Over the next few days I will go through every division and attempt to predict where teams will fall in the standings at the end of the season starting with 8th place and going to 1st.
So starting with the Atlantic Division, arguably the most competitive division in the NHL
#8) Buffalo Sabres
I know there seems to be a level of optimism for the Sabres but I don’t see the forward group being any better than last season or an improvement on defense, and goaltending is an all around question mark, will Levi steal the show? Is it UPL’s net? I just don’t know and it’s the reason they miss, again.
#7) Ottawa Senators
This could go either way with the Sens, if Ullmark can be the stud in net this has the potential to be a playoff team, just with the uncertainty of how this all plays out I have them at 7.
#6) Tampa Bay Lightning
With the loss of the heart and soul of the team, this is the year I believe the Lightning take the step back we’ve all predicted to happen after their back to back Stanley Cup wins, and miss the playoffs this season.
#5) Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens have been on the up swing in recent years and I believe they are ready to make that jump into playoff contention and surprise some folks in making it as Wildcard 2.
#4) Detroit Red Wings
Oh they’re back in playoff mode this season, the question is, will the goaltending be just enough to steal a game or two?
#3) Toronto Maple Leafs
It’s another rinse and repeat season for the Leafs, the playoffs are another story.
#2) Boston Bruins
The culture of winning in Boston is undeniable, they have enough players their from the Bergeron era as leaders on the team that they just understand how to win.
#1) Florida Panthers
This is a no brainer, it’s the best built team in the league, the only concern is the amount of hockey they’ve played in the past two years. The Panthers are the big brothers in Florida now.
This division is by far the most competitive to me as their are a lot of good teams in there fighting for playoff spots.
Sports Take 
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