid the long losing streaks the rest of the year i like their chances on getting in.