[Goffie]

We are coming up to the quarter mark for most teams in the league, with a few teams already passed that point in their seasons. I thought it would be fun to look at the surprise teams and disappointing teams so far this season.

Pleasantly Surprising:

East:
Florida Panthers - Personally I expected the Panthers to make a move to the playoffs or at the very least playoff contention this season. In in no way expected them to be one of the CPHL's top teams and on track for 114pts. Two Swedes Henrik Sedin and Patrik Hornqvist lead the way up front for the Panthers with both forwards clipping along at a point per game pace. Halak has been solid all season and may have been the steal of the offseason if the Panthers can keep winning. Consistency has shown up with this team over the course of the preseason and so far into the regular season. Time will tell if this keeps up.

West:
Edmonton Oilers - Polar opposites of their NHL namesakes. The Oilers were not predicted by many to be a playoff team this season; however a balance lineup and a good start from Nabokov have the Oilers sitting in 3rd place in the West with 28 points in 21 games. Despite a -5 goal differential the Oilers are finding ways to win games. It will be interesting if they can keep the pace the are on now up over the rest of the season and surpass the 100point mark.


Disaster-like Disappointments

East:
Carolina Hurricanes - Long time GM Doug Whalen vowed that he would do what it takes to guide the Hurricanes back to the playoffs. Looking at his roster you would have thought he made the moves to do just that. However the start to the season has not gone anywhere close to the direction GM Doug has planned. Sitting tied for last in the East with 15 points in 20 games and boasting a lineup with John Tavares, Tyler, Seguin and Semyon Varlamov, Doug is not the only one scratching his head. The Canes are still aiming for a playoff spot, but it appears that for every bright spot that happens two rough patches follow. It will be interesting to see if the Canes try and ride it out with their current roster or if we see some trades go down. One thing is for sure Doug will not be happy if the Canes continue this pace and finish with a 62 point season.

West:
Minnesota Wild - Much like the Hurricanes the Wild were built for success. Ovechkin was moved out in the off season; but the Wild were still loaded with plenty of star power as Geno Malkin and Sidney Crosby were in the lineup. However neither player lasted long when the Wild's season didn't get off to the expected hot start. With a new infusion of youth and depth the Wild were hoping to change their fortunes. However they have not showed any prolonged consistency and find themselves dead last in the West. On track for a lowly 66 points it will be interesting to see what direction this team follows the rest of the season. GM Farhall is a proud GM who likes to win, however owning your own 1st round pick in such a deep draft takes the sting out of losing...maybe just a little.

Stay tuned to the halfway point where I will focus on the biggest surprises and disappointments among players. I welcome feedback and opinion on what other GM's think of these choices and who else are viewed in these categories.