Every now and then, PHT will glance at the teams who changed the most during the 2011 off-season in Renovation Watch.
Generally speaking, things have gotten quite a bit worse for the five most dramatically altered teams in the NHL since we last took a look at them before New Year’s. Here is a glance at how each squad fared, in order from highest standings position to the lowest (wins are the tiebreaker in one case, if it really matters).
Philadelphia Flyers
Record on Dec. 29: 21-10-4 for 46 points
Current record: 25-12-4 for 54 points
The Flyers already found themselves behind the New York Rangers for second in the Atlantic Division in the earlier edition; now it just seems like that surging, scrappy squad is that much further out of reach. Still, it’s likely that few teams want to tangle with this explosive Philly team, even if the wrong Russian seems to be in net most nights.
Minnesota Wild
Record on Dec. 29: 20-12-6 for 46 points
Current record: 22-15-6 for 50 points
It actually seems like Minnesota is righting the ship in most recent times, but maybe that’s just compared to their jarring fall from grace that was quite clear in the last Renovation Watch. They’re currently second in the Northwest Division, which is good for seventh overall in the West. It’s not an understatement to say that they have a tenuous grip on a playoff spot at the moment.
Florida Panthers
Record on Dec. 29: 19-11-7 for 45 points
Current record: 21-13-8 for 50 points
The Panthers have been exceedingly average lately, but give them a break. They’re taking some challenges in stride, especially when it comes to the health of their goalies. It’s tough to really be intimidated by this team as they’re currently constituted, but they are getting things done. Florida remains first overall in the once-again-weak Southeast Division.
Buffalo Sabres
Record on Dec. 29: 17-16-3 for 37 points
Current record: 18-19-5 for 41 points
Is it crazy to wonder if Lindy Ruff’s borderline-vampiric reign as the Sabres head coach is in danger? The NHL’s longest tenured bench boss is experiencing perhaps the most disappointing season of his time in Buffalo as the team’s summer splurge might not even amount to a playoff spot. They’re currently stuck in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and are only on top of the lowly Montreal Canadiens in the Northeast Division.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Record on Dec. 29: 9-22-5 for 23 points
Current record: 11-26-5 for 27 points
Speaking of coach firings, the Blue Jackets finally handed Scott Arniel a pink slip. Let’s face it, though, the team’s problems aren’t about X’s and O’s. They don’t have much talent to speak of, especially for a team that perennially gathers high draft picks. Really, the wrong Scott might have been fired, or at least both Scott Howson and Arniel deserved the axe.