Fact or fiction: Which preseason trends will last?
Mercifully, the NHL's preseason will soon come to an end.
Coming to determinations based on the exhibition slate can be a dangerous course of action, but for the sake of living on the edge, let's take a look at the trends formed this preseason, and if they'll last once the games really matter.
Basement-dwelling CanadiensThe sky in Montreal was emphatically falling until the Habs pulled out a 3-1 win Friday over the Panthers, bringing their preseason record to 1-6.
The Canadiens have a -14 goal differential, but are you going to put stock in Carey Price mustering an .870 save percentage through October? Didn't think so.
Verdict: Fiction
Matthews' scoring binge
Last season's Calder winner looks poised to continue his assault on opposing defenses through his sophomore year, producing five goals in four preseason showings, including a hat trick.
Matthews and linemate William Nylander feed off each other and have great potential to amass lofty offensive totals for the Maple Leafs.
Verdict: Fact
Vegas 'Goalden' KnightsIf anybody's destined to be let down by the stark differences between preseason and regular-season hockey, it's the fan base of the NHL's 31st franchise.
Vegas is 3-2-1 in six exhibition games, averaging a blazing 3.8 goals per contest. However, with some very shallow digging, it's easy to see the Golden Knights' offense likely won't continue to produce at such a high clip in their inaugural season.
The Golden Knights' totals are boosted by a nine-goal thrashing of the Canucks in Game 1, and haven't scored more than three in three of their last four games. Elsewhere, their leading scorer is defenseman Brad Hunt with six points. The preseason can be pretty weird.
Verdict: Fiction
Hischier lighting it up
No. 1 overall pick Nico Hischier has excelled in his first taste of the NHL, barging his way to the top of the Devils' attack plan.
Hischier's recorded seven points in four games, and hasn't looked a touch out of place in letting his offensive ability shine. His pace is sure to slow down, but right now, it looks like New Jersey found a good one.
Verdict: Fact
1st-place AvalancheYour early leader of the vaunted Central Division? None other than the Colorado Avalanche.
The Avs are 4-2, led by six points from Nathan MacKinnon and a .948 save percentage through three starts from Semyon Varlamov. Encouraging signs, for sure, but this is virtually the same roster that was historically inept a season ago - a campaign that started with an undefeated preseason record.
Verdict: Fiction
(Photos Courtesy: Getty Images)
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