The Most Improved NHL Teams of 2012/13

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By Alex Watson

Montreal Canadiens
The 2011/12 season was one to forget for Habs fans which fell far below expectations as the team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007 and amassed a poor record of only 31 wins out of a possible 85 which to being last in the Northeast division! But since trading away big money flop Scott Gomez, a newer strong team has emerged and is currently topping the Northwest Division led by ever present Captain Brian Gionta, the consistent scoring of Max Pacioretty & Tomas Plekanec and the solid goal tending of Carey Price- this team may just turn a few heads come play-off time!

Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leaf’s lack of progress in recent seasons has firmly tarnished their proud history and last season did little too further the belief their decade long absence from the playoffs would end any time soon. But so far this season there are signs that a resurgence may be possible soon and with the impressive talents of James Van Riemsdyk , Nazem Kadri and Phil Kessell are currently pushing them forward. Although they have a tendency to start big in games but then fade away in later stages, this team has promise and may just give their loyal fans something to get excited about!

Chicago Blackhawks
Since their Stanley Cup triumph in 2010 the Blackhawks have hit a stumbling block in the last two seasons with both adventures ending in Quarter final defeats. But any fears of them being one a hit wonder have been extinguished this season as their excellent forward line of Jonathan Toews, Marion Hossa and Patrick Kane has led them to a team record 11 game winning streak and numerous high scoring victories- seems another Stanley Cup banner may be hoisted in the United Centre sooner than we think!

Minnesota Wild
The Wild made two of the biggest signings of off season bring in Devil’s skipper Zach Parise and Predators defensemen Ryan Suter. But they have been worth acquisitions as so far thanks to the scoring skills of Parise and winger Dany Heatley, as well as the influence of Captain Mikko Koivu and Matt Cullen, the Wild have taken over top spot in Northwest Division and seem odds on to end their barren spell of four years without a play-off spot. With a forward like The Wild’s you wouldn’t bet against something remarkable being just around the corner!

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